This fall we made it a point to visit Sequoia National Park to check it off our list and see the magnificent trees. As I’m currently obsessed with back country lakes, of course I choose to backpack The Lakes Trail. Winding through the tall sequoia trees and ending at a campsite on the rocky shores of Pear Lake, this was a perfectly picturesque hike. And while the timing wasn’t perfect for the Milky Way, the night sky did not disappoint.

Sunrise dawned cold but clear and we set off down the trail meeting a few wildlife friends along the way.