Location: Badger, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Gold Country & High Sierra, California, USA View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-6)
ESCAPE TO BADGER - GATEWAY TO THE SEQUOIAS
In central California, about half a day’s drive (4-5 hrs.) from Los Angeles or San Francisco and just below the ancient Giant Sequoia Trees in Kings Canyon Nat’l Park sits a back road delight most people will never discover.
Badger, at 3000 ft., is a lovely hideaway in the oak and chaparral-covered foothills 5 miles from Pinehurst and about 12 miles (1/2 hr.) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. It sits below the snow line and above the winter valley fog, so Badger is a perfect portal for day trips to the park and a perfect weekend “get away” in any season.
The Redwood Canyon Loop Trail, above Badger, is a fabulous hike through beautiful redwood trees over 2000 years old. Redwood Mountain Grove, unknown to most people, is the largest concentration of Giant Sequoia Redwoods in the world! You can hike through this forest half an hour from the house in Badger. Most likely, you will have the Redwoods all to yourselves as these trees are off the main road and tourist paths. Experiencing the peace and serenity in this place is an almost spiritual experience.
Half an hour from Redwood Canyon Trail and about an hour above Badger is Hume Lake. Perfectly peaceful, as no motorboats are allowed, Hume Lake is a great place to picnic, swim, fish or kayak in summer. In winter, you can cross country ski or snowshoe on many different trails in the area. Mountain biking these roads and trails is fun and the views of Kings Canyon on the road to Hume from Grant Grove are among the most majestic mountain and canyon views you will see anywhere in the world.
This area is perfect for folks who like peace and quiet, nature, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or other outdoor activities. Leave the city by Friday noon and you will be there before dinnertime!
The house itself is built off a real trolley car. Yes, you read right! Car 713 from the Fresno Trolley Line was hauled up to Badger around 1950. The trolley is now a long galley kitchen, dining area and a sun room/office. It has windows all around and lots of light. The small deck off this room is a great place to gather for morning coffee and watch the two resident grey squirrels play in the Giant Oak in the front yard.
The rest of the house is built off the trolley and has two bedrooms and one bath. The living room has a large rock fireplace and there’s a large screened in porch. Keep in mind this is not a new house, but an older, nicely remodeled trolley car cabin. It’s comfortable and clean and well appointed for 4-6 persons and perfect for an affordable week or weekend escape from the city.
So, aside from ancient trees which are the largest in the world in total volume or the deepest canyon in the continental U.S. or Crystal Cave or Hume lake or the wonders of Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat’l Park, what the heck is there to do in Badger itself?
Well, folks, turn off your cell phones. Hang out with real cowboys at the local watering hole, the Mountain House Saloon. Hike and bike the local back roads. Catch up on your sleep!
Watch the stars. Listen to the silence and the wind in the trees. Play board games with the kids. Watch movies. Read a book.
Watch for the family of quail in the front yard. You might see bobcats or deer or wild turkeys. Drink enough Wild Turkey at the Mountain House Saloon and you might see a unicorn!
4 miles above Badger is Eshom Valley and historic cemetery. Geo-cachers, mountain bikers and hikers will love this scenic spot.
Badger is about nature, peace and quiet and getting away from it all. It’s very retro and quiet and has changed little over the years. If you are tired of the city and want to enjoy a weekend (or a week) of no noise, no hassles, no traffic and no people, Badger is the place!
Perfect for valley locals, city couples, small families, writers, artists, lovers or anyone else who wants a unique back road California adventure. Rest, relax and re-charge your batteries in Badger. Try it. You will be glad you did!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: New
- Dryer: New washer and dryer on the entry porch.
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace: Fireplace insert in living room
- Wood Stove: Wood stove in trolly car office - HOT! DO NOT TOUCH! KEEP KIDS AWAY FROM THIS STOVE AT ALL TIMES!!
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): Bring your own favorite DVD's, cards, chess board and books!
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio (2) : Small decks off Master bedroom and trolley car room.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Nice view of high Sierras from top of property.
- Other Amenities
- Total privacy and quiet, Shady and cool from giant oak tree, Quail, grey squirrels, chipmunks, deer, birds, rabbits , 1/2 hour to Kings Canyon Park (the giant sequoia trees), 5 minutes to Mountain House Saloon... have a drink with real cowboys and local scalawags!
- Suitability
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Nearby: Sequoia National Forest (giant sequoia trees,) Hume Lake, kings Canyon National Park, Hartland Christian Camp, Pinehurst Lodge.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Book before 12/31/09 for these rates:
$800/week, all taxes and cleaning fee included.
$129/night (2 night minimum) taxes and cleaning fee
included.
Rates will increase for 2010.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1978
Why the Owner Chose Badger
I moved to Badger in 1974 because I was sick of living in LA and I wanted to raise my children in this incredible mountain environment. Centrally located we could drive to LA or SF or the beach in half a day and had the entire Sequoia/Kings Nat'l Park as our own backyard playground. Plus, there was a one room schoolhouse right next door!
The Unique Benefits at this House
Besides the exquisite privacy and quiet I am always rejuvenated by the wonderful energy of these mountains and this particular area. Lots of birds and wildlife, beautiful wildflowers in spring, just enough snow in winter to play in it during the rare snowstorm, plenty of outdoor activities in both winter and summer.
12 miles from Badger house - Gateway to Grant Grove, Kings Canyon, Giant Redwoods, Hume Lake, Crystal Cave and Cedar Grove.
Beautiful, quiet alpine lake - fishing, swimming, boating, sailing in summer. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing in winter. Hiking anytime.
Local watering hole and restaurant. Pool, cold beer and libations. local color.
Around 2000 years old, it's the second largest tree in the world in total volume, just behind the General Sherman. There's a great secondary road near this tree that leads down to Sequoia Lake.
Old graves, local history, American Indians held famous dance ceremony here. Point of interest for Geo-Cachers.
Owner's Map of Badger
The owner loves to travel. This picture was taken in Antigua, Guatemala. After time at work in the city or after a long trip, his favorite destination is the mountain retreat in Badger. There is something about the quiet seclusion in the mountains that recharges everyone's batteries!
Property Photos
- Badger House - Badger, California - Vacation House near Kings Canyon National Park, Redwood Canyon Trail and Eshom Valley
- Large, light filled (skylight and lots of windows) bedroom with a king size bed. - Badger, California - Vacation House near Kings Canyon National Park, Redwood Canyon Trail and Eshom Valley
- Light filled bathroom (skylight) with old fashioned tub and shower - Badger, California - Vacation House near Kings Canyon National Park, Redwood Canyon Trail and Eshom Valley
- Light filled living room with fireplace
- The trolly car is the kitchen/dining area and an extra room with lots of windows
- Badger area with surrounding mountains
- Nearby Hume Lake
- Nearby Redwood Trees
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #259143
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 25, 2009
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Geoff , Santa Barbara, CA