Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2017 9:33:54 GMT -8
Hello Fellow Backpackers!
Glad to be joining you all here on Backpackers Basecamp. I am planning a trip up to Hamilton Lakes in late June and I've got some questions about campsites, trails, and potential weather conditions at that time, so let's jump right in!
Our plan is to start at Crescent Meadow, hike out to Bearpaw Meadow, up to Hamilton Lakes (and hopefully up to Precipice Lake and Kaweah Gap), and then back out to Crescent. If we make an attempt to reach Kaweah Gap, our plan would be to camp at Hamilton Lake, make a run for Precipice and the Gap the following morning without our packs, and then return to Hamilton Lake later that day.
So, here are my questions:
-Will we be able to camp at Hamilton Lake in late June? Do you guys think that there will there be snow on the ground around the lake? We are all planning on bringing 30 degree bags, but I just want to make sure that we won't freeze at night due to the fact that this last winter dumped loads of snow on the Sierra.
- Do you think that we will be able to get up to Precipice Lake or Kaweah Gap? Will there be snow pack on the trail or will it be icy in the sections where there are steep drop offs? We only plan to do a day run up to Precipice and Kaweah, if that is possible, so we would not have to worry about night time temperatures up there.
Thank you all in advance for your feedback!
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talus
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Post by talus on May 16, 2017 10:15:56 GMT -8
Precipice Lake is around 10,000 feet? I'm no expert, but I'm saying there will be tons of snow.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on May 17, 2017 7:01:59 GMT -8
I'll give it a shot. This thread will probably get moved to the Destinations...California... forum. Will we be able to camp at Hamilton Lake in late June? Yes, with several other parties. Do you guys think that there will there be snow on the ground around the lake? Yes We are all planning on bringing 30 degree bags, but I just want to make sure that we won't freeze at night due to the fact that this last winter dumped loads of snow on the Sierra. You'll probably be cold. If we can't do Hamilton, would Valhalla be a better option? You mean Lower Hamilton Lake? There are some decent camping spots along the way. Do you think that we will be able to get up to Precipice Lake or Kaweah Gap? I think so since the trail is on a south-facing slope. Will there be snow pack on the trail or will it be icy in the sections where there are steep drop offs? Probably. Be really careful, it's a long way to fall. We only plan to do a day run up to Precipice and Kaweah, if that is possible, so we would not have to worry about night time temperatures up there. I'd camp up there. It won't be significantly colder unless it's windy, there will be fewer mosquitos, and the view is amazing. How difficult is that Plan B loop? How much time would it add to our trip? Not difficult - depends on you. Would we be able to camp at Heather Lake in late June or would there be snow up there? There will be snow on the north-facing slopes. Don't know why you'd pick Heather Lake - looks like the least interesting up there. I'd hike above treeline past Pear Lake, but I haven't hiked this trail. Do you know if it is possible to camp in the Giant Forest, backpacker-style, or is that prohibited since it is so close to the tourist areas? Don't think you can camp there. Search the Trip Reports forum for Sequoia NP and you'll find a couple good reports by rebeccad for the Tablelands above Pear Lake and Mineral King. I think both of those trips would be good, but there will be lots of snow and mosquitos. Mosquitos will concentrate near vegetation, so try to find exposed spots with a breeze to camp.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on May 17, 2017 7:28:37 GMT -8
Do you know if it is possible to camp in the Giant Forest, backpacker-style, or is that prohibited since it is so close to the tourist areas? Don't think you can camp there. I don't see where the OP asks this, but this answer is correct. There is a no-camping zone in that area. You wouldn't want to camp where all the tourists are anyway. Good answers so far. I'll add that in a normal year, late June is fine for all these areas. This year? You will have to get info from the rangers. Note that bear cans are required in most areas, and they will push them on you in the areas where they aren't required. You can rent them at the VC for something like $15. We are all planning on bringing 30 degree bags, but I just want to make sure that we won't freeze at night At altitude, that can go either way. Last July in the Tablelands, we roasted. My 32-degree bag was over-kill. But my more usual experiences (and more likely in June) is nights below freezing, sometimes well below. I've been using that 32-deg bag for quite a while, and have gradually learned to compensate (I wear more clothes when it's cold, leaving me, alas, with no pillow). For more info about what you are likely to encounter, there is a thread here that is an on-going discussion of Sierra snow conditions. ETA: "This thread will probably get moved to the Destinations...California... forum." Excellent point. I am moving it.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on May 19, 2017 15:44:03 GMT -8
20F bag is what I use from May - December in the Sierra (and summer in Colorado). I've been caught a bit cold (once in August at 10,500) and wore everything I had on. Most of the time I use it as a cover or sleep on it - in the summer. If I get cold at night I pack up and slog on up the trail and sleep someplace later in the day where there is a warming sun.
Even if the snow/ice is too much for you on the trail up from Hamilton you will have gotten your money's worth in scenery and adventure. You will get an idea of how much snow is on the trail since you can see where most of the trail goes up and along Valhalla. If you come to an icy/slippery (wet) spot remember that you will be coming down it several hours hence and might not be as nimble going down it as you were going up it.
End of July after a wet winter, we had snow at the gap and Precipice Lake. Lots of water across the 'trail' (bare rock crossing) just below Hamilton. Bushwhacking the short stretch through the willows above is bit of a challenge.
Tamarack Lake is a worthwhile place to hang out and enjoy the scenery as well. You probably won't be able to easily get to Elizabeth Pass until July sometime, however. The pass is a nice place to scope out the terrain and trail on the 'other side' for a future trip.
Consider leaving early to catch a place to spend the night at Hamilton. Limited space. Once you cross the outlet from Hamilton there are places to put up a tent - don't know if it is allowed however.
This is one of the most beautiful stretches of trail in the Sierra tho.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on May 20, 2017 8:46:27 GMT -8
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