Both routes require a gain of approximately 6,000' to the first peak and then an additional 2,200' to reach the second peak. Deciding at the last minute, we took an extra day off work and headed for Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park without a permit on the Fourth of July weekend. After going to sleep comfortably in the truck, Igor was awakened at 5 AM by a full bladder. Surveying the parking lot he noticed several sleeping hikers beginning to stir. After hastily emptying the bladder, he rushed to the ranger's kiosk and claimed first place in line, beating the next hiker for the coveted position by only 5 yards.
Mistakes can be costly.
The first day of this extended Fourth of July weekend was spent in a leisurely 11 mile amble along the South Fork of the Kings River to Upper Paradise Valley. After setting up camp, bathing in the river, and having dinner we were visited by an unabashed young bear. That night, with food stashed in a bear box, we were not bothered by any bears. After visually confirming the abundance of brush on the Arrow Creek route, we decided to follow Ron's route up Window Creek. Window Creek is reached after two and one half miles from the crossing at the confluence of Woods Creek and South Fork of the Kings River.