Seems very early to me. Snow, high water in the creek crossing, icy conditions. This is the link to the National Weather Service site and the Lake Vernon Area https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-119.5337219405919&lat=38.01614054497318#.Ylyv3frMKAYby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Looks like big fun. Of course, since you are solo, leave someone your itinerary who will notice if you don't check in.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I've had good luck with Yosemite Creekby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I enjoyed the trip report and the photos. I've been near many of those place- the ones near the trail. It's nice to see pictures of the areas I'm unlikely to reach. Oh- Chick-on- I promise, no fire rings.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Magic countryby lschaaf - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Happy Birthday Basilbop Thank you Chick-on for the videos. Especially love the Kern River-Shepards Pass video. Looks like a lot of fun has been had. I've been working through a Washington State PCT obsession for the last few years- so not much to post on this site. I still stop by from time to time to see what's up. Thank you all!by lschaaf - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Walker Burger, like all restaurants in Bridgeport, have a hard time staying in staying in business. With highway 108 and 120 closed much of the year, and being well north of Yosemite, keeping any business in Bridgeport open is challenge. Have you noticed the price of gas in town! Still it's a cute town, and the soft serve ice cream at the Walker Burger is a treat.by lschaaf - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
That is an amazing photo of really interesting rock art. Thank youby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Very nice .I got distracted this year with the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington State. Beautiful, but not appropriate for this forum.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Congratulations to Basilbop and all involved! It is quite the achievement. Also thank you for all the trip reports. I have enjoyed hiking along vicariously.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
What is the status of the SEKI trailquest among the Chick-on group- 60%- or more? That's a lot of trail!by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Also, on a different hike I went in at Cottonwood Pass, went down to the Kern River Canyon and around, and came out New Army Pass and the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. It's an easy walk between the two trailheads. The same also goes for going in over Trail Pass from Horseshoe Meadows and out New Army Pass. Easy walk. Once again, few crowds late September, but I remember frost and ice on the edgeby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I hiked from the Cottonwood Lakes over New Army Pass to Crabtree Meadow and the top of Mt. Whitney in mid September of 2013.There were very few people in the New Army Pass area, and we didn't really run into many until Crabtree and the junction of the John Muir Trail. It did snow on us at Crabtree Meadows, but it melted and we made it ot the top of Whitney. We carried bear cans. I had a few bby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Nice timing too, clear air and no smoke. Congratulationsby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
The Tahoe webcams are showing a lot of smoke, but Desolation will probably have better air than areas further south. I agree with Red Peak Pass in mid to late September. We may get a window of good air and no local fires. Early October with the right clothing might also work.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I really appreciate the picture of the Pate Valley Bridge. I would hate to get down there an be confronted with that. Thanksby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
It's all about how much smoke and ash you want to put up with. Seems like the smoke would just hang in there.by lschaaf - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
One heck of an adventure hike. I'm home with a broken kneecap, so I can't hike, reading about hiking is helpful. Love the posts and the pictures. Hope JKW is recuperating well.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
It's a beautiful hike, but there is almost certainly going to be snow on Forester Pass in June. In 2011 I was postholing up the North Side at the end of August. That was a heavy snow year, but still. As long as you are ready for it, fine. I agree with AileenJason, the altitude at Onion Valley always gets my attention.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
There a lot to be said for doing the Red Peak Pass Loop from Mono Meadow. I saw almost no one until below Washburn Lake. Lower Ottoway Lake is beautiful. Being an older woman I wandered around a far amount, and after coming down the Merced River Canyon I ended up at the base of the Half Dome Cables,and took my time doing it. Still I would think a loop out of Mono Meadow in August in 4 orby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Love the photos! Thank you Chick-on.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Is #3 Hoover Wilderness?by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
One more thought on unpleasant waste. Seen at the Wild Plum Campground near Sierra City. You have to think it was a problem if they put up a sign.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I'm not sure how tis thread went from Chick-on, Basilbop, and JKW's fabulous month in the mountains to personal waster disposal The toilet paper need to be carried out in a ziplock bag. I keep the bag in a little kit with the shovel. I also carry a small 1-2 oz bottle of degermer for my hands. Toilet paper, when buried , seem to rise out of the ground like some kind of ugly rose. Also. peopby lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I have no current information, but that sounds kike a really beautiful trip. Have fun!by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks, I am now clear on the rules. I have a feeling your five lakes are prettier.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks!by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Has anyone been over Dicks Pass recently- Desolation Wilderness. I'm planning on doing the PCT through there in 10 days, and I am concerned about snow /ice on the north side of the pass. I'd rather not carry micro spikes, but will if needed. I had a lot of trouble with snow and ice around Sonora Pass in late July last year, so now I am more cautious. Thanks!by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Take earplugs, and camp toward the rear. Trust me on this.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I tried a thermacell on my last trip. It worked great in the backyard, but when I got it up to altitude it WOULD NOT LIGHT Then I read the directions- "may not work over 7000 ft."What good is a "Thermacell Backpacker" that does not work at over 7000ft!!!. Useless weight. I agree with JRinGeorgia. Red Devil Lake is really nice.by lschaaf - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra