Hey everyone, this is a report from a trip I did in early August 2012 through the Clark Range.
Day 1: Mono Meadow to Buena Vista Lake
The hike to Buena Vista turned out to be harder than expected in part due to the fact that I ran out of water a few miles from the lake. Eventually I made it and had enough time to bag Buena Vista Peak before sunset.
Day 2: Buena Vista Lake to Ottoway Lake via Buena Vista Crest
Hiking the Buena Vista Crest to Merced Pass was fairly easy in terms of navigation but it was a significant amount of boulder hopping with a full pack. It took about 3 hours from Buena Vista Pass to Merced Pass. I made it to Ottoway Lake by about 2pm and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon while the thunderstorms were brewing. As usual fishing was great in the lake.
Day 3: Ottoway Lake to Merced Lake via Red Peak Fork
I was considering taking a short day today and maybe bagging Red Peak or heading to Edna Lake but clouds were building already at 9am so I decided to just head to Merced Lake. I raced down Red Peak Fork because I definately did not want to have to descend the steep slabs towards the end in the rain. I ended up making it to the bottom literally seconds before the rain started. I had lunch at Washburn and made it to Merced at about 4pm.
Day 4: Merced Lake to Mono Meadow (with stop at Half Dome)
Hoping to make it to Half Dome before any significant buildup, I wasted no time and started hiking early. Aside from almost stepping on a rattlesnake that was in the middle of the trail the hike was mostly uneventful. Due to thunderstorms nearby, I probably shouldn't have gone up Half Dome but I did anyway. I spent less than 5 min on top and made it down without any incident. Made it back to my car just before sunset.
Link to photos : https://picasaweb.google.com/117025886482845091325/BuenaVistaAndOttoway?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMjx9Mqbz6z7dg&feat=directlink
Chris
Edit: Fixed Link
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/30/2012 01:46PM by ckm554.