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Post by plaidman on Aug 6, 2019 15:08:12 GMT -8
+2 on Rock Creek Canyon. Eyewatering scenery up there.
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 6, 2019 21:35:50 GMT -8
i guess it depends on what the definition of "alpine" is. To me alpine means above timberline. As someone else wrote, most of the suggestions are sub-alpine; i.e., SaddleBag Lake, Rock Creek, Horseshoes Meadows. All are beautiful, but still below timber-line.
Car camping at Rock Creek Lake sucks unless you get a walk in site. The car camping sites are small and not at all private. Even Mosquito Flats is below timberline and allows only one nights stay for backpackers with a permit.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 7, 2019 9:16:59 GMT -8
Many of the suggestions definitely fit the “or close to it” request of the OP. Given the geographic constraints and unknown physical constraints they’re pretty good for a start.
The Prius does restrain things, depending on the driver of course (speaking as someone who happily drove his 4 inch clearance MGB/GT all over Anza Borrego and out to the Death Valley Racetrack. Narrow making up for high....).
Little Lakes is a special place for sure. Lots of potential in the Eastern Sierra and the Owens Valley adjoining Nevada highlands .
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 7, 2019 12:30:06 GMT -8
Many of the suggestions definitely fit the “or close to it” request of the OP. Missed that part. In that case, Saddlebag Lake fits the bill nicely. For a day trip, take the ferry to the north end of the lake and stroll through 20 lakes basn. It is relatively flat with little ups and downs. Easier than Little Lakes Valley and great views of Mt. Conness. Then reatreat to Lee Vining for the night. calidream: when did you climb in the Fisher's? Who did you climb with? That is climbing boldly; desert towers are a freak show and not for the faint of heart.
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Post by cweston on Aug 9, 2019 9:04:00 GMT -8
Definitely a reason to head north. At least in northern Washington and Canada you can get into the alpine without dealing with high altitudes. Another good possibility in Washington is the road that begins at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. Is it called "Obstruction Point Road" or something like that? That road is in a true alpine area as well, and very scenic. Would want to double check that it still exists and is open: I haven't been to OHP in decades.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 9, 2019 9:19:23 GMT -8
Not alpine be any stretch but I loved my backpack up the Hoh onto the Blue Glacier, the size of those trees! I was also impressed by the trail maintenance challenge: walking through tree trunk cutouts where a blowdown had blocked the trail with the upper edge of the cut being over my head.... www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm
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Post by calidream on Sept 17, 2021 19:21:24 GMT -8
Read back over thread again. Thank you!
Since the OP, we've had several more health setbacks. The new van (Sienna) like an answer to a prayer. Holds a bed and the aptly named Serene Life toilet. It's a true pleasure just to sleep kind of outside - so far two nights in Santa Cruz Mtns and one night in Carmel Valley. It's also a true, but different pleasure to have a place to pee in these weird times. And good to be able to take a nap anytime.
Happy Trails
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