View towards the Farewell Gap in Mineral King area | Mineral King Grouse Safari

Wildlife Photography is about Behavior and Interaction: Sooty (Blue) Grouse Country

 
Safari Information Reservations Guide: Brent Paull

I've shot in the Mineral King section of Sequoia National Park every year since my first trip a decade ago.  At around 8000 feet, this area has beautiful scenic landscapes, lush wildflowers, waterfalls, the east fork of the Kaweah River, and wildlife.  This location is high on my list due to the Sooty Grouse, wildflowers, songbirds, and butterflies.  While trailheads go off in many directions (all steeply uphill) we stay fairly close to the road to shoot in the meadows that border the Cold Springs Trail, as well as past the end of the road about a half mile south towards Farewell Gap.  The June date is for hooting male grouse, while the July date is for Sooty Grouse hens and their chicks.

We can meet at my home in Tulare or at a hotel in Visalia at 5am, or in Three Rivers on Highway 198 at 6am in the Pizza Factory parking lot.  From there we travel to the Mineral King Valley and photograph throughout the area.  We will stop for lunch at the Silver City Cafe, then shoot again through the early afternoon before heading back. 

The deposit is 50% via check, Paypal, Venmo, or credit card, and the balance is due halfway between the deposit date and the safari date unless you are booking within 3 months, then full payment is due. 

I am a licensed Guide in Sequoia NP.

Check the main safari page for info.  Link 
I've spent my 40-year wildlife photography career shooting in the American West.  The first 24 years shooting out of Utah, the past 16 years out of California.  The photo safaris that I lead are all to the best locations, at the best times, during peak wildlife activity periods.  What a rush it has been. 
 

Difficulty Level : Moderate

At one time this high elevation valley was considered for a Disney Ski Resort (in the 1960's), but its remote location and difficult road access kept the valley pristine.

Dates :     $300

Participants - max of 3 clients.
Image Galleries -
Grouse  Sequoia-1  2

Video - Sooty Grouse Video  - Link
Info - Safari Checklist - Link

 
 
 

© 2023 Brent Paull     All Rights Reserved under United States and International Laws     559-909-5208