|
|
Post by kebeth80 on Jul 12, 2017 14:01:57 GMT -8
A friend of mine and I are trying to plan a short backpacking trip (~4 nights) in early August 2017. We would both love to get out into some forests with nice big pine trees (or similar) since we both live near the coast. We are fit engineers, but not very experienced. Given the crazy weather and conditions this year and unfamiliarity with trails, we've been struggling to determine where to go. We thought something like Rae Lakes Loop would be good, but may not be good with the bridge out. We'll be coming from S. California. Any advice where to go?
|
|
davesenesac
Trail Wise!
Our precious life is short within eternity, don't waste it!
Posts: 1,710 
|
Post by davesenesac on Jul 12, 2017 15:14:02 GMT -8
In your future, 4 days would be too short to be able to enjoy the Rae Lakes loop and much of that route is above timberline where trees are sparse. In fact most popular destinations for backpacking in the Sierra Nevada are at or above timberline because that is where most lakes and scenic peaks are. Trails where one will see forest tend to be down in canyons or at lower and mid forest elevations. With just 4 days I expect that means 3 nights? If so, one cannot get too far from trailheads. There are some trees at most timberline destinations however they are more likely to be rather sparse so will not suggest any of those but rather choices within forest both during a hike and at destinations.
If a lake destination matters you would get more for the effort by starting out along the Eastern Sierra versus the western Sierra where approaches to destinations are longer and if so for a short trip to minimize drive time, probably ought consider no further north than Mammoth Lakes. If a lake destination does not matter then there are several good down in major stream canyon trails from western Sierra trailheads. For instance Mono or Bear Creek where one could stop and camp anywhere. The following are all just a single day's hike from Eastern Sierra Nevada trailheads with destinations a lake and snows will have melted out.
At Mammoth Lakes, the trail from Devils Postpile to either Gladys, Rosalie, Emily, or Castle Lakes are down within forest all the way including dense areas of tall red firs. The latter 2 would be more secluded. On the below link, green areas are forest. Change to the Satellite tab to further note forested areas. (The forum software corrupts links with a comma so the URL must be manually copy and pasted.)
mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.68124,-119.11750&z=15&t=T
In the Rock Creek area, the chain of most popular lakes are all down in sub timberline forest. Box, Long, or Chickenfoot are good choices, short easy destinations and very scenic. With 3 nights you could base camp then day hike to several places on your layover day.
mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.41642,-118.75427&z=15&t=T
David
www.davidsenesac.com/2017_Trip_Chronicles/2017_Trip-Chronicles-0.html
|
|
|
|
Post by kebeth80 on Jul 12, 2017 16:11:27 GMT -8
Thanks! I'll take a look at those. Actually meant for 4 nights, and could possibly be 5 nights. I edited the original post to change to 4 nights.
|
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Jul 12, 2017 17:37:26 GMT -8
North lake to South lake loop. Spend a night at one of the higher elevation campgrounds to acclimate and then go for it. Another good choice would be Kearsarge pass to anywhere.
Have fun!
|
|
toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
|
Post by toejam on Jul 12, 2017 21:34:13 GMT -8
You could see Rae Lakes from the east side - Onion Valley - Kearsarge Pass - Glen Pass. Probably not as crowded as usual this year. August is a great time to be out there. Any place you go will be great.
|
|
toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
|
Post by toejam on Jul 14, 2017 6:16:13 GMT -8
|
|
speacock
Trail Wise!
I'm here for the food...
Posts: 378
|
Post by speacock on Aug 14, 2017 10:46:36 GMT -8
Out and back from Crescent Meadow (west side Sierra Sequoia NP) to Bearpaw Meadow - consider making that your base camp. Day hikes to Elizabeth Pass, Valhalla (via Hamilton Lakes up to as far as you have energy or Kahwea Gap). You could consider Nine Lakes Basin and return. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Sierra. You would need to check on permits and availability of trail head entry. Giant Forest: mapper.acme.com/?ll=36.56922,-118.57857&z=14&t=T Bear Paw Meadows Elizabeth Pass (top center), Nine Lakes Basin: mapper.acme.com/?ll=36.54916,-118.69882&z=14&t=T |
|
