Headed to Laurel Lake this past weekend from Hetch Hetchy. It was a great weekend of snow, sun, and great views. We started off around 9:30am from the dam, and there was a light rain already. Snow flurries began to fall as we started hiking up the switchbacks. For most of the day the temperature was between 40-45F. Above 6000', there were about 3" of snow on the ground which had accumulated over the last few days. We met another party just before reaching Beehive; they were coming out from Wilma Lake. Up to this point, there had been no one else on the trail. It was an awesome experience to be walking on fresh unmarked powder except for the occasional tracks of squirrels, hares/rabbits, deer, and bobcats. At Beehive, we followed the south trail to the lake, and it soon disappeared under the snow cover. By the time we reached Frog Creek, the snow had stopped falling. The creek was flowing, but it was easy access if you didn't mind getting your feet wet.

We reached the lake at 3:30pm. The snow had stopped, and the sky had cleared. The sun was out for the next couple of hours before it disappeared below the horizon. There were a couple of deer ambling through camp. The temperature soon dropped to the low 30s, and at 3am it was 25F. On Sunday morning, the sun was out, the sky was blue, and the snow was still there. It was a beautiful day for hiking. We headed out around 10am and reached the dam by 2pm. The views of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the surrounding landscape were a contrast to the previous morning.

This was my first trip to this area. I probably wouldn't visit in the summer; I imagine the mosquitoes would contribute to a terrible experience. Most of the lake shore is mud and brush, but the snow made the lake so much more picturesque, there were no mosquitoes, and it beat sitting at home watching the rain fall. Below are some photos of the trip, and more are located here. Enjoy!

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Saturday morning








Laurel Lake


Early morning at Laurel Lake


Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Sunday afternoon


Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Wapama Falls, Hetch Hetchy Dome, Kolana Rock

Sweet!

Thank you, thank you!

Was bummed to sit weekend out, but wasn't feeling good, so reading and seeing trip reports fabulous!

Thanks again for taking the time to share!

Nice! I love that first photo of Hetch Hetchy. Thanks for the report.

Tanks.

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Those first few pics look cold!

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pakoR
We met another party just before reaching Beehive; they were coming out from Wilma Lake.

How is Jack Main?

Stellar photos. Love the first one, and the second one, and the third one, and ... Thanks for posting.

Thanks for posting- great photos!