tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31477162892444302662024-03-13T07:35:15.897-07:00Hiking ShenandoahChuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.comBlogger477125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-11207081486376801022023-12-12T17:00:00.000-08:002023-12-12T17:00:00.255-08:00Timber Top<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTGCWxJuSmHHzcoU90YZF9avRsHgXQ9VlSjKCk3Amwv2H5R9x2bbhj9oD-HZEFQAQdKYU30jZResoHnycZPrZBGc2XSBM9_5xGEQoIWRGxM1aXHfX7dgDnkjxHVzCggfnbQFcVBt-Pw83UXQtSGlIkrtr3fmiRuj64nMEPb6zUu7CnRx7EJUEHPDAM=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTGCWxJuSmHHzcoU90YZF9avRsHgXQ9VlSjKCk3Amwv2H5R9x2bbhj9oD-HZEFQAQdKYU30jZResoHnycZPrZBGc2XSBM9_5xGEQoIWRGxM1aXHfX7dgDnkjxHVzCggfnbQFcVBt-Pw83UXQtSGlIkrtr3fmiRuj64nMEPb6zUu7CnRx7EJUEHPDAM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cone Peak and the Big Sur coast from Boronda Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>6 miles round trip, 2550 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous<br /><div>Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<br /><br />The steep trail along Boronda Ridge to the summit of Timber Top offers some of the finest views of California’s Big Sur Coast. This hike up an exposed, grassy ridge that rises precipitously from the Pacific offers sweeping views out onto the ocean and both north and south along the coast, with a summit view that extends from Point Sur to Cone Peak. As a bonus, this extremely scenic hike pulls few visitors despite being in an extremely popular stretch of the California Coast, helped in part by an unmarked trailhead. The precipitousness and openness of this terrain has its drawbacks though: the Boronda Trail is very steep throughout and the exposed ridge can become an oven under direct sun. Winter and spring are the best seasons, when the vegetation is greener and temperatures are moderate; summer conditions are generally too punishing for visiting this ridge’s coastal panoramas. While lovely, this hike also has far less variety than hikes such as Vicente Flat or the Cruickshank Trail, as the Boronda Trail eschews the redwood forests that are common along many Big Sur hikes. <br /><br />The Boronda Trail to Timber Top is less brushy than the average Big Sur trail, although there are still stretches around the start and at the summit where vegetation can close in around the trail. Thus, poison oak is somewhat less of a concern here than elsewhere in Big Sur, although ticks remain a concern along the grassy trail. Hiking poles can help ameliorate the extremely steep descent on the return leg of the hike. <br /><br />I hiked the Timber Top with a group of three friends on a sunny and warm February Sunday. To reach the trailhead, which is between the village of Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, we followed Highway 1 south from the Monterey Peninsula past the village of Big Sur. A half mile after passing COAST Big Sur café, we pulled over and parked along the ocean side of the road, across Highway 1 from an unmarked trailhead with a gate. There was no signage whatsoever for the trailhead, so it was necessary to come with knowledge of where to find it. There was parking for over 20 cars on either side of the road, although I had no trouble finding parking when I came. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.<br /><br />Crossing to the east side of Highway 1, we passed through the gate to start up the Boronda Trail. The road trace of the Boronda Trail started out in a greener patch of trees but almost immediately climbed out and emerged onto open grassy slopes. A steady if not yet aggressive ascent quickly lifted the trail above Highway 1 and by the time we reached the trail’s second switchback turn at a quarter mile into the hike, there were great views over the beaches along the Big Sur Coast below and the ridges that dropped to the coast to both the northwest and southeast. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUgajCzx3deNL0WOEYbnSI8A_IIQQMdkz6XMlCQ1v162fYgkE4R2X8j9TLP0cXOR-QGEZBfX0oLzewBnPXZuWnnEaYtJiZ9yx-FDhJ0dHed-W-z4xOIUFWD3tO9yBWLp1RgSj_6Lf25CvGh2_LkQuyh_IvNJm9rvBd5ND9ber754pIbGRYy-uYMsDJ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUgajCzx3deNL0WOEYbnSI8A_IIQQMdkz6XMlCQ1v162fYgkE4R2X8j9TLP0cXOR-QGEZBfX0oLzewBnPXZuWnnEaYtJiZ9yx-FDhJ0dHed-W-z4xOIUFWD3tO9yBWLp1RgSj_6Lf25CvGh2_LkQuyh_IvNJm9rvBd5ND9ber754pIbGRYy-uYMsDJ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlook of a Big Sur beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail used a few switchbacks over the next few hundred meters to climb up the ocean-facing slopes of the Santa Lucia Range, with lovely views along the coast that extended all the way to Pfeiffer Point in the northwest. As the trail turned inland for a stretch, we caught our first glimpse of the Coast Ridge ahead of us, with Timber Top one minor summit along that crest. The high slopes of the ridge were generally dry and grassy but we could also see forests of coast redwoods filling the gullies eroded into the mountain slopes. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiukhQeUruSMXO6MDOEsSshf8-Z56ZhRyDdFM-YxlRNYq_ORrpvxClhBV5q2egJHo2-QUt_5sXaGFP1ZGfdKo0GzP05F00SK4xd0nJ7wTS0KusH2727P7e-eK6hu6o0-G35Ti9G04Oa4iowwCMzW6gPirFQaoCcHJBJqZMIo9-kxbu7tH0wR31Aa6Fo=s6035" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4053" data-original-width="6035" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiukhQeUruSMXO6MDOEsSshf8-Z56ZhRyDdFM-YxlRNYq_ORrpvxClhBV5q2egJHo2-QUt_5sXaGFP1ZGfdKo0GzP05F00SK4xd0nJ7wTS0KusH2727P7e-eK6hu6o0-G35Ti9G04Oa4iowwCMzW6gPirFQaoCcHJBJqZMIo9-kxbu7tH0wR31Aa6Fo=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Highway 1<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 0.8 miles from the trailhead, the Boronda Trail returned to the spine of Boronda Ridge, ascending steeply uphill along this exposed, grassy ridge. An aggressive stretch of uphill brought us to a grove of oaks on the right side of the trail that provided some welcome relief from the intense sun on the exposed slopes. The views here began to extend much farther south along the coast, encompassing miles of Santa Lucia ridges dropping down to the blue Pacific.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif5nZeBA-e-Cz5crdiVGxQD5UJ7HNufhFxLnLEJWcBYH2DpGe0F4dV8XkF5hSccOJILsB_YgLdc4PHbzWxKtfsKyeFPhkd_D06xQwi_DRxa0pn-IdAvQARv0_eZXfrl8oEMlrBLMBvtuc_9UYeHNNMn8_YTBsaoIlZ5cq478cvzQvCVxz7YIbI5OWp=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif5nZeBA-e-Cz5crdiVGxQD5UJ7HNufhFxLnLEJWcBYH2DpGe0F4dV8XkF5hSccOJILsB_YgLdc4PHbzWxKtfsKyeFPhkd_D06xQwi_DRxa0pn-IdAvQARv0_eZXfrl8oEMlrBLMBvtuc_9UYeHNNMn8_YTBsaoIlZ5cq478cvzQvCVxz7YIbI5OWp=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent coastal views along the Boronda Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjog3Ig2RfMAclyrlAYa__C8iptVGwifFx7gHbFbSVrmGrPrgHaAujSPghw7wjmyzb9BtyVFvbpWoQG_FPq-LKojGyPcpjZGWgp31WIOAZl003r5Bd0CKYZidqQD3Miuw3otgYq8ihVOhNhVcAF1XFdUYSERxZ2o7C-wnB0WLsVoRgZy2-tcrSFzkx6=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjog3Ig2RfMAclyrlAYa__C8iptVGwifFx7gHbFbSVrmGrPrgHaAujSPghw7wjmyzb9BtyVFvbpWoQG_FPq-LKojGyPcpjZGWgp31WIOAZl003r5Bd0CKYZidqQD3Miuw3otgYq8ihVOhNhVcAF1XFdUYSERxZ2o7C-wnB0WLsVoRgZy2-tcrSFzkx6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 1 winds along the Big Sur coast<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This stretch of trail featured the most direct views of the coast, as the trail was following a ridge that paralleled the coast. The higher that we hiked, the more spectacular and precipitious the drop down the steep slopes of Boronda Ridge to the Pacific. At points, it almost seemed as if we could look straight down to see Highway 1 and the Ocean. The astounding views made the steep and direct ascent feel easier than it actually was.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPCLWfnlI20kF99NX7Cgk-dUDJt_Z8_FvexPODZaueiBLrVo2pKhvggxiTYSLushjNUSXHAvwxHARheOqHn8DkR3r2xPZiXV5FzORiPGGF7QmjKETQ2btMVx12DjsbH1_EKyAbOpjUHY5vFlCiB_66xzQVm1DtOuioxNXYWbQe6na_iD7ZqwKlLpIa=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPCLWfnlI20kF99NX7Cgk-dUDJt_Z8_FvexPODZaueiBLrVo2pKhvggxiTYSLushjNUSXHAvwxHARheOqHn8DkR3r2xPZiXV5FzORiPGGF7QmjKETQ2btMVx12DjsbH1_EKyAbOpjUHY5vFlCiB_66xzQVm1DtOuioxNXYWbQe6na_iD7ZqwKlLpIa=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sur Coast from Boronda Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio8JS5a5lKjUQV6XS3AmqqQWc9d9Eor5lElfZY8DVWJXp49GqcVfZ-_d9UdCLkNJ_pQCdLmJbDQFyaNC7Xx8rW9Dm4dmCDI_Nu7ZOXsexl3dS_23voWsTz_OWb_Nb8r0AN43V5G-_mHdJ384aXyOO_Y_kk8x0KipgUVDDXoW-ibtRCvcHj_SffntLI=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio8JS5a5lKjUQV6XS3AmqqQWc9d9Eor5lElfZY8DVWJXp49GqcVfZ-_d9UdCLkNJ_pQCdLmJbDQFyaNC7Xx8rW9Dm4dmCDI_Nu7ZOXsexl3dS_23voWsTz_OWb_Nb8r0AN43V5G-_mHdJ384aXyOO_Y_kk8x0KipgUVDDXoW-ibtRCvcHj_SffntLI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overhead view of Highway 1 and the Big Sur coast<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 1.4 miles, the trail made a sharp right turn and began following the ridge inland. The coast became more distant, although from our high vantage point now over 1800 feet above sea level we could gaze far out onto the Pacific. The trail continued its steep uphill climb along the ridge, although the high crest of the Coast Ridge now dominated the view before us. Golden eagles circled overhead, scanning the ridges and canyons for prey.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYUbvuG8UWihxqV63P8u0wcvob2t5I4fNTFM7p8jQcu25Yu_OJpbFX5D3V5vB1ywcnkng8EM3E0JT70jUe8OrM2wjPntKDjjjS-9J4njvgC0NiDPLpPEcvKMSrYh9mAoOqB5_t2JI8pQIPwjMBAJW0cxZlOFlPXpQlcoJDGJxZC2l_evdDmap7d4lY=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYUbvuG8UWihxqV63P8u0wcvob2t5I4fNTFM7p8jQcu25Yu_OJpbFX5D3V5vB1ywcnkng8EM3E0JT70jUe8OrM2wjPntKDjjjS-9J4njvgC0NiDPLpPEcvKMSrYh9mAoOqB5_t2JI8pQIPwjMBAJW0cxZlOFlPXpQlcoJDGJxZC2l_evdDmap7d4lY=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden eagle flies over Boronda Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At around 2 miles into the hike, the trail passed through a set of switchbacks that dipped the trail into a wooded ravine, which provided a welcome respite from the constant sun on the open slopes. The top of the switchbacks brought the trail back to the backbone of Boronda Ridge, which continued its grueling and endless descent towards Timber Top.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAh8EdfDa9OelWivnbTV6Tp7XVrVHjbP3Us7QIcDKtPTjhqkKGUkPRsRg9hVkZbm6tMFN81871z4H8NcDrwql0ZULORD4-trkeRMvvqjvz33XcMD0i-BlqHxUB9gqfTzppKXBYA0K9-6stZkSGgpbBmY1Gqa_XCwaLwII1JplbwHGC5dTt0G_dOavr=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAh8EdfDa9OelWivnbTV6Tp7XVrVHjbP3Us7QIcDKtPTjhqkKGUkPRsRg9hVkZbm6tMFN81871z4H8NcDrwql0ZULORD4-trkeRMvvqjvz33XcMD0i-BlqHxUB9gqfTzppKXBYA0K9-6stZkSGgpbBmY1Gqa_XCwaLwII1JplbwHGC5dTt0G_dOavr=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boronda Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail's steep ascent along a ridge put us above one of Big Sur's signature lush coastal canyons. The canyon to our north, like many along the Big Sur coast, nestled a handful of coast redwoods. The coast redwood is the tallest tree species on the planet but the specimens around Big Sur are generally much smaller, as Big Sur is the far southern end of the species' range.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixNApIwn3rujsX8dQxd3P6oNxWEf2T7vIu31xoqGgz8Q6lOJxEo5BKfMd3D4_TC5Cl4ozzT2mmt7rVw2QkPqKw5eGPAo1PA4qWZaamF5i98WkGxHdCHAAWXHvv8MOv-oylI_x28LlE8vrcd-KIlyPPZquBXWziEWkYWkwQB33QrjDZWEfBHTdC-Uxs=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixNApIwn3rujsX8dQxd3P6oNxWEf2T7vIu31xoqGgz8Q6lOJxEo5BKfMd3D4_TC5Cl4ozzT2mmt7rVw2QkPqKw5eGPAo1PA4qWZaamF5i98WkGxHdCHAAWXHvv8MOv-oylI_x28LlE8vrcd-KIlyPPZquBXWziEWkYWkwQB33QrjDZWEfBHTdC-Uxs=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwoods and the Pacific<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The contrast of the lush canyons and the arid ridgelines was nowhere more stark than a stretch of trail where I found a handful of agave blooming under the hot sun. Only in Big Sur do climate zones intersect in such a way that coast redwoods- which demand moisture to grow- can coexist within a few hundred yards of desert succulents.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgErbrSNLWUKxCwCD1ZHeZ9vfZv-TnJWqZWS_qqjhYemdnjtMeQERDvyuqpMNDUoTg0ChphX28E1F26JTOkkdoo9TGfTGmywSVoyCaEHshJv2OuzyjYX_zl1pSE-UjuH21YX4iE8JXmFb5EbTb4eqKx3uUnaUVdfB_AA29iMTqcOtAVFV0FkJRn2iE=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgErbrSNLWUKxCwCD1ZHeZ9vfZv-TnJWqZWS_qqjhYemdnjtMeQERDvyuqpMNDUoTg0ChphX28E1F26JTOkkdoo9TGfTGmywSVoyCaEHshJv2OuzyjYX_zl1pSE-UjuH21YX4iE8JXmFb5EbTb4eqKx3uUnaUVdfB_AA29iMTqcOtAVFV0FkJRn2iE=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agave<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.5 miles, the trail flattened out a bit and wrapped around a wooded gully before it returned to the spine of the ridge for a final ascent. The constant uphill in exposed conditions made the ascent up to this point quite challenging and would likely make the conditions intolerable on hot summer days.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuBo43mtfGa_KyiknXj_TFwHLX79nWFF0lgBPJg7RE2PLavHj3re_VinI59-JV3sMCow2J7QVNbq98ecZLXBf86oSpNQfgfvIUoNCFKPvH2R1XddLXHO6x9jRoqs5sd-v0m1Sx0iGH1vryFkQ78eVZnGpvChLLTEem94drZNIudoYgE9oHSMB9KY8x=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuBo43mtfGa_KyiknXj_TFwHLX79nWFF0lgBPJg7RE2PLavHj3re_VinI59-JV3sMCow2J7QVNbq98ecZLXBf86oSpNQfgfvIUoNCFKPvH2R1XddLXHO6x9jRoqs5sd-v0m1Sx0iGH1vryFkQ78eVZnGpvChLLTEem94drZNIudoYgE9oHSMB9KY8x=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the summit of Timber Top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A final push up a last steep, grassy rise brought me to the flatter region atop the ridge, where the trail turned to the right and passed through a wooden fence. Just before crossing the fence, I had the very best views of the hike: from this point, I could gaze over 70 miles out onto the Pacific Ocean and could see down the rugged coast all the way to Cone Peak, the highest point directly along the Pacific coast in the contiguous United States. Cone Peak rises a vertical mile from the Pacific in less than 3 miles from the coast. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxuiq0CWxLK8qKV9XAWHRbuz-A7loVLFghZh8mgsMIBR4Vf0syNt3cIaxvMBkVXV-TPSwQ2fqi0V21AQkAlo2ql4Q1KwzlJBQEHSq0EO_Rg3Oa_D_eGDng59Y1wGbJIUf-b3sjlq0xRqhE9HoJmYksnuLeppOGA4D5UnYZWOLJKysMpj-i5ixruTsx=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxuiq0CWxLK8qKV9XAWHRbuz-A7loVLFghZh8mgsMIBR4Vf0syNt3cIaxvMBkVXV-TPSwQ2fqi0V21AQkAlo2ql4Q1KwzlJBQEHSq0EO_Rg3Oa_D_eGDng59Y1wGbJIUf-b3sjlq0xRqhE9HoJmYksnuLeppOGA4D5UnYZWOLJKysMpj-i5ixruTsx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sur Coast from Boronda Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYA9JAT5Sw-UEvop1mG0G484zOmNVxM0TWT7nuM4RCvIgSt3niMQvi9y7uaUTMXISL9ACY_bmOkIhaPSCXALChLj2lp2nsZzdKA0LHbPaT85Y9Qm0at-V803e9hnruWBx06iVIJrFzBfGqaLHZtp29Bgj0h6mbU4SjmJ4VFOlRKqs4K26MojI9weah=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYA9JAT5Sw-UEvop1mG0G484zOmNVxM0TWT7nuM4RCvIgSt3niMQvi9y7uaUTMXISL9ACY_bmOkIhaPSCXALChLj2lp2nsZzdKA0LHbPaT85Y9Qm0at-V803e9hnruWBx06iVIJrFzBfGqaLHZtp29Bgj0h6mbU4SjmJ4VFOlRKqs4K26MojI9weah=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over the Pacific<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail petered out at Timber Top Camp, just under 3 miles from the trailhead. Here, there was a grill and picnic table and a grassy area for tents. A faint path continued beyond Timber Top Camp- it was worth taking this path to get closer to the high point on Timber Top to unlock slightly wider views. The path was quite brushy and led uphill for another hundred meters, passing a water tank and then reaching a small rocky outcrop along a madrone-topped ridgeline. We ended our hike here: the rocks provided a pleasant, tick-free resting spot with nice views. <br /><br />From this rocky outcrop, we had partial views of the ocean and Cone Peak that we had enjoyed on the way up; the vista in the direction of the ocean was not impressive as the many views that we had on the Boronda Trail. However, the view was wider here and encompassed other portions of the Big Sur Coast. Notably, we could see much of the coast to the Northwest: Pfeiffer Point’s remarkable headland, the faraway almost-island of Point Sur, and the tall peaks of Mount Manuel and Cabezo Prieto rising on the other side of Big Sur River’s canyon. Towards the interior of the Ventana Wilderness, we enjoyed views of the rocky forms of Kandlbinder Peak and Ventana Double Cone; the rest of the Santa Lucia Range was more rounded and chaparral-covered and was somewhat less impressive.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUabIo69PyKXMScsoDVaAoao4-dJiQxcbJbhiVf_w022hVsOkFX5QHXI2MuhFcp0tgpDPaUDsjjyWcHEe471wtoARO4nVrfbVcDq-9q9RA7qDJ0af3W6O82nyH3Ue6L8vfTEJ0Zwkb_i6y99wwbKQ4mTpVAFz0ggMIM-5A7UasPSYOEVR4O7OHO7B4=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUabIo69PyKXMScsoDVaAoao4-dJiQxcbJbhiVf_w022hVsOkFX5QHXI2MuhFcp0tgpDPaUDsjjyWcHEe471wtoARO4nVrfbVcDq-9q9RA7qDJ0af3W6O82nyH3Ue6L8vfTEJ0Zwkb_i6y99wwbKQ4mTpVAFz0ggMIM-5A7UasPSYOEVR4O7OHO7B4=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pfeiffer Point, Point Sur, and Mount Manuel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtYfwDTEGb42WC0z4YKufr1IY3o4LLtMrj84J5ZQqWpp7RrOnfE1xSIQ8xIzMLtednDRx8bw4f_SUZU_V9UEGZzjtoinDlQvUoFlfpx3ZBPvcIPemz7wDd9J9u_oGmulYg6szPrxxkFQlUFRyEZgQk_nGksMcuDSeRyfnvl8nstpEbEcQrvfT3qVHK=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtYfwDTEGb42WC0z4YKufr1IY3o4LLtMrj84J5ZQqWpp7RrOnfE1xSIQ8xIzMLtednDRx8bw4f_SUZU_V9UEGZzjtoinDlQvUoFlfpx3ZBPvcIPemz7wDd9J9u_oGmulYg6szPrxxkFQlUFRyEZgQk_nGksMcuDSeRyfnvl8nstpEbEcQrvfT3qVHK=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Sur and the Coast Ridge Road<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0nUPS51XNC1hFZBIrbxuDvwAX1ap_PHcvYAaLcSXtbTBsDYTiDo1mQ7whGbYwMdTFKhTuIVHVvGNirG6-DZFv-MfA9cZAbZ06X8MajqkDpcXknYHdLkslod1zaG8fpgyc2ez7yqjf8xXikzFyFRSHpCz2PoPZuiNtOPLcwL0xAmev61MKEgifOtZ8=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0nUPS51XNC1hFZBIrbxuDvwAX1ap_PHcvYAaLcSXtbTBsDYTiDo1mQ7whGbYwMdTFKhTuIVHVvGNirG6-DZFv-MfA9cZAbZ06X8MajqkDpcXknYHdLkslod1zaG8fpgyc2ez7yqjf8xXikzFyFRSHpCz2PoPZuiNtOPLcwL0xAmev61MKEgifOtZ8=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cone Peak and the Coast Ridge Road from the summit of Timber Top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQvW41rQEXRFODqOBeDKnWUCmFhyTbT0fJ3qr7qDO0VmlP7kuEKhuJgg-zm8VgYAR4zgfpJ9ENDGz33FHDc3ieFFS54JGCMrX0prhFHNy49t7QdyNoZO8VnFJvWub9snm9k8HYIdzTu0GC3jVia_JLmljmCC-lbfRczh_m_2UgJX3CJwsHB2H9GhSt=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQvW41rQEXRFODqOBeDKnWUCmFhyTbT0fJ3qr7qDO0VmlP7kuEKhuJgg-zm8VgYAR4zgfpJ9ENDGz33FHDc3ieFFS54JGCMrX0prhFHNy49t7QdyNoZO8VnFJvWub9snm9k8HYIdzTu0GC3jVia_JLmljmCC-lbfRczh_m_2UgJX3CJwsHB2H9GhSt=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ventana Double Cone from the summit of Timber Top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We enjoyed these remarkable views of Big Sur and Ventana Wilderness before leisurely backtracking downhill to the trailhead and returning to the Bay Area for a well-deserved all-you-can-eat hot pot. All in all, I enjoyed this hike immensely. While lacking the diversity of scenery of many other Big Sur hikes, Timber Top's stellar views still make this one of the best hikes along this stretch of the California coast.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-32684062641195953402023-09-20T17:30:00.148-07:002023-09-20T17:30:00.180-07:00Bennettville and Shell Lake<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFybDrJqJaDD_LBXJ2XQk7m5FsRPtXrZD9HHuTubBIX5QdSfG8IlSmUb5JA5VN19hMUDmRTcDMlouXqaUxzrf6xtkgCopI7u3d963ljwSavx7yLpXxhSj60O0Hv3Xw0BwJISe_KcwpQkC0JCtfIu1Uf5Tmzqix7pJv_1oneM0L7Im4ecpDH1GNZqoLPVE/s6000/Bennettville%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFybDrJqJaDD_LBXJ2XQk7m5FsRPtXrZD9HHuTubBIX5QdSfG8IlSmUb5JA5VN19hMUDmRTcDMlouXqaUxzrf6xtkgCopI7u3d963ljwSavx7yLpXxhSj60O0Hv3Xw0BwJISe_KcwpQkC0JCtfIu1Uf5Tmzqix7pJv_1oneM0L7Im4ecpDH1GNZqoLPVE/w640-h426/Bennettville%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Conness rising above Shell Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>2.2 miles round trip, 400 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no entrance fee required to access from Lee Vining<div><br /></div><div>The ghost town of Bennettville and alpine Shell Lake are two surprisingly overlooked destinations just a short drive from Tioga Pass outside Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada. Technically in Inyo National Forest, this short and easy hike visits some spectacular alpine scenery and is a worthy leg-stretcher for those driving Tioga Road. The combination of history and dramatic alpine scenery make this a particularly worthwhile short hike.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there is technically no fee to park at the trailhead, many hikers will arrive via Tioga Road from Yosemite National Park and thus will have to pay the Yosemite entrance fee. The only way to avoid paying the fee is to approach on Highway 120 from Lee Vining and not entering Yosemite National Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked to Bennettville and Shell Lake during a July visit to Tioga Pass after a year of record-breaking snow. The trailhead is just off of Highway 120, about 2 miles east from the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite National Park and 10 miles west of the junction of Tioga Road and US 395 in Lee Vining. From Lee Vining, follow Highway 120 west and uphill for ten miles, turning left onto Saddlebag Lake Road just after passing Ellery Lake. Cross Lee Vining Creek on Saddlebag Road and then immediately pull over to the parking area on the left side of the road when you come to the fork for Junction Campground. There is no day use parking inside the campground itself; the parking lot just outside the campground can accommodate around 10 cars. There's no restroom at the trailhead but pit toilets can be found with a short walk into Junction Campground.</div><div><br /></div><div>To start the hike from the parking area, I followed the road into Junction Campground across a bridge over Lee Vining Creek. There were beautiful views to the south from this bridge of the alpine meadows at Junction Campground and of snow-capped Mount Dana, the highest peak in the Tioga Pass area.<br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_9bwjTttqVN1H7FyY-mErxuZFIg_1rolmCpIEUdfIHAGNXfZklVIn7r1zdsejE0yEiYkQvONRZo0dEF525cjNmXJUuuR9NgFJjgBwpB6FiSZRWTW1tByH2zugIcebXvJjISk-Efink2nz3970r8y-KOk9aOLFXDLnK28X57n9iqJ3ht5wX8265eu8-Q/s6000/Bennettville%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_9bwjTttqVN1H7FyY-mErxuZFIg_1rolmCpIEUdfIHAGNXfZklVIn7r1zdsejE0yEiYkQvONRZo0dEF525cjNmXJUuuR9NgFJjgBwpB6FiSZRWTW1tByH2zugIcebXvJjISk-Efink2nz3970r8y-KOk9aOLFXDLnK28X57n9iqJ3ht5wX8265eu8-Q/w640-h426/Bennettville%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Dana rising above Lee Vining Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>Immediately after crossing the bridge into Junction Campground, I took the trail that branched off to the right of the road and followed Lee Vining Creek: a sign at the start of the trail read "Bennettville Loop." I started following this trail, which initially followed the lush, forested banks of Lee Vining Creek with a peek of pointy North Peak in the distance.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEVt_dLX8fM0bc4fEz5ov3n4WakbwVqjsSCQ-iwfbe-1yVNRWWmR0QRDhvrSIYxJJ_CTeaMFzYnHP0qfYW1Lw248t9zCoeaVX8Ff2DycNqfu5pwdP-ZzrlIYs0KB3yF0J033FzDP0aZM4J3IRNC6DhR1aE9MdpNeS9LI-Iutg_7XWSVXvjfiobqv4mEA/s6000/Bennettville%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEVt_dLX8fM0bc4fEz5ov3n4WakbwVqjsSCQ-iwfbe-1yVNRWWmR0QRDhvrSIYxJJ_CTeaMFzYnHP0qfYW1Lw248t9zCoeaVX8Ff2DycNqfu5pwdP-ZzrlIYs0KB3yF0J033FzDP0aZM4J3IRNC6DhR1aE9MdpNeS9LI-Iutg_7XWSVXvjfiobqv4mEA/w640-h426/Bennettville%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Peak and Lee Vining Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>About 50 meters along the creek, the trail turned to the left and climbed very briefly, leaving the creek behind and traversing a forested slope above Junction Campground; the campsites in the campground were visible directly below. After continuing to travel further through the forest, the trail came to Mine Creek at 0.3 miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the next 0.4 miles, the trail followed Mine Creek, alternating between short ascents and stretches of flat trail. During my visit, snowmelt was near peak and Mine Creek was a riotous cascade that plunged through the rocky gorge next to the trail. Views of snowy peaks rising ahead of the trail and Mount Dana's great pyramidal peak to the south made this gentle ascent quite enjoyable. The views of the snowy Sierra crest just to the west were also lovely, with many waterfalls plunging down the mountainsides, fed by the summer snowmelt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCDhp48f2o5dbskuYw6murNMbMvafjybwtTI7KrDUoXbtUvitszs60VPVCzlE-8x-zNYQY3KfkkEqBJrRd2uv8JZE8Yf-A5zSytvza05jFZtAiIZ4r86y7IveQJUodXp21HqE6fFD6ePN-N63F-EjcYR0XfMRGuoMXf1QDff71E3C6cr7drmRZ8kY29E/s6000/Bennettville%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCDhp48f2o5dbskuYw6murNMbMvafjybwtTI7KrDUoXbtUvitszs60VPVCzlE-8x-zNYQY3KfkkEqBJrRd2uv8JZE8Yf-A5zSytvza05jFZtAiIZ4r86y7IveQJUodXp21HqE6fFD6ePN-N63F-EjcYR0XfMRGuoMXf1QDff71E3C6cr7drmRZ8kY29E/w640-h426/Bennettville%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascading Mine Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gyz8exAoYUqAC2Yo4yRTj4GSMRivlKVu0a5kNPohDX6soSpCBexIDHnp6IQRg7gcdV4H0YKkE40RX7Ptt8p5c1r0MfxnN92IVjTXcKRBCJ9YPNLJq7mEVh0CTYWntCyC9Ytgl7tJpHIIv24KrCdJRaWlxGuonHvKtP1Rj488oD8UtR5lSYsNC5WEFOg/s6000/Bennettville%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gyz8exAoYUqAC2Yo4yRTj4GSMRivlKVu0a5kNPohDX6soSpCBexIDHnp6IQRg7gcdV4H0YKkE40RX7Ptt8p5c1r0MfxnN92IVjTXcKRBCJ9YPNLJq7mEVh0CTYWntCyC9Ytgl7tJpHIIv24KrCdJRaWlxGuonHvKtP1Rj488oD8UtR5lSYsNC5WEFOg/w640-h426/Bennettville%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls coming off the Sierra Crest</td></tr></tbody></table>At just under 0.8 miles, the trail reached Bennettville, one of the two main destinations of this hike. Two cabins stood at the site of this former town; it's not so much a ghost town as simply a former townsite, as most of the buildings are long gone. Mount Dana's snow-cloaked summit rose impressively across the valley.<br /><br />Today, these two restored cabins and a handful of abandoned mining equipment scattered across the nearby landscape are the primary reminders of the town of Bennettville. This ghost town was once a High Sierra mining district known as Tioga that prompted the construction of Tioga Road from the Big Oak Flat area as a route for delivering mining equipment; a town popped up in these alpine environs but the mines never truly struck it rich and were eventually abandoned. However, the road over the Sierra crest remained and became today's cross-Sierra Highway 120. </div><div><br /></div><div>The name Tioga- which today is so thoroughly associated with the pass connecting the Tuolumne River watershed to the Lee Vining Creek watershed- is actually named for the Tioga River and associated counties in the Allegheny Plateau area of north central Pennsylvania and upstate New York; the name itself is borrowed from the languages of the tribes that lived in the area. Emigrants from the region who headed west during the Gold Rush years brought the Tioga name to the Sierra Nevada. I was always curious while growing up at the connection between the two names, as I both loved hiking in California and also would frequently drive by Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania and New York on my way from Virginia to Rochester in upstate New York; it was surprising to find out that the two places did share a common name origin. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12kani7p-Qk38Bfgma6DAobuJ8JCve1SPD9XAkSFtJgNeBiuB88ijdEdoh7BElZIvKl36Q5Vvg03vsCyr4Mzepa3hZSjS9om0x-BGkwjnNgDJsdohl7D5dL2QRWKjehcwzyP-4Vk4EkpCIXucwAFiqN_t1iGwc_TnWcJ36p1CYpgDtChjBSsau-oMujY/s6000/Bennettville%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12kani7p-Qk38Bfgma6DAobuJ8JCve1SPD9XAkSFtJgNeBiuB88ijdEdoh7BElZIvKl36Q5Vvg03vsCyr4Mzepa3hZSjS9om0x-BGkwjnNgDJsdohl7D5dL2QRWKjehcwzyP-4Vk4EkpCIXucwAFiqN_t1iGwc_TnWcJ36p1CYpgDtChjBSsau-oMujY/w640-h426/Bennettville%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored Bennettsville cabins and Mount Dana</td></tr></tbody></table>I explored the two cabins, which were both open to the public; these cabins had clearly been restored to some degree, compared to similar wooden structures at Bodie. The larger of the cabins was two stories, although the insides of both structures were empty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving Bennettville, I followed the trail gently uphill another fifth of a mile to reach Shell Lake. The trail paralleled Mine Creek closely and began to emerge from the forest as it approached Shell Lake. Glorious alpine views of Mount Conness to the north and Mount Dana to the south opened up and soon I spotted Shell Lake itself.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhSenp8tpXzCd5Zp8t5efNPN782V_VustwdsZV_mFlcbv9tAUiaf_b6vY1d7XvVDpVF9kNJj3gwtPeqNnPlKNdaNx5VsCzAo09M8SQPu34311E0JybOT9aEaYuuPpmBX9_dOut4pplPw3yB3ai5B_V7xiV_xDfv3wRp4dJzrYXta9Ya3QKkUX9fehJwg/s6000/Bennettville%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhSenp8tpXzCd5Zp8t5efNPN782V_VustwdsZV_mFlcbv9tAUiaf_b6vY1d7XvVDpVF9kNJj3gwtPeqNnPlKNdaNx5VsCzAo09M8SQPu34311E0JybOT9aEaYuuPpmBX9_dOut4pplPw3yB3ai5B_V7xiV_xDfv3wRp4dJzrYXta9Ya3QKkUX9fehJwg/w640-h426/Bennettville%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Conness rising above Shell Lake and Mine Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>Wildflowers, including alpine laurel and heather, were blooming near the lake, a welcome sign that summer had arrived in the High Sierra.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOZKRrqQ_WxLgddBtcz5KhgqDn2MDeRtLDe5s5j76Rx97z6ID_Amtq7xdLPKyL3A0JcvhYOD61zbCRdm1yJg6Ty3MKRcS-39eOH2Td3-OkROajp2cFnDW5ZmlRkwrx2KxmEEAOflHGCDSDYwzgq3E7AY2ovVTQADodDzf1pGqeCmr9d0nClhL3HtTR3g/s6000/Bennettville%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOZKRrqQ_WxLgddBtcz5KhgqDn2MDeRtLDe5s5j76Rx97z6ID_Amtq7xdLPKyL3A0JcvhYOD61zbCRdm1yJg6Ty3MKRcS-39eOH2Td3-OkROajp2cFnDW5ZmlRkwrx2KxmEEAOflHGCDSDYwzgq3E7AY2ovVTQADodDzf1pGqeCmr9d0nClhL3HtTR3g/w640-h426/Bennettville%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine laurel</td></tr></tbody></table>At 1.1 miles, the trail reached the shore of Shell Lake, following the eastern shore of the lake. I ended my hike at a small peninsula at the midpoint of the narrow lake, with views of Mount Conness rising above the lake to one side and Mount Dana rising to the other end. Dana and Conness are among Yosemite's most spectacular and notable peaks: Dana is the park's second highest peak (after Mount Lyell) while Conness is the highest peak north of Tioga Pass in the Sierra Nevada. The views of the lake were idyllic on both sides, with the mountains rising above calm waters encircled by a shoreline of lush vegetation broken by areas of rock.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBZZmGRPf-BjWtSY5610rP1f19LH4PKEbipfbhmMbnJT2C7LJ0o2B9NUD_SUoFcmoyV3YO-x6hHwxjwOHm2FRJxQ8cfV5V1FgzgWCl5jBUxxPf1Xy-G_vXBcYE3ylUr_Peu9aC0AqidSvDfmnl35WgHXA8-1SMSCy22QQSEQfz4NO5qb8BJWg0mQws3s/s6000/Bennettville%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBZZmGRPf-BjWtSY5610rP1f19LH4PKEbipfbhmMbnJT2C7LJ0o2B9NUD_SUoFcmoyV3YO-x6hHwxjwOHm2FRJxQ8cfV5V1FgzgWCl5jBUxxPf1Xy-G_vXBcYE3ylUr_Peu9aC0AqidSvDfmnl35WgHXA8-1SMSCy22QQSEQfz4NO5qb8BJWg0mQws3s/w640-h426/Bennettville%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell Lake and Mount Dana</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail continues a half mile past Shell Lake to Fantail Lake, which lies in the Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area. I did this hike while recovering from a foot injury, so Shell Lake was enough adventure for me for the day; for those willing to go further, there should be minimal additional elevation gain on the trail to Fantail Lake. The Hall Natural Area is a special designation that sets aside the landscape around Mount Conness on the eastern side of the Sierra Crest as a research area for longitudinal studies.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>To return to my car, I retraced my steps back past Bennettville. Overall, I was surprised by this hike's combination of excellent scenery and easy hiking; in fact, I found it far more scenic than the alpine lake hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area within Yosemite, while having far fewer hikers.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-65795279387374180972023-09-13T18:00:00.152-07:002023-09-13T18:00:00.143-07:00Parker Lake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv11dBzt6ETKmL-g6WVjdiB2B8jmjT9-D57QnuZDqZX8-VzINURYU5hxukFzO5cIo508ZwVCkLZfwxqmiG2PWJaSGeQnUhh-xMYwW9HeaRv1GmYFzCYjMkVrr7Vc7a0Ry1Wlb0elh2oYJFWMB-9Xmr6_EqEux0-E6_X8btdA0bur-99CnU0uXjTRXHUc/s6000/Parker%20Lake%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv11dBzt6ETKmL-g6WVjdiB2B8jmjT9-D57QnuZDqZX8-VzINURYU5hxukFzO5cIo508ZwVCkLZfwxqmiG2PWJaSGeQnUhh-xMYwW9HeaRv1GmYFzCYjMkVrr7Vc7a0Ry1Wlb0elh2oYJFWMB-9Xmr6_EqEux0-E6_X8btdA0bur-99CnU0uXjTRXHUc/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>3.6 miles round trip, 600 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Good dirt road to trailhead, no fee required<div><br /></div><div>The short and easy hike to Parker Lake, just a brief drive away from Lee Vining or June Lake in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada, manages to still span diverse landscapes, traveling from sagebrush desert to an aspen-lined subalpine lake at the foot of massive, snowy peaks in under two miles. Parker Lake is a pretty destination but the journey is just as noteworthy; the hike is especially nice in fall, when the aspen groves along the trail become golden. The area around Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra has a ton of hikes; while the hike to Parker Lake is certainly nice and worthwhile, I would rank it behind hikes to High Sierra destinations near Tioga Pass or Mammoth Lakes. I would recommend this hike primarily in fall, or to hikers looking for comprehensive coverage of the area's many lakes. The hike lies within Inyo National Forest, with the lake itself within the boundaries of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked to Parker Lake on a mid-October day to see the fall colors. Parker Lake is best enjoyed slightly earlier during the fall color period, generally peaking in the first two weeks of October; its fairly exposed position means that high winds are more likely to strip the leaves of its aspens earlier than in more protected valleys along the June Lake Loop nearby. </div><div><br /></div><div>Parker Lake is a long drive from any major metro area; the San Francisco Bay Area is about a five hour drive to the west and Los Angeles is a similar drive to the south. However, it is quite close to both Lee Vining and June Lake, two popular tourist towns in Mono County. From the junction of US 395 and Highway 120 in Lee Vining, I reached the trailhead by following US 395 south for 4.5 miles and then turning right onto the June Lake Loop. After just a mile of driving along the June Lake Loop, I made a slight right onto the gravel road heading towards the Parker Lake trailhead. I then followed the good gravel road uphill for about two miles to a junction, where I took the left fork to drive the final half mile to the roundabout that marked the trailhead for the hike. There is room for about 10-12 cars to park at the trailhead; no restrooms are available.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trailhead was in the middle of the sagebrush desert landscape that is characteristic of the Mono Basin and much of the Great Basin Desert, with no hint of the subalpine splendor that would come later in the hike; in fact, as the trailhead lay in a small gulch, hemmed in by the moraines of the former Parker Glacier on each side, the Sierra Nevada were not even visible! Leaving the parking area, I followed the trail along a steady uphill. The first quarter mile of the trail was the most sustained ascent of the entire hike; I gained about 200 feet on my through the sagebrush to a low saddle. Excellent views were had every time I looked back, with Mono Lake's eerie blue waters surrounding the volcanic islands of Paoha and Negit and the Bodie Hills in the distance draped in morning sunlight. Further to the south rose the Mono Craters, a noteworthy collection of volcanic domes that extend from Mono Lake towards the Long Valley Caldera around Mammoth Lakes.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZh6cxtL9d1pTR7dLEEg3dQOs-ibSzJXeo-_-nlupmLVoWLxJskop5DoZS5pvPoEa-J4R5-eSETSx9PSCbtXp7oRj5T6q2sPYk6PgJwpbao7oDBtH82o3sXfzpsRFqQuAoR1ndkX4kWZd1_lBMiLZ81fx0xz0ys9y_c7Q8L5qHZsX-24zhls9Oa3jV1E/s6000/Parker%20Lake%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZh6cxtL9d1pTR7dLEEg3dQOs-ibSzJXeo-_-nlupmLVoWLxJskop5DoZS5pvPoEa-J4R5-eSETSx9PSCbtXp7oRj5T6q2sPYk6PgJwpbao7oDBtH82o3sXfzpsRFqQuAoR1ndkX4kWZd1_lBMiLZ81fx0xz0ys9y_c7Q8L5qHZsX-24zhls9Oa3jV1E/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paoha and Negit in the center of Mono Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIXBnaUsCPpGejW1XpASR8mGJg7jnt8hh5dL2l_gp0VnEt3Fs9Trqu-2eLaVITAtagz8IZqNcvwvND9bQQyl2OlOIExivbpPmYzcVj3BqGD8LbxMAVJus1_aWB0VPs3424y9nthp0bZouHkINUg3gGLiUvj30mTZZ1GmPxdQo3N10cdsGbhynFIPLoCs/s6000/Parker%20Lake%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIXBnaUsCPpGejW1XpASR8mGJg7jnt8hh5dL2l_gp0VnEt3Fs9Trqu-2eLaVITAtagz8IZqNcvwvND9bQQyl2OlOIExivbpPmYzcVj3BqGD8LbxMAVJus1_aWB0VPs3424y9nthp0bZouHkINUg3gGLiUvj30mTZZ1GmPxdQo3N10cdsGbhynFIPLoCs/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Craters</td></tr></tbody></table>At a quarter mile from the trailhead, I came to a saddle and the boundary of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Here, the scenery changed very suddenly: massive Parker Peak, adorned with a smattering of fresh snow, rose in front of the trail, and the nearby gulch of Parker Creek was filled with conifers and aspens, a stark difference from the dry sagebrush.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP20aYoE6t4-VbrEhwUutt7NxRJGpYq4OxOblsMC6Y3NUKbN7GaJBLFGs8PyJxWdWYIMKQX_5DFN57i6TzDH4bHEP3kn7QjOTJukOKdjInlHKiaVMx5pFLlsKTzyTjDfT3E5JDlONhSLm5eHIBj3yRo2qm3P2cZ2oeijpKNAHmJIJI0aFPuxAaXuW2So/s6000/Parker%20Lake%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP20aYoE6t4-VbrEhwUutt7NxRJGpYq4OxOblsMC6Y3NUKbN7GaJBLFGs8PyJxWdWYIMKQX_5DFN57i6TzDH4bHEP3kn7QjOTJukOKdjInlHKiaVMx5pFLlsKTzyTjDfT3E5JDlONhSLm5eHIBj3yRo2qm3P2cZ2oeijpKNAHmJIJI0aFPuxAaXuW2So/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker Peak and the Ansel Adams Wilderness boundary</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail continued to ascend as I left the saddle, climbing along the south side of the gulch of Parker Creek. There were views to the north along the Sierra Nevada here, with Mount Gibbs taking up much of the horizon; I saw my first glimpses of fall aspen color along this hike in the gulch below. The ascent wrapped up at 0.45 miles from the trailhead, when the trail completed an ascent up a terminal moraine of the former Parker Glacier and came into a wide, flat valley sandwiched between the lateral moraines at the foot of Parker Peak. The hike stayed fairly flat over the next fifth of a mile as it crossed the grasslands in this valley and then entered a sparse forest of conifers and brightly-colored aspens.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ecZVTkDooV8Wep8XGdWNojR3X7OWLiBkxSGuckPxDgLFk1o5vNnDlBtB-r81HPRHqp-Z4ovoW72N_Vy_kxAxLDw4VHBuZc6vEvbHkVwlB3uzr7Hzj7yaNI64U4D3DTZXZc0HYxQr19kCsH5pa_fG5sXt7PSebfOni4dAdDCHLzYm1VQmrVCB30qqnOg/s6000/Parker%20Lake%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ecZVTkDooV8Wep8XGdWNojR3X7OWLiBkxSGuckPxDgLFk1o5vNnDlBtB-r81HPRHqp-Z4ovoW72N_Vy_kxAxLDw4VHBuZc6vEvbHkVwlB3uzr7Hzj7yaNI64U4D3DTZXZc0HYxQr19kCsH5pa_fG5sXt7PSebfOni4dAdDCHLzYm1VQmrVCB30qqnOg/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker Peak and fall aspens</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail entered a gentle climb at two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead that brought me up into another flatter stretch; this would be the final substantial climb of the hike and the trail stayed flat for its final mile to the lake.</div><div><br />Aspens were plentiful along the trail here. By mid-October, a good number of them had already shed their golden leaves for the winter, although a good handful were still sporting their spectacular fall foliage. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYrpEqltpcxElKMAFYT-KMWmBxhgZa-PWBp4F4JCcE37Q6EQmR7XaIqBIq0oZF-_GC0tLZoVVQ8rY1uXyixCe-8iZU4hwWhvT3DKp7Hn4SLOBfoEYc47gDyS7AjVWhRhRdaje0ZCgZTgcDlN_2tz9R_EmNZ1uZGBkjqMraKwLTz4VW5ozROjgqMjv2U/s6000/Parker%20Lake%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYrpEqltpcxElKMAFYT-KMWmBxhgZa-PWBp4F4JCcE37Q6EQmR7XaIqBIq0oZF-_GC0tLZoVVQ8rY1uXyixCe-8iZU4hwWhvT3DKp7Hn4SLOBfoEYc47gDyS7AjVWhRhRdaje0ZCgZTgcDlN_2tz9R_EmNZ1uZGBkjqMraKwLTz4VW5ozROjgqMjv2U/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen color on the trail to Parker Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM3AWH94aNqJ-ck66YOznW5kGRINnfMZpiJHFs3AHiZl5id2N9i_01P_LLaFjBj1KEFbM7qo2AEpGJEyJvYtwFD85-QLATQCWAz7fR_qzFMlsrtaP_hmjv8JVTu5fZn6pPkFPe9NXArpUvG1kgYQKXWiijAGJ138U0Rn9tk8iZVCtobCvR1f4Mqx9FKA/s6000/Parker%20Lake%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM3AWH94aNqJ-ck66YOznW5kGRINnfMZpiJHFs3AHiZl5id2N9i_01P_LLaFjBj1KEFbM7qo2AEpGJEyJvYtwFD85-QLATQCWAz7fR_qzFMlsrtaP_hmjv8JVTu5fZn6pPkFPe9NXArpUvG1kgYQKXWiijAGJ138U0Rn9tk8iZVCtobCvR1f4Mqx9FKA/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen color<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>As I traveled further up the valley, the trail began to follow Parker Creek, the outlet stream from Parker Lake. The stream was wide and shallow at this late point in the season and burbled gently over its rocky streambed on its way down to Mono Lake.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm7wiWv5sz7Y6VmOF4lscjv1RuvzdGFfmc8kvZbjdHsvCVGTeRc8IGmUIOCB5SALZ_fTWYhJx6g2hvAGLv3LA2z9sPvet2hdDpcPj_1sb_tJovnBqOpc85VYnAaxC7BJOIKQ-Wjp9AiZX9Id-lNCApl4l9yLe0kd0p4wFkWkK4sMc04SJOQFfjQVxPvA/s6000/Parker%20Lake%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm7wiWv5sz7Y6VmOF4lscjv1RuvzdGFfmc8kvZbjdHsvCVGTeRc8IGmUIOCB5SALZ_fTWYhJx6g2hvAGLv3LA2z9sPvet2hdDpcPj_1sb_tJovnBqOpc85VYnAaxC7BJOIKQ-Wjp9AiZX9Id-lNCApl4l9yLe0kd0p4wFkWkK4sMc04SJOQFfjQVxPvA/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail ended at 1.8 miles from the trailhead, when I came to the shores of Parker Lake. Parker Peak's magnificient cliffs towered above the lake, while more aspens glowing in the autumn sun stood on the lake's opposite shore. Despite the early hour of my hike, there were already a handful of other hikers at the lake, taking in the beauty of the lake and its complex interplay of light and shadow.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPtd1Zqh_ibbyJt3WKImcPHDbAf-H0sgkrlq-H0XXWjDrt3XvM91Xwcg4BCBW42Sqs53XrIni77NF5YrDjMD1HLulF0Q7MAhmlishCW3Y3O--DYtSsXaeYUN8eYnjxXPTg6mZtOeLv4rfYaP9_f4w7mjrgNmq5hDENPs9CW3sWZYThEZiASTFTwUpiZo/s6000/Parker%20Lake%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPtd1Zqh_ibbyJt3WKImcPHDbAf-H0sgkrlq-H0XXWjDrt3XvM91Xwcg4BCBW42Sqs53XrIni77NF5YrDjMD1HLulF0Q7MAhmlishCW3Y3O--DYtSsXaeYUN8eYnjxXPTg6mZtOeLv4rfYaP9_f4w7mjrgNmq5hDENPs9CW3sWZYThEZiASTFTwUpiZo/w640-h426/Parker%20Lake%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors reflected in Parker Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>I found this to be a very enjoyable hike with diverse landscapes; however, as I noted earlier, this hike is in an area of superlative scenery so despite its loveliness it isn't on the top of my list of recommendations. That said, with its combination of desert and subalpine scenery, easy access from Lee Vining, and the short and easy trail, you can't go wrong by choosing this hike, either.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-88576834896503678242023-09-06T17:30:00.268-07:002023-09-10T21:48:26.060-07:00Dana Lake<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9UaBi7UT0BDsZBwUKtZ8HQjkaRLXSuiviunvyI7AHQiHquFGrsq7dXvEAk_-5sr-Zh5mF9M-h4pm7oU182_BgttSL-T37XCFcECAmqT8-u5E35JTtDNGDNjjcSWCrxKDAzxwtmnlZ2fyW5rKTnAtwMJ_7p2TgfBOHKCDxIDiJBAsiMGzbky_ZqBQ/s6000/Dana%20Lake%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9UaBi7UT0BDsZBwUKtZ8HQjkaRLXSuiviunvyI7AHQiHquFGrsq7dXvEAk_-5sr-Zh5mF9M-h4pm7oU182_BgttSL-T37XCFcECAmqT8-u5E35JTtDNGDNjjcSWCrxKDAzxwtmnlZ2fyW5rKTnAtwMJ_7p2TgfBOHKCDxIDiJBAsiMGzbky_ZqBQ/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Dana and the Dana Glacier rise above Dana Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>5.5 miles loop, 1800 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Strenuous, route-finding and rock scrambling required<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<div><br /></div><div>Although Glacier Canyon and its chain of lakes are just a stone's throw from the Tioga Pass entrance of California's Yosemite National Park, this area of Inyo National Forest receives fairly little attention despite its stunning alpine scenery, which encompasses not only deeply colorful Dana Lake and four smaller lakes but also tumbling waterfalls, meadows, stark plateaus, and the remnant of a once-mighty glacier, all under the shadow of Mount Dana's majestic pyramidal peak. The trail is tough: the ascent from Tioga Lake up to Glacier Canyon is punishingly steep and there's no formal trail that leads across the steep scree slopes of Glacier Canyon to Dana Lake, meaning that scrambling and route-finding skills are absolutely essential. While an ascent up the canyon to the lake and back is the most straightforward path to Dana Lake, a loop return via the trail up to Dana Plateau makes for a more rewarding day hike. This isn't a hike for novices, but experienced hikers looking for a quiet and beautiful alternative to the bustling trails in Yosemite will enjoy this rocky hike to Dana Lake.</div><div><br /></div><div>The entirety of this hike is at high altitude, with the trailhead at about 9800 feet above sea level and Dana Lake itself at nearly 11200 feet above sea level. Be on the lookout for signs of altitude sickness if you have not had time to acclimate prior to the hike.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there is technically no fee to park at the trailhead, many hikers will arrive via Tioga Road from Yosemite National Park and thus will have to pay the Yosemite entrance fee. The only way to avoid paying the fee is to approach on Highway 120 from Lee Vining and not entering Yosemite National Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked to Dana Lake during an early October visit to the Sierra Nevada, before Tioga Road closed for the year. The trailhead is deceptively simple to reach: it is simply a three-quarter mile drive east of Tioga Pass at the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Hikers coming from the Central Valley should follow Highway 120 through Yosemite and will reach the Tioga Lake Overlook, a pullout on the right side of the road, shortly after crossing Tioga Pass. Hikers approaching from Lee Vining will find the pullout on the left side of Highway 120 as the road climbs up alongside Tioga Lake, but before reaching Tioga Pass. The trailhead has a pit toilet and enough parking for at least 20 cars. The trailhead is typically accessible between June and October most years, although abnormal snow conditions can shorten that window.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the trailhead, I followed the unmarked trail that led downhill right behind the pit toilet. This trail made a short but steep descent through the forest and quickly dropped to the shore of Tioga Lake. Less than a hundred meters from the trailhead, the trail came out into the open and there were clear views of Tioga Lake with broad and rocky Tioga Peak rising across the lake; a pointed ridge of Mount Dana rose in front of the trail. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwU_C9uVwHwrTs926N5Q8tBV1WOllSnnYFZyWf3ElGaXANbKGhA36qYq7jxk0Sc2hYW-MnMZCJpaO16FdXrK9FuaFyYtW9dKMT4R7EAzDmHt9lxDxDJPh0EB_Nianp96yI6rQPh24G3OjYjibcsm8290GBu6SWakjH0rVH0ie_IR0pHVmsrZ9yB7w/s6035/Dana%20Lake%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4053" data-original-width="6035" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwU_C9uVwHwrTs926N5Q8tBV1WOllSnnYFZyWf3ElGaXANbKGhA36qYq7jxk0Sc2hYW-MnMZCJpaO16FdXrK9FuaFyYtW9dKMT4R7EAzDmHt9lxDxDJPh0EB_Nianp96yI6rQPh24G3OjYjibcsm8290GBu6SWakjH0rVH0ie_IR0pHVmsrZ9yB7w/w640-h430/Dana%20Lake%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tioga Lake at sunrise</td></tr></tbody></table>Three hundred meters from the trailhead, I crossed the inlet stream to Tioga Lake. At this point, I came to a wooden sign pointing the way to Dana Lakes and Glacier Canyon; I followed the sign, which soon led me into the forest and the ascent up to Glacier Canyon. After crossing the creek that flows out from Glacier Canyon, I began the uphill climb, which generally followed the creek and steepened the further up that I went. The steep and direct trail here was made slightly better by the very pretty cascading creek, which was often decorated with nascent fall color in the forest understory.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYiMKM0P6CMCY8TeFpni60rBljNFCQllFjG5dwgZ07xBeGP78WipSzwFwgXxa1rGykZFSMnfJfzSkkUw3ZAbFmu6psPs3s2OfBZP8gv-gq2mqakCVImQ3VZMImpg9JueLMflNG5Xpt2dUVCG4pQHbHtCP0mmy04F-kiC71Wgwwy6AMvzkrc8CXlzy/s6000/Dana%20Lake%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYiMKM0P6CMCY8TeFpni60rBljNFCQllFjG5dwgZ07xBeGP78WipSzwFwgXxa1rGykZFSMnfJfzSkkUw3ZAbFmu6psPs3s2OfBZP8gv-gq2mqakCVImQ3VZMImpg9JueLMflNG5Xpt2dUVCG4pQHbHtCP0mmy04F-kiC71Wgwwy6AMvzkrc8CXlzy/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek in Glacier Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table>After 750 feet of elevation gain over three-quarters of a mile since leaving the shore of Tioga Lake, the trail finally flattened out for a brief breather as it came to the lowest of the meadows in Glacier Canyon. Late in the season, the meadow was golden in the morning light and the impressive wall of Mount Dana rose above the canyon, although the summit of Mount Dana was not visible.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSTqnwKs_Shpa81mproxIW0sez0WcBKCQzcEQXRFlUyfYsNeGMirjOlh6A4GyJwKioJ8mroQhmeZsEZCiO-RFu1TTWg9mv7fH_-KY9nanPGqMGLs8rtHLS0d9zXc3lg8y3ZU04QWOF0RrnteT3VNS8h47w3QhMV17ZueZdmhi04sa9vNR_EMVKdPB/s6000/Dana%20Lake%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSTqnwKs_Shpa81mproxIW0sez0WcBKCQzcEQXRFlUyfYsNeGMirjOlh6A4GyJwKioJ8mroQhmeZsEZCiO-RFu1TTWg9mv7fH_-KY9nanPGqMGLs8rtHLS0d9zXc3lg8y3ZU04QWOF0RrnteT3VNS8h47w3QhMV17ZueZdmhi04sa9vNR_EMVKdPB/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows in Glacier Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table>At 1.25 miles, the trail flattened out as I entered a long and flat, meadow-filled valley. From the edge of this elevated valley, I had spectacular views to the north of Mount Conness and North Peak.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKNlDeVEytNmvCPmiEFUroceO6w24F3RawdN179vhAT2qRjP63SY3Ob28Dr27twPD_vokLUHGHNfIdMtv2B7Al4KKTxqNa-Gv8LoZWCSTh-NREO08RDy4tbL_RczU1415a_xIZE-jt5mqO_U5SgV_TchtBQVSWsY1ttlsmJtEZZ6Qo-vw5nQd8OD7/s6000/Dana%20Lake%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKNlDeVEytNmvCPmiEFUroceO6w24F3RawdN179vhAT2qRjP63SY3Ob28Dr27twPD_vokLUHGHNfIdMtv2B7Al4KKTxqNa-Gv8LoZWCSTh-NREO08RDy4tbL_RczU1415a_xIZE-jt5mqO_U5SgV_TchtBQVSWsY1ttlsmJtEZZ6Qo-vw5nQd8OD7/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Mount Conness</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail skirted the left side of the meadow in the valley and after about a hundred meters it turned left and began to head uphill through a talus slope. At this point, the established trail was heading for the Dana Plateau; to get to Dana Lake, I left the trail and continued traveling cross-country up the bottom of the valley. There was no established trail here and for the most part no clear social path, either; however, the path was fairly straightforward since I was just following the creek upstream.</div><div><br /></div><div>At 1.7 miles, the flat meadows ended and I came to a talus slope at the treeline. The first of the Dana Lakes lay behind the talus slope. I scrambled up the loose rock and then trekked across an ensuing flat stretch of talus to reach the first of the Dana Lakes at about 2 miles into the hike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcVe_X9v-M1lMZppVsbDx4lE_lTvD8_kx5xoQw4by5hJXdFtGYYhBqLQMLdvT-wl9QAlYBR6k_OBiEarSEQyCYJSVivWZk054z5LAp95LFHhlsniv5ZwqA7VrKCyBZChGXGbJgkqtTg6EVQcHk_sCV5lW846gEyku1LICkrgUHpL1FKitoEqQ1EPx/s6000/Dana%20Lake%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcVe_X9v-M1lMZppVsbDx4lE_lTvD8_kx5xoQw4by5hJXdFtGYYhBqLQMLdvT-wl9QAlYBR6k_OBiEarSEQyCYJSVivWZk054z5LAp95LFHhlsniv5ZwqA7VrKCyBZChGXGbJgkqtTg6EVQcHk_sCV5lW846gEyku1LICkrgUHpL1FKitoEqQ1EPx/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrambling across a talus slope towards the first of the Dana Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table>The first of the Dana Lakes (or Dana Lake No. 1) was small but had an absolutely stunning turquoise color: the color was more remniscent of glacier-fed lakes of the Northwest or the Rockies than of the more typically blue lakes of the Sierra Nevada. The color was indeed a result of glacial melt: the Dana Glacier lies above the main Dana Lake and melt from the glacier gives the Dana Lakes their unique and astonishing color.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDhVh1Hu3RnyWaGktR42dpvZYhTtOeVpoPbNiIsYGy4UTjvBD7bmoolGdYnJEMJZxpk3SY220pkQaZ0LlE3a5-zALJB0xYBsqtscGR3ooRy8uKRGiZI05X5pzALw_GRxTaVhuQiH4JEGXIRHNi-55kWinYeuAbpFVAeYPWhEcCn1MKI77jC18_CgJ/s6000/Dana%20Lake%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDhVh1Hu3RnyWaGktR42dpvZYhTtOeVpoPbNiIsYGy4UTjvBD7bmoolGdYnJEMJZxpk3SY220pkQaZ0LlE3a5-zALJB0xYBsqtscGR3ooRy8uKRGiZI05X5pzALw_GRxTaVhuQiH4JEGXIRHNi-55kWinYeuAbpFVAeYPWhEcCn1MKI77jC18_CgJ/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Lake No. 1</td></tr></tbody></table>Dana Lake No. 1 was hemmed in on three sides by steep talus slopes. Reaching the other lakes required surmounting these slopes, which rose 250 feet above this first lake. At first glance, it was not too obvious what the easiest route would be; it was clear that no routes would necessarily be "easy" here. I chose to scramble up the slopes to the north of the lake, but in retrospect believe that this was a mistake: the upper stretches of this slope were quite treacherous and put me in a few positions with non-trivial exposure. It's likely that simply going up the slope at the far (east) end of the lake would've made the most sense and been easier, but as I did not follow that route, I can't vouch for it. I ended up having to do some Class 3 rock scrambling but I think it's likely that a Class 2 route exists up this talus. All I can say here is that the north wall felt like a bad choice once I was halfway up that scramble! <br /><br />Regardless, once atop this second talus slope, I headed east along a flat table of scree to reach Dana Lake No. 2 at 2.3 miles (mileages are estimates in the scramble portion as there is no set route). Dana Lake No. 2 was also quite small and shallow and had the same brilliant color of the first lake; additionally, Dana Lake No. 2 featured the first views of Mount Dana's great summit pyramid. Dana is the second highest peak in Yosemite National Park and it is the first 13000-foot peak of the Sierra Nevada when coming from the north. Dana's eastern face is extremely impressive but is typically not visible from any road-accessible area as the Dana Plateau blocks off views of the east face from the Mono Basin. This hike up Glacier Canyon to Dana Lake is a rare place to actually study this great rock face.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B9t233iNVXUZs1lM75A2xgJzW5RIVy6QYiZBqkycwzgU_l2jS6TvPklroOO-rMv9EbA3jDxG18agi8oVXaM-DHtDtezqoFA6sKFb2h6s-N1dxJifKe3NOTNkjFHC64l4PkLXbqly1PzJ-JgyN07xw9cq1GhuVEwyjAQqL8Go5l3V0FcEiA7qXRF4/s6000/Dana%20Lake%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B9t233iNVXUZs1lM75A2xgJzW5RIVy6QYiZBqkycwzgU_l2jS6TvPklroOO-rMv9EbA3jDxG18agi8oVXaM-DHtDtezqoFA6sKFb2h6s-N1dxJifKe3NOTNkjFHC64l4PkLXbqly1PzJ-JgyN07xw9cq1GhuVEwyjAQqL8Go5l3V0FcEiA7qXRF4/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Dana rises over the second of the Dana Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table>I skirted the north side of Dana Lake No. 2 and then crossed a rocky isthmus between Dana Lake No. 2 and Dana Lake No. 3, which was very close by. I skipped over a closer look at Dana Lake No. 3 for the moment, instead climbing up the rocky moraine behind lakes no. 2 and 3 to head towards the main lake of the basin, referred to as Dana Lake No. 4 in some sources and alternatively just Dana Lake in others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I was atop the spine of the moraine at 2.5 miles into the hike, Dana Lake came into view, nestled at the head of Glacier Canyon with Mount Dana's great east face towering above and the Dana Glacier cradled at the foot of Dana's cliffs. Dana Lake was much deeper than the previous lakes and thus had a much deeper blue color that almost appeared like a beautiful ink.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWWtdz8-RBjhevZOzTRGruc-3vlCYXtlIwTTA5_vYEIjon9hiEw-vohNI_WewmE7JJ3RdsGCIyD3q8Vk29sE1s3q_PyONr_RS8Tdpn2cniezRdvN5Rkoclh1cSdj1dJLQ4h2uAFN42TbtTKJ4JmRMq9rdK40Orj9TPY6P2vwCNSi75wAGdxMFKk0B/s6000/Dana%20Lake%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWWtdz8-RBjhevZOzTRGruc-3vlCYXtlIwTTA5_vYEIjon9hiEw-vohNI_WewmE7JJ3RdsGCIyD3q8Vk29sE1s3q_PyONr_RS8Tdpn2cniezRdvN5Rkoclh1cSdj1dJLQ4h2uAFN42TbtTKJ4JmRMq9rdK40Orj9TPY6P2vwCNSi75wAGdxMFKk0B/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Dana and Dana Glacier over Dana Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>There were excellent views of the lake from the lakeshore already, but to get a clearer overview of the lake and the Dana Glacier, I chose to scramble up to a large boulder a hundred feet above the lake's northeast shore that had tremendous views of the lake itself, Mount Dana, and back out Glacier Canyon to Mount Conness.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPMZV6nwHIKi-faiMDb_o7pTpKhiqs9ecRBbaRiffsU7lyBdZVhO5iWKQ075s1ew8wLEaUW0zj_z71vAKX8rWU_pvTqOLgt_lOwKZzZyVTjgKcc9gS3ze_GrOoX2YZK4VGJHY_XEDuU1rZiq-f7MwwkaobXeueJaoFl_ewMLRzKiKpoLzDGgJmcdW/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPMZV6nwHIKi-faiMDb_o7pTpKhiqs9ecRBbaRiffsU7lyBdZVhO5iWKQ075s1ew8wLEaUW0zj_z71vAKX8rWU_pvTqOLgt_lOwKZzZyVTjgKcc9gS3ze_GrOoX2YZK4VGJHY_XEDuU1rZiq-f7MwwkaobXeueJaoFl_ewMLRzKiKpoLzDGgJmcdW/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The Dana Glacier once filled the entire back of the basin at the head of Glacier Canyon and nearly reached down to Dana Lake when European American observers first documented the glacier in the late nineteenth century. It has since shrunk over 90 percent, with just a sliver of ice left at the base of Mount Dana itself. In the past few decades, it retreats further almost every summer, and the glacier is likely to disappear entirely in a matter of years, a victim of climate change. It is possible to continue scrambling southeast through the talus along Dana Lake until reaching the moraine at the toe of the glacier, but after so much scrambling to reach Dana Lake itself, I was in no mood for an extended hike across talus.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmHh_r5dNCKoRcFbOfyRRh_l2eM6TLbjhcda0baqptw6bOTot7JRMu3GBBX1hqRsl40arK_9rK-eYpWArVUXyV0G-s36PvelIY6G_J7AJjI3LCo2HUrtXkOKBvXZVF7GLHc6XbXP3esB0SjQGwbFX6e3zAG0-mMd_S6FPEiWQXhU0eoXR4tTMK1Ev/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmHh_r5dNCKoRcFbOfyRRh_l2eM6TLbjhcda0baqptw6bOTot7JRMu3GBBX1hqRsl40arK_9rK-eYpWArVUXyV0G-s36PvelIY6G_J7AJjI3LCo2HUrtXkOKBvXZVF7GLHc6XbXP3esB0SjQGwbFX6e3zAG0-mMd_S6FPEiWQXhU0eoXR4tTMK1Ev/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Glacier above Dana Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>After getting my fill of glacier and lake views, I retraced my steps down the moraine from Dana Lake to the isthmus between Dana Lakes No. 2 and 3. Here, I departed from the route that I had taken on the way up to complete a loop with the last two lakes and briefly visit the Dana Plateau. After crossing the isthmus, I followed the western shore of Dana Lake No. 3 scrambling along its rocky shoreline until I got to the northwestern corner of the lake.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5cKQXZdKRD_YE09rbjJghJhmxxZLYOlmiMqLJUhd8v4XEIhDhC7sS5uTzAa_mKxzr_bybjgiKdZinKRrTFN8SYRDuXmNo4fGhoacpRh1Svcmaxh7cqrCYSDSXqemnoTGFnFpZ0IuB5r9TF2aJgauefDWykAxZW8toYKh65Cyig5QOF-9O3lIvMzd/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5cKQXZdKRD_YE09rbjJghJhmxxZLYOlmiMqLJUhd8v4XEIhDhC7sS5uTzAa_mKxzr_bybjgiKdZinKRrTFN8SYRDuXmNo4fGhoacpRh1Svcmaxh7cqrCYSDSXqemnoTGFnFpZ0IuB5r9TF2aJgauefDWykAxZW8toYKh65Cyig5QOF-9O3lIvMzd/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Lake No. 3</td></tr></tbody></table>Dana Lakes No. 3 and No. 4 were sequential lakes in a shallow, rocky gully; once I passed the end of the third lake, I continued following the rocky gully for two hundred meters and reached Dana Lake No. 4 at just over 3 miles into my hike. Past Dana Lake No. 4, the gully opened up into a rocky shelf; I continued traveling down this relatively flat (though rocky) shelf until it ended at 3.3 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, the shelf merged into a steep talus slope that overlooked the flat meadows of Glacier Canyon that I had hiked through earlier in the day. The Dana Plateau rose above and to the right. Here, I had to cross scramble about a tenth of a mile across the steep talus slope, angling slightly upwards as I moved forward so that I ascended about 50 feet and reached the flat top of the Dana Plateau, at about 3.4 miles from the trailhead.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtyLRz36R372H7ZkbQu9r5HPtTs-sFNB6GrMkyDNBe_rmq3hFrnxeRVteQMM1YZ0_fYoFWA06OJ9asRPb2dYqHgchSlQy5ZWn72wz8_m0owZSvXFTiwBJRKl9WALcwHipE2TMcUlOFpGSW3urHuM_-AQqkZy1iiXAoy7KERASJLMmqDytGmIBHq3t/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtyLRz36R372H7ZkbQu9r5HPtTs-sFNB6GrMkyDNBe_rmq3hFrnxeRVteQMM1YZ0_fYoFWA06OJ9asRPb2dYqHgchSlQy5ZWn72wz8_m0owZSvXFTiwBJRKl9WALcwHipE2TMcUlOFpGSW3urHuM_-AQqkZy1iiXAoy7KERASJLMmqDytGmIBHq3t/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back towards Mount Dana and the basin of Dana Glacier</td></tr></tbody></table>Looking back from the rim of the Dana Plateau, I had a sweeping view down into Glacier Canyon. While I could no longer see any of the lakes, this viewpoint still allowed me to see the glacier at the base of Mount Dana.</div><div><br /></div><div>I encountered the first trees that I had seen in hours on the plateau. I traveled north, heading in a direction perpendicular to the rim of the plateau. After passing through the trees, I came to a large and flat meadow, where I spotted the Dana Plateau Trail on the other side of the meadow. I crossed the meadow and finally rejoined a formal trail at 3.6 miles into my hike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjrONKt2KN0l7wgfzNX3yzm9eI6Pg_okFtJlI_zO3q5tTvvYE-iLn5Z9kXpe-CyH8Rk2MfQ9Zfmb97ChGdWGTVT8EySHvJTmz5cUso-T2ni6rlRSYAeP2nEhvaExO5JDHMzeh8RR7ZBfKClsyzrs-Fj8ODWLsFZ8TTaoQl1nCM_0CozEcDhz2bGN5/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjrONKt2KN0l7wgfzNX3yzm9eI6Pg_okFtJlI_zO3q5tTvvYE-iLn5Z9kXpe-CyH8Rk2MfQ9Zfmb97ChGdWGTVT8EySHvJTmz5cUso-T2ni6rlRSYAeP2nEhvaExO5JDHMzeh8RR7ZBfKClsyzrs-Fj8ODWLsFZ8TTaoQl1nCM_0CozEcDhz2bGN5/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail across Dana Plateau</td></tr></tbody></table>The Dana Plateau is a large and flat subpeak that is connected to the much higher Mount Dana; the trail heading towards the right led to the top of the plateau, while the trail to the left led back down to Glacier Canyon and the trailhead. While I've heard great things about the views of Mount Dana and Mono Lake from the Dana Plateau, I was short on time so I chose to head left and begin my return down to Glacier Canyon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trail stayed just briefly on the flat plateau before beginning its descent, dropping first gradually and then steeply down a rocky gulch. At the top of the descent, there was a unique view across the ridge of Gaylor Peak into the Yosemite National Park high country. I could see many of the peaks in the Tuolumne Meadows area, including Unicorn Peak in the Cathedral Range and Mount Hoffman and Tuolumne Peak.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEUii8NJqbhhhAz7kA1BHP4N4dXBHLEwe9Bz0tWgmVGZf_IyqeG9_nBTV8J0EVW9jXheP82vq9atSKW1-e4T66LS5mVoxZ_7H4fBcfeGxpddLlCXVgv2-30XyYTVxPlJiUoLt3sdilhvp_SvM3qA2uaoMYamjKy6gb8fB2qMydKUJUCL39xa57woo/s6000/Dana%20Lake%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEUii8NJqbhhhAz7kA1BHP4N4dXBHLEwe9Bz0tWgmVGZf_IyqeG9_nBTV8J0EVW9jXheP82vq9atSKW1-e4T66LS5mVoxZ_7H4fBcfeGxpddLlCXVgv2-30XyYTVxPlJiUoLt3sdilhvp_SvM3qA2uaoMYamjKy6gb8fB2qMydKUJUCL39xa57woo/w640-h426/Dana%20Lake%2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across Tioga Pass towards Mount Hoffman and the Cathedral Range</td></tr></tbody></table>The descent became quite steep as the trail plunged about 500 feet downhill from the Dana Plateau to reach the meadows at the bottom of Glacier Canyon. At the bottom of the hill, now just over 4 miles into my hike, I came to the point where I had left the Glacier Canyon Trail in the morning to get to Dana Lake No. 1, closing the loop. The final 1.4 miles brought me down along the stream back to Tioga Lake and then the trailhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hike to Dana Lake is an excellent High Sierra outing that sees limited visitors despite being so close to Tioga Pass and Yosemite National Park. I saw a handful of other hikers on my hike, almost all of them headed to Dana Plateau rather than the lakes. The necessity of some Class 2 to 3 rock scrambling and navigation skills means this hike is not for everyone. But those with the confidence and skills to tackle this hike will see some of the Sierra Nevada's most stunningly colored lakes and may have a chance to catch a once-great glacier before it takes its final bow.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-616783561513959892023-08-30T18:00:00.215-07:002023-08-30T18:00:00.154-07:00Bishop Pass and Dusy Basin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihy0Mg77aAW0s1RJLDs9riTtNchwlR1oUNShNdyR6V5zjTc3pm4iUMhsX-ThhPEUKkQ14VShP52Qu79iEoWeR7Rk029W1ZbwtJZtXU_RXvxKBVNNVedJMpL8L7Sg-vGPHrMTExWgiSY21ZYemkTE5fEoV2Fsz1yDOJkBtnIuWXvkepUicJ4Kc3hzT/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihy0Mg77aAW0s1RJLDs9riTtNchwlR1oUNShNdyR6V5zjTc3pm4iUMhsX-ThhPEUKkQ14VShP52Qu79iEoWeR7Rk029W1ZbwtJZtXU_RXvxKBVNNVedJMpL8L7Sg-vGPHrMTExWgiSY21ZYemkTE5fEoV2Fsz1yDOJkBtnIuWXvkepUicJ4Kc3hzT/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows and streams of Dusy Basin<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>15 miles round trip, 3000 feet elevation gain<br /><div>Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<br /><br />The alpine streams, lakes, and meadows of Kings Canyon National Park’s Dusy Basin are hemmed in by the greatest array of granite peaks in California’s Sierra Nevada, making this a sublime destination for hikers looking for a High Sierra experience. The standard hike to Dusy Basin, which lies west of the Sierra Crest, starts from South Lake near Bishop on the east side of the crest and thus involves crossing high-elevation Bishop Pass, an extremely scenic route littered with alpine lakes and wildflowers in season. While Bishop Pass is a standard day hiking destination from South Lake, Dusy Basin, just 1.5 miles further, is typically visited only by backpackers and is thus somewhat quieter than the pass; however, very fit day hikers who start early can visit this remarkable destination in a day. <br /><br />Altitude sickness is a major concern at Dusy Basin: Bishop Pass is at nearly 12000 feet, while Dusy Basin itself remains at nearly 11400 feet, so many hikers- especially those coming straight from sea level in Los Angeles or the Bay Area- will experience at least some symptoms associated with altitude sickness. Diamox (by prescription) can help alleviate symptoms if taken beforehand; altitude headaches are common and should be taken seriously. If altitude sickness symptoms progress beyond a mild state, you should turn around and descend to lower altitude. This hike is only accessible in summer after winter snows melt off of Bishop Pass; summer hikers should be wary of summer afternoon thunderstorms and check the forecast before heading out, as Bishop Pass is especially exposed and dangerous during storms. <br /><br />I hiked to Dusy Basin during a July trip to the Bishop area. Dusy Basin had been on my radar for a long time: I first learned about it while researching Kings Canyon National Park for a visit with my parents at the end of middle school so I was excited to finally see it in person. The timing of my trip was quite good: July is a perfect time of year to see wildflowers blooming along the trail to Bishop Pass. The hike is usually accessible from sometime in June or July through October each year. While I describe a day hike to Dusy Basin in this post, those who want to spend more time in the basin and camp will need to obtain backpacking permits departing the trailhead at South Lake, which can be obtained online in advance at recreation.gov. <br /><br />The trailhead for Dusy Basin is just outside the town of Bishop but is a long drive from any major metropolitan area, about five hours from Los Angeles and over six hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. Unless you approach on Highway 6 from Tonopah, you’ll inevitably have to arrive at Bishop on US 395. Once in downtown Bishop, at the junction of US Highway 395 and Highway 168, I headed west on Highway 168 and followed it out of town and uphill, continuing straight along this road until I reached the turnoff for South Lake. Taking the left turn for South Lake, I followed the South Lake Road until it dead-ended at a hiker and backpacker parking area near the lake, just above the dam. When I arrived at 7:30 AM on a Saturday morning, the lot was half full already. There are pit toilets at the parking lot. The trailhead lies within Inyo National Forest.<br /><br />The Bishop Pass Trail started at the south end of the parking lot. I followed this trail into the aspens, descending briefly through forest before coming out to a nice initial view of South Lake. South Lake and nearby Lake Sabrina are both reservoirs, held back by dams built by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that redirect Eastern Sierra snowmelt through an engineering marvel of aqueducts to keep the lawns green in San Fernando Valley. During my visit in 2022, the water level of South Lake was shockingly low: the bathtub ring around the lake seemed to suggest that the lake level was perhaps as much as a hundred feet below normal. Still, the backdrop of High Sierra granite peaks here made the scene quite pretty.</div><div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr9RxX_dyJfbXRSboMy2G2rj8SrmORkzrufary9xNvbqB6iWZBfRJlxC_6Mqff1n-k16UG0_nf7yVMJMzTNiMTOPhL6fS_bAXvesLU5ohpMt12TGYXokxqIYilMMnxlSOHAESQzSQdJRX7646j_OJb2P-6h74134SJEBaMMQWeLb-Fki1reymh1JI/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr9RxX_dyJfbXRSboMy2G2rj8SrmORkzrufary9xNvbqB6iWZBfRJlxC_6Mqff1n-k16UG0_nf7yVMJMzTNiMTOPhL6fS_bAXvesLU5ohpMt12TGYXokxqIYilMMnxlSOHAESQzSQdJRX7646j_OJb2P-6h74134SJEBaMMQWeLb-Fki1reymh1JI/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail began a steady uphill climb above the east shore of South Lake at this point. The trail predominately stayed in the forest during this ascent, although halfway through the climb there was a brief clearing that allowed some more views of South Lake.<br /><br />At 0.8 miles from the trailhead, I came to a fork in the trail: the trail to Treasure Lakes headed straight, while the Bishop Pass Trail branched off to the left. I took the left fork to continue my journey towards Bishop Pass and Dusy Basin. The Bishop Pass Trail continued a steady ascent through the forest but soon passed by some small, elongated meadows that stretched along a burbling stream. In July, wildflowers such as shooting stars and paintbrush were blooming prolifically here. A steady ascent through the forest eventually brought me up to a rocky outcrop at 1.6 miles with some open views over the South Fork Bishop Creek valley; most notable were views of the High Sierra Peaks and of Hurd Lake below. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkR5Oyzd-Q0CtdVyvwRV0fcE6TCQnRn55TPH2zRQm7S068woYMbpugNGICQih95av35RznZljsOvkIqaahOKr2aLeZpaYHms2MhqJfT0bjXySOgI_0y10yeTIJ4tMiHYIt-WQcMk0nyiwbThdgkZqOoQO-xAJHXYcxUBp1pOiRSmuzkMbtLwEEYJc/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkR5Oyzd-Q0CtdVyvwRV0fcE6TCQnRn55TPH2zRQm7S068woYMbpugNGICQih95av35RznZljsOvkIqaahOKr2aLeZpaYHms2MhqJfT0bjXySOgI_0y10yeTIJ4tMiHYIt-WQcMk0nyiwbThdgkZqOoQO-xAJHXYcxUBp1pOiRSmuzkMbtLwEEYJc/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurd Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The trail continued to ascend past this viewpoint with occasional switchbacks and passed a junction with the Chocolate Lakes Trail at 1.8 miles. Finally, at 2 miles from the trailhead, the Bishop Pass Trail flattened out and then dropped sightly to reach a lovely, open green meadow with views of Mount Goode, Mount Agassiz, and the brown and white swirls of Chocolate Peak. From here to Dusy Basin, the Bishop Trail Pass was a nonstop parade of spectacular alpine scenery. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlAVqdYQo4FrcmHezq3gS30kukyhGb1PsEcqeq65accESPfHKnuFupxkUDaAKbBxYjNh7XqSepZsEhQ7OYpsJjdQibRbpysQ7DHZhRv_BNqAkT3Br0QQjBIJWW4djrERtgA7YeHeDaFSZwInDpHMWs7tkEVZI3983kwpnXyjK6mxI6Zy0et9Yqgrl/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlAVqdYQo4FrcmHezq3gS30kukyhGb1PsEcqeq65accESPfHKnuFupxkUDaAKbBxYjNh7XqSepZsEhQ7OYpsJjdQibRbpysQ7DHZhRv_BNqAkT3Br0QQjBIJWW4djrERtgA7YeHeDaFSZwInDpHMWs7tkEVZI3983kwpnXyjK6mxI6Zy0et9Yqgrl/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Peak and Picture Puzzle Peak from a meadow near Long Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At the far end of this small meadow, I came to the northern end of Long Lake, a drop-dead gorgeous lake lined with trees and meadows at the base of Mount Goode. The trail crossed the lake’s outlet stream and then followed the east shore of Long Lake for the next three-quarters of a mile, hugging the lake at times while heading up and down nearby hills at other times. Explosions of blooming wildflowers dotted the lakeshore. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NQ7rn_3T2RCs7XmkdPKmkGQTFbLXmazkrzyVxr8ct04O2Vd7fi9WKMVpemQgmVX0R6xfLt4UcZva0dT6uSb43VmsUdG2gH3QsxfXk_HjJTNukXgA6fD-OQHDBR01f9fAVtkmOZPtCPLw_Rq5xNTvraaQjELJXqUZ72RrxhWW_7PauKifgcsbnA57/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NQ7rn_3T2RCs7XmkdPKmkGQTFbLXmazkrzyVxr8ct04O2Vd7fi9WKMVpemQgmVX0R6xfLt4UcZva0dT6uSb43VmsUdG2gH3QsxfXk_HjJTNukXgA6fD-OQHDBR01f9fAVtkmOZPtCPLw_Rq5xNTvraaQjELJXqUZ72RrxhWW_7PauKifgcsbnA57/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Goode rises above Long Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I passed a turnoff for Ruwau Lake to the left at 2.6 miles from the trailhead and came to the far end of Long Lake at 2.8 miles. The trail crossed an inlet stream and began wrapping around the south side of the lake before turning south again to continue heading up Bishop Creek Valley.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzubWTYp7oUiu4_FL6Nf4JWO3Q1A5GhcwjA8t0ipb7XgxaoKLa-4OiUGPsmoeLQenSbPXVLijblZNCGsGB5OLiWddPbPeBgTuom7aJ7NpZzDjjWfuSp9lA94tbpd0yWblHmjuxkF7kJL47SmgA973gNqwNtgUuq50jUmjLp3JSIdHRb1S0XCBb_11/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzubWTYp7oUiu4_FL6Nf4JWO3Q1A5GhcwjA8t0ipb7XgxaoKLa-4OiUGPsmoeLQenSbPXVLijblZNCGsGB5OLiWddPbPeBgTuom7aJ7NpZzDjjWfuSp9lA94tbpd0yWblHmjuxkF7kJL47SmgA973gNqwNtgUuq50jUmjLp3JSIdHRb1S0XCBb_11/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north along Long Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Shortly afterwards, Spearhead Lake came into view at the bottom of the valley below the trail at the foot of Mount Goode. The trail began a steady ascent up a rocky slope. </div><div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTlDPbEt7qO9XMUDzN__M3LMbtmfISnEiQAjWJS80IYKiVPVywnvHrmqBHEp2APU3-lwz9TcM_ackNlNylV-Q_dOdTqLJDSDUfE3nbnleyffisxsWzifGDxZiI5VUzdq-hEW-Ed9ywwkKQs3Y6iaSOIF_IEO6E-x_RbK-zx4I6KXK_Lpn0X7Ml5Hp/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTlDPbEt7qO9XMUDzN__M3LMbtmfISnEiQAjWJS80IYKiVPVywnvHrmqBHEp2APU3-lwz9TcM_ackNlNylV-Q_dOdTqLJDSDUfE3nbnleyffisxsWzifGDxZiI5VUzdq-hEW-Ed9ywwkKQs3Y6iaSOIF_IEO6E-x_RbK-zx4I6KXK_Lpn0X7Ml5Hp/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Goode above Spearhead Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>While ascending above Spearhead Lake, I saw patches of pink and yellow Sierra Columbine in bloom, one of the prettiest wildflowers that grace the alpine Sierra in summer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiaBUE5qjExjuRw2hWvyAJ8NmoH9m0buMQOOYQ7Ip2oKwclI8BaBpekcfeBPVKlp0m12J1yGrie6OnDS0Q6A2oD24xmSGay7qI8gAS8aWHcX5D2YXFiaCcDJ4pKckaoNZz-xhf3Fah0mpd1TfCyEPXKMBTAweyCd2ixq_i14CVEDGy94ftmDLiUn4/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiaBUE5qjExjuRw2hWvyAJ8NmoH9m0buMQOOYQ7Ip2oKwclI8BaBpekcfeBPVKlp0m12J1yGrie6OnDS0Q6A2oD24xmSGay7qI8gAS8aWHcX5D2YXFiaCcDJ4pKckaoNZz-xhf3Fah0mpd1TfCyEPXKMBTAweyCd2ixq_i14CVEDGy94ftmDLiUn4/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra columbine<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A 300-foot ascent from Long Lake brought me to one of the two Timberline Tarns at 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The trail came upon this small lake right after crossing South Fork Bishop Creek; the tarn was exceptionally scenic with Mount No Goode rising behind it and Bishop Creek cascading down a small slope into the tarns' beautifully blue water.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVhL4Wgo9EXQkT0ARYSCrZsY9ElWziggmMCn_YGzmUURCIEi1_GQ1VUx9rZPADINDbgSpV3pv7vegSIvntbdBDZ6rPFHtTgLsRa2YvUAwBqONFzRle6ciwGzuSGXk646-RFIkezEfe9SHItoeUTq1qqquZwxsemMhdRec6Z7ghEUfn3dHmqxkxTAT/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVhL4Wgo9EXQkT0ARYSCrZsY9ElWziggmMCn_YGzmUURCIEi1_GQ1VUx9rZPADINDbgSpV3pv7vegSIvntbdBDZ6rPFHtTgLsRa2YvUAwBqONFzRle6ciwGzuSGXk646-RFIkezEfe9SHItoeUTq1qqquZwxsemMhdRec6Z7ghEUfn3dHmqxkxTAT/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount No Goode above the Timberline Tarns</td></tr></tbody></table>At the far end of the Timberline Tarns, the trail began a short ascent along tumbling South Fork Bishop Creek to climb to Saddlerock Lake. I found this stretch of trail, where the stream flowed through lush meadows with point Mount No Goode in the background, to be especially scenic.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlyoQgfPK2G2fL1czA-VPCXrujP3ge3KT4Kc4XqT_rU6UWPVlMqwlrEmDLRcF0sPHoVHwgBNbv-GkA7T6zQhVoMWACLQ58hSEzleaKwji1hedusG3Qy1ZUwGp6vegNUv-hib0dqMPFqWtWph1ccWRG7eDeqMPvzfyJg5kVFI-qJkh6voSgQDxjyFP/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlyoQgfPK2G2fL1czA-VPCXrujP3ge3KT4Kc4XqT_rU6UWPVlMqwlrEmDLRcF0sPHoVHwgBNbv-GkA7T6zQhVoMWACLQ58hSEzleaKwji1hedusG3Qy1ZUwGp6vegNUv-hib0dqMPFqWtWph1ccWRG7eDeqMPvzfyJg5kVFI-qJkh6voSgQDxjyFP/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Fork Bishop Creek below the outlet of Saddlerock Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>At 3.7 miles, the trail came upon the much bigger Saddlerock Lake, which filled an alpine basin with Mount No Goode rising impressively behind it. Here, the trees were really beginning to thin out and the opposite shore of the lake was mostly barren rock. The trail followed the lake's eastern shore for about a hundred meters before it began ascending again.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXSfuaj9e5iuCLJFzSN1k7VfTJHD6OQtc-7uSQsg3knXm5CaJEj6oYrOuc7gK4X62lh0zaipQrWXqa0UNSMx6o9Ia9jwk3CAOGEAC3xH98IZ-llAxLLq_GSoeyhY7VME06P6On3B2aO3ufwbPLKvuzv2bQUOcKxziMHxd994yx_KWObgRaDI0qJ7U/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXSfuaj9e5iuCLJFzSN1k7VfTJHD6OQtc-7uSQsg3knXm5CaJEj6oYrOuc7gK4X62lh0zaipQrWXqa0UNSMx6o9Ia9jwk3CAOGEAC3xH98IZ-llAxLLq_GSoeyhY7VME06P6On3B2aO3ufwbPLKvuzv2bQUOcKxziMHxd994yx_KWObgRaDI0qJ7U/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saddlerock Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>As the trail ascended above Saddlerock Lake, it passed a small, unnamed pond to the left. With trees now very sparse, there were open views along the rocky trail both back down the valley towards Mount Goode and Saddlerock Lake and ahead towards Mount No Goode and Bishop Pass.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQTPWVY9AZkoU_1WW2cU1eX4ooAzitxK3IRCOAtjzCx-urov-7b7IHHH4IdqwfhnXCyosCvJuQDLVIJLXFullevJWPH1cXnyZDTUaW1is7OFRz5OOeqgoVByi4L4S3xNZWSGcMB0OT2SW82kWbErT5MNpjTagV6FV1_M9SmNSZKW21uE-xfL9JuEa/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQTPWVY9AZkoU_1WW2cU1eX4ooAzitxK3IRCOAtjzCx-urov-7b7IHHH4IdqwfhnXCyosCvJuQDLVIJLXFullevJWPH1cXnyZDTUaW1is7OFRz5OOeqgoVByi4L4S3xNZWSGcMB0OT2SW82kWbErT5MNpjTagV6FV1_M9SmNSZKW21uE-xfL9JuEa/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to Saddlerock Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail came over the top of a hill at 4.1 miles and descended slightly, reaching a spur trail that led to Bishop Lake and the crossing a tributary stream that fed into Bishop Lake at 4.3 miles. The spur trail provided shore access to Bishop Lake; while it was a nice detour, I consider it an optional stop on this hike as the climb to Bishop Pass provides plenty of excellent views over the lake as well.<br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr8JAdwJA1LtcgSxanTXbs86GfFPoJTeWA0zidKCRPYxzqIbWJ4w_QnU41KuFD9m5zBzwlqT5GJ78ddbJ0wFPIDrnsp2Fmyq7jJyQZ31yZgqrsS3EqeSRVn_Jz1PC5rBNhWSm4VJzk_Pt8jFx4KCfCG-euzobA6sa3HtvBxmP89OmtxD6G7YDjKVc/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr8JAdwJA1LtcgSxanTXbs86GfFPoJTeWA0zidKCRPYxzqIbWJ4w_QnU41KuFD9m5zBzwlqT5GJ78ddbJ0wFPIDrnsp2Fmyq7jJyQZ31yZgqrsS3EqeSRVn_Jz1PC5rBNhWSm4VJzk_Pt8jFx4KCfCG-euzobA6sa3HtvBxmP89OmtxD6G7YDjKVc/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Agassiz above the inlet to Bishop Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>After crossing the inlet to Bishop Lake, the Bishop Pass Trail began its final steady climb up to the pass itself, gaining 750 feet in elevation over the next 1.5 miles. At this point, I began to feel the effects of the altitude more acutely and found myself struggling a bit more with the ascent than I usually would with a similar uphill climb at lower elevations: I was now at over 11300 feet above sea level. My frequent need for breaks during the climb gave me more time to enjoy lovely views over Bishop Lake at the foot of Mount No Goode and Mount Goode. Bishop Lake is the last of the chain of lakes in the valley and is thus also the headwaters of South Fork Bishop Creek.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZs59f0kVsU0XrAj0oupHMpuauHcEmzScHxhCQVUp_BTT_bNVug2G_tBFtx9DCL3Pc711_cLRR0s4MciLKyMbj7MY8mQSGCU-v8t9Cr2D_rwrnDhP-XErAhyd9DTxP1aXpMo5Eg-CKYC-aTjpwLm3DhMbqIdPla9BBlzwJ_qWMM3HdDAWoaQGlxrX/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZs59f0kVsU0XrAj0oupHMpuauHcEmzScHxhCQVUp_BTT_bNVug2G_tBFtx9DCL3Pc711_cLRR0s4MciLKyMbj7MY8mQSGCU-v8t9Cr2D_rwrnDhP-XErAhyd9DTxP1aXpMo5Eg-CKYC-aTjpwLm3DhMbqIdPla9BBlzwJ_qWMM3HdDAWoaQGlxrX/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>As the trail continued to climb, the trees ended and the I entered rocky scree slopes that make up the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The trail made liberal use of switchbacks to moderate the grade during the ascent, which tackled a set of cliffs that almost seemed to wall off the pass from the valley below. Incredible views back down the valley to Bishop and Saddlerock Lakes opened up. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz5gO2Fd-U-Bu7edXYHWM2VFBK-csymW7Lf76S7_xeiUqay2OqFpCAM3ooPmM0FLpBGRMf-u6KVQytKMw9GJy7AsEmBufvBtfhD6W1WSB_6Rtvk_yUFvAHHJhDZydJptxR4LeRmvZGrJRAeTZM5c14eflFt7OBR0vYlJ0k8Hokiqg5FV8k3gAtTuz/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz5gO2Fd-U-Bu7edXYHWM2VFBK-csymW7Lf76S7_xeiUqay2OqFpCAM3ooPmM0FLpBGRMf-u6KVQytKMw9GJy7AsEmBufvBtfhD6W1WSB_6Rtvk_yUFvAHHJhDZydJptxR4LeRmvZGrJRAeTZM5c14eflFt7OBR0vYlJ0k8Hokiqg5FV8k3gAtTuz/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the South Fork Bishop Creek valley</td></tr></tbody></table>A more macabre find during the climb were the full skeletons of a number of deer and a good amount of scattered deer bones and hide. These remains were left over from a 2017 mass death event of mule deer at Bishop Pass. Bishop Pass is an animal migration route across the Sierra Nevada; in 2017, mule deer that overwinter in Round Valley in the Eastern Sierra were descending from their summer homes in the High Sierra but ran into icy and treacherous conditions at Bishop Pass, which caused around a hundred of the herd to slip down the slope that this very trail follows to their deaths.<br /><br />At 5.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail delivered its final views over the South Fork Bishop Creek Valley before heading into a small ravine. While the approach to Bishop Pass from the north is quite steep, the pass itself is quite broad: it took a half mile of fairly flat hiking across rocky terrain to finally arrive at the nearly 12000-foot high pass at 6 miles from the trailhead. Arriving at the pass, I crossed from Inyo National Forest into Kings Canyon National Park.<br /><br />The view of the Kings Canyon backcountry from the far end of Bishop Pass was stunning. Mount Agassiz rose directly from the pass to the south, while a wall of summits that included Columbine Peak and Giraud Peak rose to the west.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HlUXIYrmJCo1o8YnVlP7dJ0Wp1nEhdXEVPno8InB-dDxv0uMKAyrCbSff1B-3FY1YRAxsvk4IWthfaVm0E6OHowXKWCQ7szCr_wL_HZiDruOxPeg40VoqxUwRGNW4ecE0YyJtyE8rjJ2s0p6tO8BSotEJqM5JnCiMMxaeb5t7CVa8JKf6JBLspLo/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HlUXIYrmJCo1o8YnVlP7dJ0Wp1nEhdXEVPno8InB-dDxv0uMKAyrCbSff1B-3FY1YRAxsvk4IWthfaVm0E6OHowXKWCQ7szCr_wL_HZiDruOxPeg40VoqxUwRGNW4ecE0YyJtyE8rjJ2s0p6tO8BSotEJqM5JnCiMMxaeb5t7CVa8JKf6JBLspLo/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Sierra view from Bishop Pass</td></tr></tbody></table>Bishop Pass is a good turnaround point for many day hikers: the round trip to this destination is 12 miles, a satisfying full day hike for most people. Dusy Basin is the hike's most scenic destination and is only an additional 3 miles round trip, but is about 650 feet downhill from Bishop Pass, which means that there is a substantial ascent for hikers on their return journey. If you have enough in the tank, Dusy Basin is a very rewarding destination, but if the hike's altitude, length, or weather have you skeptical about going onward, Bishop Pass is an appropriate place to turn around. Day hikers to Dusy Basin should especially be aware of summer thunderstorms, as returning to the trailhead requires a second crossing of Bishop Pass, meaning that lightning can effectively create a temporary trap for day hikers on the wrong side of the Sierra Crest.</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued on towards Dusy Basin by continuing along the trail from Bishop Pass. The trail began to ascend gradually at first as it traveled through rocky scree and then meadows with million-dollar views of Columbine Peak, Mount Agassiz, and the Black Divide. The landscape below soon opened up into the meadows of the upper part of the Dusy Basin; the trail skirted around this area by descending along a minor ridge down into the main part of Dusy Basin.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEJ7msqAoE2hWteSM9PQpDuLeG4WfDwoRELR7g4XAfyGd02A9jNzBH5MrbZDWxUfjgCoGOysxJolQ6c6J55QW3nc5g5N6uwDOT37A7MNIrhARN1D-gJOj8ik46-_6QLIfUD2TfcSTiy9lf8As8GWBtFR8VAF8OD5iy-FNaAltc1Pz0_z8uTVQnPiQ/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEJ7msqAoE2hWteSM9PQpDuLeG4WfDwoRELR7g4XAfyGd02A9jNzBH5MrbZDWxUfjgCoGOysxJolQ6c6J55QW3nc5g5N6uwDOT37A7MNIrhARN1D-gJOj8ik46-_6QLIfUD2TfcSTiy9lf8As8GWBtFR8VAF8OD5iy-FNaAltc1Pz0_z8uTVQnPiQ/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giraud Peak rises over upper Dusy Basin<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The descent into the basin was scenic every step of the way: this area has some of the very best scenery of the High Sierra. At 7 miles from the trailhead, the descent began leveling out as the trail entered the main basin of Dusy Basin. A lake was visible off to the left- this would be my destination for the day. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiusPQb1lNpd78D4m6N6cF9a5Nk_rK7XLKkeaIkz4XPF3b6Db-6JCqYqJtiWYUAVpxKX5Hg8UVdwWhb9KsKGiuG6iSKwj_yv6zrNjYOIqYXoMLR3HYMEik9XuUL0fWlN3DZh96jEbLwgAWO5UEyQpgDghU8od2eLC2bGtReZ2fb-9bQ7oR5oznNGnY/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiusPQb1lNpd78D4m6N6cF9a5Nk_rK7XLKkeaIkz4XPF3b6Db-6JCqYqJtiWYUAVpxKX5Hg8UVdwWhb9KsKGiuG6iSKwj_yv6zrNjYOIqYXoMLR3HYMEik9XuUL0fWlN3DZh96jEbLwgAWO5UEyQpgDghU8od2eLC2bGtReZ2fb-9bQ7oR5oznNGnY/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into Dusy Basin with views of the Black Divide</td></tr></tbody></table>The Bishop Pass Trail does not itself visit any lakes in Dusy Basin, so I left the trail at this point and traveled cross country until reaching this nameless but strikingly beautiful lake.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKHkznpk2R_iGS_2fP_kdG_NIxQExJiIL2d4wvS_6d4EsDsSVn_BqlVQHL5TS_0c18MJECLC9QJYvCZIIjEjTJRO7NXVul-jDT-2SvFBIO8AhKzUSrschmTyyMiQ0UspkulBEhp3sLsO1gSFMWGRvhDwXOXRmDgFWaFHkWKAZxazLq9bR5EKRywBn/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKHkznpk2R_iGS_2fP_kdG_NIxQExJiIL2d4wvS_6d4EsDsSVn_BqlVQHL5TS_0c18MJECLC9QJYvCZIIjEjTJRO7NXVul-jDT-2SvFBIO8AhKzUSrschmTyyMiQ0UspkulBEhp3sLsO1gSFMWGRvhDwXOXRmDgFWaFHkWKAZxazLq9bR5EKRywBn/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine and Isosceles Peaks rise above Dusy Basin</td></tr></tbody></table>The first (and lowest) lake in Dusy Basin featured some lush, green meadows on its shoreline but had a stark and barren backdrop of dramatic granite peaks. Chief among those peaks was an austere ridge of skyscrapers composed of Mount Agassiz, Mount Winchell, Thunderbolt Peak, and North Palisade. North Palisade- the last of this parade- is the third highest peak in the Sierra Nevada.</div><div><br /></div><div>To the right of this great wall rose Isosceles and Columbine Peaks. Isosceles Peak indeed looked like an isosceles triangle from this vantage point. Further to the right rose Giraud Peak, a particularly picturesque wall of granite; beyond that lay the Black Divide. To fully soak in the scenery, I spent over an hour wandering around the environs surrounding the lake, taking in not only the lake itself but the idyllic nearby meadows and streams, all set beneath one of the most stunning High Sierra backdrops.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgQKHLJ00FuaAzFf8d6cXfarNOHf7P2tyF95-wpY43bETGcIMOAz36L54Xt5QqBx_vYID_vQst8tJR2ctaiVteiH7-OtKgrKtJiLVtyOOpy9qhqyzYp2dK69GdqdnwbJgrrPgariUeF8KOnacqHm4oTahRV9_eIfk_asSK_WPZ5g0HJEy4Pe2qtzc/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgQKHLJ00FuaAzFf8d6cXfarNOHf7P2tyF95-wpY43bETGcIMOAz36L54Xt5QqBx_vYID_vQst8tJR2ctaiVteiH7-OtKgrKtJiLVtyOOpy9qhqyzYp2dK69GdqdnwbJgrrPgariUeF8KOnacqHm4oTahRV9_eIfk_asSK_WPZ5g0HJEy4Pe2qtzc/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Palisade and Columbine Peak over the first lake in Dusy Basin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSI5X2gPlb0l-1o48VrO-2e6VA1Oy_JGDpd7jZ-S2aCJ_e9uzjlzomIXAK5uNJOVi2CHZOwFRwNu0FJf2cAsOBQ3wlrAtxRxz6iPt9XyxL6ZP6af0vpCbwh0p5Ho4u11EyIU5m9wZqZKeFVJrIB69wJAw6lNE5xyDMcrXhmj9_n8ck5x6P8I2rGZG/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSI5X2gPlb0l-1o48VrO-2e6VA1Oy_JGDpd7jZ-S2aCJ_e9uzjlzomIXAK5uNJOVi2CHZOwFRwNu0FJf2cAsOBQ3wlrAtxRxz6iPt9XyxL6ZP6af0vpCbwh0p5Ho4u11EyIU5m9wZqZKeFVJrIB69wJAw6lNE5xyDMcrXhmj9_n8ck5x6P8I2rGZG/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine Peak and Isosceles Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquScggUwY5sExwrfc70w35DI6rJKFYf01oE068QcnPwN7E9Z4xE2EaA2Y3BzyW3EcryXBZmCRf0bV0Md_q0DPfxmPjcNfxeMsNmc5vs0XjA8Q-4BND68w2hEsZQJe8LgKraWzhjHelWvuCgoWvdy7qqDBngg_D40ErY9cJXCCvZ1ZfKrc1c3yoWk1/s6000/Dusy%20Basin%2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquScggUwY5sExwrfc70w35DI6rJKFYf01oE068QcnPwN7E9Z4xE2EaA2Y3BzyW3EcryXBZmCRf0bV0Md_q0DPfxmPjcNfxeMsNmc5vs0XjA8Q-4BND68w2hEsZQJe8LgKraWzhjHelWvuCgoWvdy7qqDBngg_D40ErY9cJXCCvZ1ZfKrc1c3yoWk1/w640-h426/Dusy%20Basin%2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Agassiz, Mount Winchell, Thunderbolt Peak, and North Palisade</td></tr></tbody></table>There are four additional lakes in the upper reaches of Dusy Basin, which is an area where hikers can spend days exploring. As I was on a day hike to Dusy Basin, I unfortunately only had time to enjoy the first lake before I had to return. This would undoubtedly be an incredible place to camp and see alpenglow on Sierra peaks; I just didn't have the time on this trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>An early afternoon thunderstorm flared up while I was in the Dusy Basin, forcing me to wait out the storm near the lake. After the storm lifted temporarily, I made a quick dash back up to Bishop Pass and made a rapid descent back into the South Fork Bishop Creek Valley before the next round of lightning kicked in. I finished the hike after a lengthy 12 hour day.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were a decent number of other hikers on this trail: the Bishop Creek area is one of the best known High Sierra hiking areas and is clearly not off the beaten path. However, it never felt crowded as the other hikers were spread out over such a lengthy trail. The beauty of this landscape is ultimately rivalled by only a few other alpine regions in the United States; any serious hiker should not miss seeing the High Sierra scenery here.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-40786501743025407752023-08-23T17:00:00.146-07:002023-08-23T17:00:00.155-07:00Snow Mountain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERvGDNMl45i-Vm0z3Vu6UQtpAXsVj509L73iQzowAoQGI1koPnnpQRlYHpHhSTuj5LUTpksAzt4hqTuc_wG_4_xYz3GeFuZ_tnDykBMlA5uae_bi-z84PtjYQ5Vl-HxsIC5YJwXOSisGQwS4LKQ5biRG-jvzPj-tVgFBgfRxgk2WQBLaOwgVH8fqC5Q8/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERvGDNMl45i-Vm0z3Vu6UQtpAXsVj509L73iQzowAoQGI1koPnnpQRlYHpHhSTuj5LUTpksAzt4hqTuc_wG_4_xYz3GeFuZ_tnDykBMlA5uae_bi-z84PtjYQ5Vl-HxsIC5YJwXOSisGQwS4LKQ5biRG-jvzPj-tVgFBgfRxgk2WQBLaOwgVH8fqC5Q8/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southerly views from the summit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> 16 miles round trip, 4300 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Strenuous, stream crossing involved<br />Access: Narrow paved road to trailhead, no fee required<div><br /></div><div>Snow Mountain is the first peak of California's Coast Range north of San Francisco to exceed 7000 feet in elevation and thus is a particularly prominent mountain in the range; its name derives from the fact that the peak is usually snow-covered through the winter and spring and it is the northern namesake landmark of Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Monument, which was established in 2017. These factoids about Snow Mountain may make it an appealing destination; the summit itself, however, is hardly worth the effort necessary to reach it. The approach from the Deafy Glade trailhead is long, grueling, and frequently very hot and passes through ghastly areas that were incinerated by the Ranch Fire in 2018. Summit views are nice, but Snow Mountain is ultimately far from being a scenic highlight in a state that is home to the Trinity Alps, the Cascades, the Santa Lucia Range, and the High Sierra. Hikers who love tagging notable high points may still find this hike rewarding, but most hikers will find better value hiking elsewhere in the state.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trail from Deafy Glade requires crossing Stony Creek; the level of the creek can be quite high in spring and may make the hike less safe or even impassable. I hiked in July and found the creek level to be fine; in most years, the creek crossing should be manageable in May or later, although you should check the latest conditions before hiking.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hike consists of four major portions: an initial mile of relatively flat hiking from the Deafy Glade Trailhead to Stony Creek, three miles of morale-busting ascent after the creek crossing that form the bulk of hike's uphill, a little over 2 miles of continued ascent along the Summit Springs Trail through the 2018 Ranch Fire burn area, and a final mile and a half through a subalpine landscape to the summit.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trailhead for Snow Mountain is a surprisingly long drive from the Bay Area: it's about a 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco. To reach the Deafy Glade Trailhead from I-5, I left the freeway at Exit 586 and followed the Maxwell Colusa Road west through the town of Maxwell, at which point it turned into the Maxwell Sites Road. I followed the road into the mountains and then through the town of Sites, at which point it turned into Sites Lodoga Road. Sites Lodoga Road traveled through the mountains for 14 miles to reach Lodoga, where I turned right onto Lodoga Stonyford Road. Another 8 miles along this road through a broad valley brought me to Stonyford, where Lodoga Stonyford Road ended at its junction with Market Street next to the Stonyford General Store. Turning left onto Market Street, I headed north just two blocks before turning left again onto Fouts Spring Road. The final 13 miles of driving were along Fouts Spring Road, which entered the Coast Range and became extremely windy, taking about 40 minutes to travel. The road remained paved the entire time and I arrived at the trailhead, a small pull-off on the right side of the road, just under a mile after passing the Dixie Glade Campground. The trailhead is not well marked, there is limited parking, and there are no restrooms, as this is an off the beaten path hike. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Deafy Glade Trail followed a road trace west from the Deafy Glade parking area, staying level and contouring along the side of the mountain through the forest as the Fouts Spring Road continued ascending just uphill from the trail. Although road traces are generally easy to follow, the trail here was extremely brushy throughout and overgrown in parts, making it both a challenge to move through the vegetation and at times a little hard to follow. I recommend long pants to avoid picking up ticks here. The first mile of the trail was a very gradual descent as the Deafy Glade Trail traveled towards its crossing of Stony Creek. As I approached Stony Creek, I began to catch glimpses of Deafy Rock, a massive outcrop, across the creek, although there were no clear views of the rock due to the tree cover. The gradual descent steepened on the final approach to Stony Creek and at one mile into the hike I came to the creek.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj288o45konbJuZeTtIzFnSC_yS8ScXWL6zdCPV0ipbUiQ8UeWFEA_1e8AUE7oaB-t0gtBx60UKlayb4m4K7VBx0ScpWCUkbQs6UwisTpuur23EMig6QvJ2BF6JW01e1GVlt3x3QpGwHD-v4R-hUi_2Fhg6mvVXRWdblWY2DRWtkupC4XkZW7KeVpQhPI8/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj288o45konbJuZeTtIzFnSC_yS8ScXWL6zdCPV0ipbUiQ8UeWFEA_1e8AUE7oaB-t0gtBx60UKlayb4m4K7VBx0ScpWCUkbQs6UwisTpuur23EMig6QvJ2BF6JW01e1GVlt3x3QpGwHD-v4R-hUi_2Fhg6mvVXRWdblWY2DRWtkupC4XkZW7KeVpQhPI8/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stony Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>The environs around Stony Creek were lush and green, a stark difference from the terrain that would come ahead. The creek is bit too wide and deep to be rock-hopped, so I switched out for some sandals to cross the creek, where the water came up halfway up my calf in July.<div><br /></div><div>After crossing the creek, the Deafy Glade Trail immediately embarked upon the hike's primary climb. After curving into a small ravine, the trail used a direct and brutal angle of ascent to gain the crest of a minor ridge. The trail then followed the backbone of this ridge directly uphill and quickly lifted me above the creek. At one point early along this ascent, a social trail branched off to the right that led to a rare view of massive Deafy Rock rising above the forested valley of Stony Creek.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGr_cKkyjge9aCF62yivQngE-FO01e-jFbaK-KYe-pec7sS6MVzLIGZYL7CIIPX72zcs58DT5khl8aFBrfJZEaMGyR_BCDGbq4h-UjaTcXsxE7T6WRPjvZ2-poiSXeIFmK3xo9DoOol_3QIxQSeaFGFM_eKQVTDYnpQvkHs81k3Wizj_CGkA5bfwIsaw/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGr_cKkyjge9aCF62yivQngE-FO01e-jFbaK-KYe-pec7sS6MVzLIGZYL7CIIPX72zcs58DT5khl8aFBrfJZEaMGyR_BCDGbq4h-UjaTcXsxE7T6WRPjvZ2-poiSXeIFmK3xo9DoOol_3QIxQSeaFGFM_eKQVTDYnpQvkHs81k3Wizj_CGkA5bfwIsaw/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deafy Rock<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A third of a mile and 300 feet of ascent after crossing Stony Creek, the trail came to an open meadow surrounded by trees. The trail skirted the eastern side of the meadow all while ascending and I spotted a handful of wildflowers that had bloomed into July; it was clear that the area would've been greener and sported more flowers earlier during the year. After the northeastern corner of the meadow, the trail turned sharply uphill and began the soul-sucking ascent up Morale Buster Hill. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhUQ6FMCxm9BFMsA7ywbH2VT1gYq7CGhGE6fmYfQvTJ3H1xjBYVkvzri7vA26c-aqM5TZzJLEJTfM7JftqR3OUEAQimLiVr94HSCkv0Ak16mZ0BxeRMHsfqxrFYkF3TfGIpNvNJ_dLFty74kdyEVySJ1OitVEobv1JUckjCS2hyzjdGbFHUQq0v__h8g/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhUQ6FMCxm9BFMsA7ywbH2VT1gYq7CGhGE6fmYfQvTJ3H1xjBYVkvzri7vA26c-aqM5TZzJLEJTfM7JftqR3OUEAQimLiVr94HSCkv0Ak16mZ0BxeRMHsfqxrFYkF3TfGIpNvNJ_dLFty74kdyEVySJ1OitVEobv1JUckjCS2hyzjdGbFHUQq0v__h8g/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow near Deafy Glade</td></tr></tbody></table>Over the next 1.2 miles, the trail ascended nearly directly up the slopes of Snow Mountain. The trail through the forest here was often brushy and I almost lost it on one or two occasions, but its general route along the top of a minor ridge made it a bit easier to relocate when I lost the path. It's best to do this hike as early in the morning as possible during the summer, because this ascent can become quite hot later in the day. This was one of the more brutal ascents that I've dealt with in California and a big part of the reason I classified this hike as being strenuous.</div><div><br /></div><div>At 2.6 miles from the trailhead and more than 1500 feet of uphill, I got some slight relief from the intensity of the ascent as the trail began to switchback with a slightly more moderate grade. The uphill didn't stop, though, continuing through a set of switchbacks until the trail gained the South Ridge of Snow Mountain at 4.2 miles and came to its junction with the Summit Springs Trail.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I reached the junction with the Summit Springs Trail, I had traveled just over half of the distance from the Deafy Glade Trailhead to Snow Mountain's summit but had completed nearly 2500 feet of elevation gain. From the manzanita-covered ridge, there were the first significant views of the hike, encompassing the peaks of the Coast Range to the south and to the west as well as the Central Valley to the east and High Rock above. I took the right fork at the junction to follow the Summit Springs Trail north towards Snow Mountain; the left fork led downhill to an alternate trailhead that is much makes for a much shorter hike to Snow Mountain but requires much more driving and a 4WD vehicle to access.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk81w5JoNcyOScoSp5nhHRVjDijgTLm3FVSAshsNi-iFhftkyVlogRFCIxBdBXDZFEdiFjX5y7EFnv3MTr-zqFaP5TI75lMHDIw1U88W1Mc6b926p3fWxPF_X0sl4PmcqY2WLgOQ2KUmwVsJXAJxz5OxjThA-SCr6m5wgWpl6W84mvmzOdgEbiRlEaFA/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk81w5JoNcyOScoSp5nhHRVjDijgTLm3FVSAshsNi-iFhftkyVlogRFCIxBdBXDZFEdiFjX5y7EFnv3MTr-zqFaP5TI75lMHDIw1U88W1Mc6b926p3fWxPF_X0sl4PmcqY2WLgOQ2KUmwVsJXAJxz5OxjThA-SCr6m5wgWpl6W84mvmzOdgEbiRlEaFA/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Springs Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>I followed the Summit Springs Trail north along a ridge with wide open views, continuing to ascend steadily. The openness of the Summit Springs Trail here made the terrain much hotter: in fact, upon leaving the forest of the Deafy Glade Trail, there would be no more extended areas of shade along the hike at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a short stretch of hiking atop the ridge, the Summit Springs Trail peeled off to the west side of the ridge. While the entirety of the terrain of this hike burned in the 2018 Ranch Fire, part of the larger Mendocino Complex Fire, the damage was limited and often non-obvious along the Deafy Glade Trail: however, the upper reaches of Snow Mountain burned intensely and the effects of the fire became obvious along the Summit Springs Trail. At 4.5 miles, the trail turned into a small ravine that was once forested but was now just a graveyard of charred trunks. While brushy vegetation had sprouted in the four years since the fire, it seemed clear that recovery of the full forest would take a while.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4GLyBAlUnk58i_ZI8GFz09S0DAggq6FRvY6pcveC3KoeMOkYhYtxNo7P_lP6dCQ8am-U-7eVdGg_SxrABIAA8WU30tzU2dG7z1Gr3pFgg_7XdnpOg5D4wginBo0O8HIdyDtceuvAGC9CfwMhP6QMcVtbm8PgD6ISOjbiBnealFi6vV6Z1s5DT3x4Tx4/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4GLyBAlUnk58i_ZI8GFz09S0DAggq6FRvY6pcveC3KoeMOkYhYtxNo7P_lP6dCQ8am-U-7eVdGg_SxrABIAA8WU30tzU2dG7z1Gr3pFgg_7XdnpOg5D4wginBo0O8HIdyDtceuvAGC9CfwMhP6QMcVtbm8PgD6ISOjbiBnealFi6vV6Z1s5DT3x4Tx4/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through the burn area of the Ranch Fire</td></tr></tbody></table>The Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018 was the largest wildfire in California's history when it happened, although it would be dwarfed by the megafires of 2020 and 2021 soon afterwards. Over 450000 acres burned between the Clear Lake area through Snow Mountain; combined with the August Complex Fire in 2020 and the Monument Fire in 2021, nearly every acre of the Coast Range between Clear Lake and the Trinity Alps were torched, a slow-motion conflagration of astounding proportions that illustrates how the climate of these mountains has changed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP8XltrIb1PXmgRRlqQJtYhLwRQZOtbTggnBkTORwR_97hAqVhdQWfuGxv3UBrCSnu9P-fp0Qte_JP3AkOLrLhH1ca-Tc_kCpqf-3kgBHXV4S-b96AwltMWP9krw7gDPXaea3p6dKmKIY16EHvya7fH85epYNzqWAYFulwLHsskLkes8hhopLdrcXn3E/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP8XltrIb1PXmgRRlqQJtYhLwRQZOtbTggnBkTORwR_97hAqVhdQWfuGxv3UBrCSnu9P-fp0Qte_JP3AkOLrLhH1ca-Tc_kCpqf-3kgBHXV4S-b96AwltMWP9krw7gDPXaea3p6dKmKIY16EHvya7fH85epYNzqWAYFulwLHsskLkes8hhopLdrcXn3E/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer amidst Ranch Fire devastation</td></tr></tbody></table>Numerous switchbacks through the burn area brought me out to the spine of the ridge again. Here, I had a grand view of High Rock, an outcrop that marked the southern end of the higher elevation cluster of hills and peaks around Snow Mountain. Beyond High Rock, I could see back out to Central Valley and the Sutter Buttes, a tiny, circular collection of hills in the heart of the valley between Yuba City and Oroville. On a clear day, it would be possible to see the Sierra Nevada and spot peaks like the Sierra Buttes, but the day of my hike was a standard summer day, meaning that a layer of haze covered the Central Valley and restricted longer-range views to the east.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa5R8x8ZnsxLdBtdjvc8FWgsQVY7taLlugD9PjXMK81vr2llB3vjsjy6Wcee0OvHw8MR4n-1a9eHFAegT2xJo1vZ7U4Xu8znfS3T6kNYlDn-crZzDBdI5m1FJU6YYpX_jQxFWM8HW69oA_InRb41eBbCTc87vdL2hczlaBFs-kF5xdFv3WZto3AE386w/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa5R8x8ZnsxLdBtdjvc8FWgsQVY7taLlugD9PjXMK81vr2llB3vjsjy6Wcee0OvHw8MR4n-1a9eHFAegT2xJo1vZ7U4Xu8znfS3T6kNYlDn-crZzDBdI5m1FJU6YYpX_jQxFWM8HW69oA_InRb41eBbCTc87vdL2hczlaBFs-kF5xdFv3WZto3AE386w/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Rock and Central Valley views</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail flattened out for a brief stretch as it reentered another charred ghost forest. At 5.8 miles, the trail descended slightly and came to a large meadow. A few trees surrounding this meadow had survived the fire, making for a tiny oasis of green in an otherwise barren and charred landscape. During the spring snowmelt, this meadow contains the small Cedar Pond, but the pond had disappeared for the summer by the time of my hike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5_MBns2kuZvKjl9LW0MzyW5kduWSpiNx-VoAxR065ZwyXV0hTqDGK220Q5rKA0TBgO7Ab3mXVpRPSFl0GcOiqXoYPO0MOiyf9hNbkWUMik6h3LqAM-ZwSgXrYCP_b7a8wBaSyO7v94q3AwV_aWVyvQ6gZNKgACuUG4BNGZnhufFbTejKP8eYINSc-6c/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5_MBns2kuZvKjl9LW0MzyW5kduWSpiNx-VoAxR065ZwyXV0hTqDGK220Q5rKA0TBgO7Ab3mXVpRPSFl0GcOiqXoYPO0MOiyf9hNbkWUMik6h3LqAM-ZwSgXrYCP_b7a8wBaSyO7v94q3AwV_aWVyvQ6gZNKgACuUG4BNGZnhufFbTejKP8eYINSc-6c/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar "Pond" amidst the devastation of the 2018 Ranch Fire</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail skirted the eastern end of the meadow and delved back into the charred forest. I ascended steadily through one small ravine; at the top of that ravine, I came into another burnt ravine and followed it up to a saddle at 6.5 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The extended ascent that started from the crossing of Stony Creek ended here. Reaching the saddle, I could finally see the summit of Snow Mountain for the first time, about a mile north from where I stood. From here onward, the burnt forest thinned out and was replaced by chaparral and subalpine meadows. The trail descended briefly after leaving the saddle and then stayed level for a while as it crossed through a number of clearings with sweeping views east into Central Valley. At 7.2 miles, the trail reached a basin at the base of Snow Mountain's east peak and began ascending again along a small stream.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the most scenic part of the hike, with scenery that more closely resembled that of the state's famed alpine regions than the standard Coast Range scenery. There were still many wildflowers blooming in the meadows here and the sparser trees here appeared to have largely escaped the fiery fate of the forest near Cedar Pond. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAroUDmLvJ5viUQkYZuxTtJqMDHfOhdmMbhdSxl6F3WO6J5z8iNxKIz_M2uvAT2MEa7YLR42OIhdTnK2OgTPJy_srCtw_JUlL4ml7Jm6t3_dUI6Butl42yzA3dCGRpBX4KLPSQkm_2RUP88m92vU5rzTrR7Rk7eqZh9SlZkqEY1a6-DrusfPovG26kbS0/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAroUDmLvJ5viUQkYZuxTtJqMDHfOhdmMbhdSxl6F3WO6J5z8iNxKIz_M2uvAT2MEa7YLR42OIhdTnK2OgTPJy_srCtw_JUlL4ml7Jm6t3_dUI6Butl42yzA3dCGRpBX4KLPSQkm_2RUP88m92vU5rzTrR7Rk7eqZh9SlZkqEY1a6-DrusfPovG26kbS0/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow and the Snow Mountain East summit</td></tr></tbody></table>The Summit Springs Trail led uphill to a saddle between Snow Mountain's East and West summits at just over 7.5 miles. The East Peak was the mountain's true high point, so I turned right and followed the open, rocky ridgeline towards the summit. The trail was not always obvious here but my objective was obvious enough that I knew to make a beeline for the summit along the ridge.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyPQPp1ul2eJyM9gwur5PHhhKeWqAyaecWPjFDyeauUSHASGAiv7iMcoYNBDWvxzrxmai0L-RLaNKtM0b5qCd7R0fuUaNES-1CPW10t4_ZJbEheyb7YP0NWIa1Ua1BcRG_l8oZafviMPuMHpKEPkKChdjGYL2MDFvOIfxZem5eQMOdUtZggFzdJeWU-4/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyPQPp1ul2eJyM9gwur5PHhhKeWqAyaecWPjFDyeauUSHASGAiv7iMcoYNBDWvxzrxmai0L-RLaNKtM0b5qCd7R0fuUaNES-1CPW10t4_ZJbEheyb7YP0NWIa1Ua1BcRG_l8oZafviMPuMHpKEPkKChdjGYL2MDFvOIfxZem5eQMOdUtZggFzdJeWU-4/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge leading to the summit of Snow Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table>A few switchbacks assisted the final push to the summit. While the rocky summit looked barren from a distance, I found it brimming with wildflowers when I got closer, which added some much needed color to a landscape that showed too much wildfire devastation.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM_kDV4wLNsUAZX6mUMvfZGK1-5NuJWc_6SVkn2SEPMifQPNupnjvshLTqxVguMeywcoSUhGvPKQOybWgJ__qjatdLdbzq9a-Sb_QnR4guexcsxVln_QRbx6Q-poxKcjC4DYG1ugkw3x3DjS4WMNEusgOcGsMiCnNQwNmyNWvRQRkFTVjk5kpfdt0C6c/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM_kDV4wLNsUAZX6mUMvfZGK1-5NuJWc_6SVkn2SEPMifQPNupnjvshLTqxVguMeywcoSUhGvPKQOybWgJ__qjatdLdbzq9a-Sb_QnR4guexcsxVln_QRbx6Q-poxKcjC4DYG1ugkw3x3DjS4WMNEusgOcGsMiCnNQwNmyNWvRQRkFTVjk5kpfdt0C6c/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflowers near the summit</td></tr></tbody></table>After 8 miles of hard hiking, I arrived at the broad plateau that made up the summit of Snow Mountain East Peak. Walking to the various corners of the plateau, I pieced together a far-ranging panorama of the Coast Range and the Central Valley. The Sutter Buttes, nearby Saint John Mountain, and Mount St. Helena were notable landmarks in the view. On a clearer day, hikers at this summit would likely be able to see the Sierra Buttes, Lassen Peak, and Mount Shasta. The view was lovely, but much of the landscape that I could see was brown from either the summer sun or the Ranch Fire, so it ultimately compared unfavorably to summit views that one can find in the Trinity Alps or the Sierra Nevada. I had the summit completely to myself (in fact, I did not see another human on the trail all day) and had a nice time, but did wonder whether it was worth the intensity of the hike and the summer heat to reach it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2oEwvURI6mdrDb14uq9tum-39EMsKILpsbhzeVRt_wIF2J--DxL-1Vs9zJDJPLd4F2fnfOwB3XOZemCLAeOz3HJgs3No88zP5BdTd3pqMFOBmQEQFyL0iyjvCmt-ijsEhnsS_CtBlIplb7Xv_Z8D9Te1NBdtv82OaDnDYTBcG-4OnP2LutF2s8Sg5vc/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2oEwvURI6mdrDb14uq9tum-39EMsKILpsbhzeVRt_wIF2J--DxL-1Vs9zJDJPLd4F2fnfOwB3XOZemCLAeOz3HJgs3No88zP5BdTd3pqMFOBmQEQFyL0iyjvCmt-ijsEhnsS_CtBlIplb7Xv_Z8D9Te1NBdtv82OaDnDYTBcG-4OnP2LutF2s8Sg5vc/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View into the Central Valley and Sutter Buttes from the top of Snow Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfW2O4YHm7sFalq8G4xtmwU4uwjWNHs-KLcztivpLSJca36BR3RSdW8K89t7o0TW6XXgRzw20fZQU5TLHlF3fCaK8FpaMzYSBRV2jeCCz5CY9gnRXAHve6xJgRO_tixt5opV11bwQQvdpGboRzyXZs4fllunFeNvQcDXoyHkfQhHw4Y_99sGua0O6fBk/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfW2O4YHm7sFalq8G4xtmwU4uwjWNHs-KLcztivpLSJca36BR3RSdW8K89t7o0TW6XXgRzw20fZQU5TLHlF3fCaK8FpaMzYSBRV2jeCCz5CY9gnRXAHve6xJgRO_tixt5opV11bwQQvdpGboRzyXZs4fllunFeNvQcDXoyHkfQhHw4Y_99sGua0O6fBk/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View north along the crest of the Coast Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sep1_UJNCYr0EZ3eVKoidIihpv_V9axQlU_NaxEf0mYAqNbFjoPwpDnjH3wbDiedZst1uSFakWTrBh0Tv17eIrIazcO4RwwpNgezUPo_LOPGFDy-u1dS06kI3qPfGsR3b_9r38Rcd8b_gmrtqSzuUYA7blGprWiQfFMzlRc5vx_soHIjGSuaRZizsYc/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sep1_UJNCYr0EZ3eVKoidIihpv_V9axQlU_NaxEf0mYAqNbFjoPwpDnjH3wbDiedZst1uSFakWTrBh0Tv17eIrIazcO4RwwpNgezUPo_LOPGFDy-u1dS06kI3qPfGsR3b_9r38Rcd8b_gmrtqSzuUYA7blGprWiQfFMzlRc5vx_soHIjGSuaRZizsYc/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south towards Mount St. Helena</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP7KpLEBjb29UGVFGfv9ohmGZ-8jh82c4s5spmMPQrzuiiPCs6b4ub1EyzpowiFO5vigP2Ll8y_bgGnQMqv_qOIpNWPtn-uWEhcDQq-UHuvYjIEOYz-SagSnj6wAnGIDfBn2N8zviVr3jnwERRSDpu22rTJLBi68beyXWMvRXHbjYTMw2R1B97If0jTc/s6000/Snow%20Mountain%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP7KpLEBjb29UGVFGfv9ohmGZ-8jh82c4s5spmMPQrzuiiPCs6b4ub1EyzpowiFO5vigP2Ll8y_bgGnQMqv_qOIpNWPtn-uWEhcDQq-UHuvYjIEOYz-SagSnj6wAnGIDfBn2N8zviVr3jnwERRSDpu22rTJLBi68beyXWMvRXHbjYTMw2R1B97If0jTc/w640-h426/Snow%20Mountain%2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Saint John Mountain and the Central Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-24312879675370707912023-08-19T16:11:00.001-07:002023-08-19T16:11:20.190-07:00Page Meadows<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT-6tl8PZKiDtEdwF3BRWHDpJMzrwbRkzIeRdAII5zQ-IuoRFuV9D2Au199eGJF-nsEMRZnCvC4GyRifxGBUmk4x9DwXo0uyv0Aafb6icDxKTOKOvB-bAn6reA1kPT2NGw4cIPKZbh_zVFgU5XZk2_JraPbvpfgHFcOta6gJi2ohkqNAkQTthNLbz9z0/s6000/Page%20Meadows%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT-6tl8PZKiDtEdwF3BRWHDpJMzrwbRkzIeRdAII5zQ-IuoRFuV9D2Au199eGJF-nsEMRZnCvC4GyRifxGBUmk4x9DwXo0uyv0Aafb6icDxKTOKOvB-bAn6reA1kPT2NGw4cIPKZbh_zVFgU5XZk2_JraPbvpfgHFcOta6gJi2ohkqNAkQTthNLbz9z0/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page Meadows<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>2.5 miles round trip, 100 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<br /><br />In early summer, Page Meadows puts on one of the prettier wildflower shows in the Lake Tahoe area, with nice blooms of common subalpine flowers in its flat grassy expanses at the foot of the rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevada. This easy hike to those meadows is right outside Tahoe City on national forest land and is thus easily reachable by most visitors to Lake Tahoe’s north shore. The downsides of this hike are that the mountain backdrop of the meadows ultimately pales to the huge granite peaks in the High Sierra- while this hike and its flowers and meadows are pleasant, its ultimately not spectacular. Hikers who are looking for some flowers in June and July around Tahoe may find this a worthwhile outing, although most hikers would be better served heading to the High Sierra further south or simply catching more patchy wildflower blooms on hikes to more exciting destinations around the Tahoe area.<br /><br /><div><div><div>There are four main meadows on the hike; there is no need to visit all four, although the third meadow in particular is quite scenic and it is worth going out at least that far if you're hiking here. While there is some initial elevation loss from the trailhead to the meadows, the trail through the meadows is quite flat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked to Page Meadows during an early July trip to Tahoe with Anna and some friends. Early summer is typically the best timing to see wildflowers here: later in summer, when the meadows dry up, the meadows are probably less scenic. A handful of aspens that grow near the meadows also make this a fairly popular spot to see fall colors in October, while snowshoers also come out to this flat and open terrain in winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a number of ways to approach Page Meadows, but the fastest hiking approach is from Silver Tip Drive in Tahoe City. To reach the trailhead from Tahoe City, we took Highway 89 south from the Truckee River bridge for 1.8 miles and then turned right onto Pine Ave. After following Pine Ave for a quarter mile, I turned right onto Tahoe Park Heights Drive. I followed Tahoe Park Heights Drive uphill for three-quarters mile, which had some nice views of the lake as it climbed; after crossing Skyline Drive, Tahoe Park Heights Drive became Big Pine Drive. After continuing briefly on Big Pine Drive, I turned left onto Silver Tip Drive and followed it to its dead end. The trailhead was at the end of a residential street; there was no formal parking lot, just parallel parking along Silver Tip Drive at the dead end, and there were no restrooms here. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trail started out on a four-wheel drive road that continued past the end of Silver Tip Drive. After briefly heading uphill, the trail began to drop gradually downhill through the forest. The road was a little dusty and was occasionally used by 4WD trucks, which made it a little less pleasant. Blooming lupine lined the road but spotting the rarer snow plant was a highlight here: these parasitic plants do not photosynthesize and instead feed off the nutrients of other plants and are typically spotted earlier in the summer.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1roMoohDTyPNHTq1OJiba4s_l0FTKkv4kFgttsWBYXT9wdRKI9J8dLv8uUFYEdIqgKqtuAGQp_nHEE7QfPwdjSvGaZriExgsah53Je5nmXxTkxiKWNSN3RxSQyWPe2Nz0yUvIiwIoFxBDEAnftNFIRQc0R5B_q8L9VASptjZkr2pDQEXfIYka5du-Bug/s6000/Page%20Meadows%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1roMoohDTyPNHTq1OJiba4s_l0FTKkv4kFgttsWBYXT9wdRKI9J8dLv8uUFYEdIqgKqtuAGQp_nHEE7QfPwdjSvGaZriExgsah53Je5nmXxTkxiKWNSN3RxSQyWPe2Nz0yUvIiwIoFxBDEAnftNFIRQc0R5B_q8L9VASptjZkr2pDQEXfIYka5du-Bug/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow plants in the forest</td></tr></tbody></table>At 0.3 miles, we came to a junction with the trail leading down to Page Meadows. We followed this trail off to the right from the 4WD road; this trail descended slightly more through the forest but reached the edge of Page Meadows after just a hundred meters, with the forest opening up to an expansive grassy clearing.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhli8UigKllxmVQrOlYmdPWLrIziQQVeYSnNAjCmEEQBIFYkz1jPwO2eJnBqdlRXavIzTdYRJry3uw-m1O76Bnf_tuc_w9KK3wXDmKhorw8qZqxBI2qwCsTQfTlWp-xpr4gLTqsJR-L1ZnqqsrfgVRPNzn4cHinRjMd4sGeGQwgd-z3gBkDRpRG_Mu_A6E/s6000/Page%20Meadows%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhli8UigKllxmVQrOlYmdPWLrIziQQVeYSnNAjCmEEQBIFYkz1jPwO2eJnBqdlRXavIzTdYRJry3uw-m1O76Bnf_tuc_w9KK3wXDmKhorw8qZqxBI2qwCsTQfTlWp-xpr4gLTqsJR-L1ZnqqsrfgVRPNzn4cHinRjMd4sGeGQwgd-z3gBkDRpRG_Mu_A6E/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Page Meadows through the forest</td></tr></tbody></table>Arriving at the first meadow, we skirted the eastern edge of the meadow, which was lined by forest on all sides. During our visit, the first meadow was primarily grassy and had just a smattering of wildflowers; the center of the meadow was still flooded from the winter's snowmelt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhdZmbOXiYuSF10K5Cp7MkaRkTMxe1ajnDjpC-73hrx0q8_cEZg77XmTTnrg4O2gGFsFeUgyFkW21WzQW3Hye1qw8Ez78lyt26QR_ioFirFr3jK92dNKYEEpYOv7YYTm33Tj7g3CtCfogEhjxp4t6D129ZCW3yND_C3QTdxh3U0tXW6LN0xGmJVBCjfc/s6000/Page%20Meadows%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhdZmbOXiYuSF10K5Cp7MkaRkTMxe1ajnDjpC-73hrx0q8_cEZg77XmTTnrg4O2gGFsFeUgyFkW21WzQW3Hye1qw8Ez78lyt26QR_ioFirFr3jK92dNKYEEpYOv7YYTm33Tj7g3CtCfogEhjxp4t6D129ZCW3yND_C3QTdxh3U0tXW6LN0xGmJVBCjfc/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First meadow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz8JUj0BMrk-NUgzikty3n196eSfxQRa9tGxWLsgmBtWYL0fi32qroq9qRKPe9JklnqT8jzUNVEku7boS0Yw_7CImIaUlyOaRSMSaUBPaaotCJ_IcWetS2UT_KyuF0xiTzU7nhLir15RM-0HvQsDyT30mL599OAbhblNEMjtTGo0O8FBaJoEcpYldi74/s6000/Page%20Meadows%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz8JUj0BMrk-NUgzikty3n196eSfxQRa9tGxWLsgmBtWYL0fi32qroq9qRKPe9JklnqT8jzUNVEku7boS0Yw_7CImIaUlyOaRSMSaUBPaaotCJ_IcWetS2UT_KyuF0xiTzU7nhLir15RM-0HvQsDyT30mL599OAbhblNEMjtTGo0O8FBaJoEcpYldi74/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflowers</td></tr></tbody></table>At a half mile from the trailhead, we came to a junction: the right fork led away from the meadows toward the Tahoe Rim Trail, while the left fork traveled west towards the other meadows. We took the left fork, which led across the heart of the water-logged first meadow. The trail was slightly elevated but the meadow itself was still flooded here; we spotted tadpoles swimming in the murky water amongst the grasses.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5crJtLD74-acyW_sk83sNcN5mE9PDwZoX5xM2apOn0o5WKYQkaeVXMrSttpWhTLjttzGXVtnqv-cT61SShpT4jqeCVWHNUBMz2tSGQS-ZKMudu3uaoaFhi_8NljH0pYxoOyKbacekMtKLWR1nN65ypdMHJDTG_BKf5DOmgSkhG9SU6jMe_5s1D9T2x4/s6000/Page%20Meadows%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5crJtLD74-acyW_sk83sNcN5mE9PDwZoX5xM2apOn0o5WKYQkaeVXMrSttpWhTLjttzGXVtnqv-cT61SShpT4jqeCVWHNUBMz2tSGQS-ZKMudu3uaoaFhi_8NljH0pYxoOyKbacekMtKLWR1nN65ypdMHJDTG_BKf5DOmgSkhG9SU6jMe_5s1D9T2x4/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadpole in the marshy meadows</td></tr></tbody></table>Continuing west along the main trail, we followed the boundary between the forest and the first meadow. There were frequently small, dense patches of wildflowers, including pansies, columbine, and penstemon; the flowers dotted not only the meadow itself but also populated the forest understory.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3sgK2q07koCnWj_eQoKSg1-9LqRoUMlQQvAHcIBK0f8mBPh8Khrm1ZsYrEaPdl46eAHf4GiWKCvLVgFynf5u4RPaIG4tzs9M-6DvZq_o5b_2ktkzkv3mkt82f0MCV-J_jpKmht0NQsHz-x5yFoTJoyWx9fM0qPI0BNJ1e-dbj6oF6wimN4fVGtR-kTA/s6000/Page%20Meadows%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3sgK2q07koCnWj_eQoKSg1-9LqRoUMlQQvAHcIBK0f8mBPh8Khrm1ZsYrEaPdl46eAHf4GiWKCvLVgFynf5u4RPaIG4tzs9M-6DvZq_o5b_2ktkzkv3mkt82f0MCV-J_jpKmht0NQsHz-x5yFoTJoyWx9fM0qPI0BNJ1e-dbj6oF6wimN4fVGtR-kTA/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pansies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU89Bh1mVzluGMTnswh4WAP9YslGaQVh-RpSQ6jKS8XgGIZsPP4TAa4GHW7f5dlFOD86vBP3pErT_gZ9fZgdT57vipoDfgcBwqKXZaLC3GCu24PQCAaaHPLmRrVjJ6cz7HrrIe1C81JxsS9Iob6qfxMEwX8eOt9B3UcemMYJHS76mCyRkmu7uYgCTpaw/s6000/Page%20Meadows%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU89Bh1mVzluGMTnswh4WAP9YslGaQVh-RpSQ6jKS8XgGIZsPP4TAa4GHW7f5dlFOD86vBP3pErT_gZ9fZgdT57vipoDfgcBwqKXZaLC3GCu24PQCAaaHPLmRrVjJ6cz7HrrIe1C81JxsS9Iob6qfxMEwX8eOt9B3UcemMYJHS76mCyRkmu7uYgCTpaw/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail passed through the second meadow at 0.8 miles into the hike; much like the first meadow, this one was ringed by forest with a few mountains visible in the distance, poking above the trees. While the first meadow was fairly busy, the number of hikers began to thin as we hiked further.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Z4k78D-rStAxSIm24ixH0Jyfcjdm2hpRyggffxhvUgBMg8HvfVcSjTal7ZadWxO9Uc1NPo05XNyzp6jPn2ZRsy8VKUuTvueDm98JYSttqhpm5vAhBhMd5beXTHjY4I4ZrKwMO0LiMq2GTVvzgc1cjbVa0hxOJcWX-sz5s63AB65DRJvYPfht9XYFkY/s6000/Page%20Meadows%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Z4k78D-rStAxSIm24ixH0Jyfcjdm2hpRyggffxhvUgBMg8HvfVcSjTal7ZadWxO9Uc1NPo05XNyzp6jPn2ZRsy8VKUuTvueDm98JYSttqhpm5vAhBhMd5beXTHjY4I4ZrKwMO0LiMq2GTVvzgc1cjbVa0hxOJcWX-sz5s63AB65DRJvYPfht9XYFkY/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page Meadows</td></tr></tbody></table>At a mile from the trailhead, we came to the third meadow, which was the prettiest of the meadows during our visit. Rocky peaks peeked out behind the forest that lined the meadow and the center of the meadow had a profuse bloom of purple penstemon. An unmarked spur trail branched off to the left and cut through the meadow, leading through the dense patches of the purple flower; we, however, stayed on the main trail and continued heading west across the meadow.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYcyDzRCRMmpejLZ82U0mdbYOMtxO0Gbgkdsh0VuEXgMlJuK_BeW9_K_UDjbAE0xiOEgvPjH_NCErwwiK-9TiUfZneyFhKxhgM7yLhHpya-jRZpmuG5nJWrUowvq6YtXucCQjyw9OL-ZUKQ9O1wIGUabAu0QTSTPT8Zu5QjHUn9N2VLwZu4GJxmt3jZ0/s6000/Page%20Meadows%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYcyDzRCRMmpejLZ82U0mdbYOMtxO0Gbgkdsh0VuEXgMlJuK_BeW9_K_UDjbAE0xiOEgvPjH_NCErwwiK-9TiUfZneyFhKxhgM7yLhHpya-jRZpmuG5nJWrUowvq6YtXucCQjyw9OL-ZUKQ9O1wIGUabAu0QTSTPT8Zu5QjHUn9N2VLwZu4GJxmt3jZ0/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penstemon blooming around the trail</td></tr></tbody></table>A small clearing just beyond the third meadow delivered the hike's densest profusion of wildflowers: here, we saw penstemon blooming alongside paintbrush and a variety of other wildflowers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeydvDygBzH1oOh92uJbh6c_MTwitLuLG0Pj2LnpF2WZCt2JnCgeqfeXQAh7sxO1GYZ5o4SA5bx5c9RT-w6-QkEL2Ue5HIZgh7maI76RQwDraLQnHPlaGcqMGhVzeNmvJmcBLZucii2Dchc0LfgU9YMt5rOYKvuLBGXqyV-uftMLyOr9eyJW5AFAYNC8/s6000/Page%20Meadows%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeydvDygBzH1oOh92uJbh6c_MTwitLuLG0Pj2LnpF2WZCt2JnCgeqfeXQAh7sxO1GYZ5o4SA5bx5c9RT-w6-QkEL2Ue5HIZgh7maI76RQwDraLQnHPlaGcqMGhVzeNmvJmcBLZucii2Dchc0LfgU9YMt5rOYKvuLBGXqyV-uftMLyOr9eyJW5AFAYNC8/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflower profusion</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail reentered the forest and came to a junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail at 1.3 miles from the trailhead. Here, we took the left fork and headed south briefly to the final meadow, which was still mostly flooded and had limited wildflowers during the time of our visit. After enjoying the views here, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0-Ea4yiYPOw9Oyq7QqWcvY20rka1qF3X4AqEiCosI4xfr0PJ2mAF0rfoMyFBQ8dxE6E7ERb2goQhKYIg-jtlth0A0gdoMHrF31P0EwtntM_q35TKr6yQ0YmaPnoOxKphpzr4scdoobmI1Rt43W4_u3l5cl07QR1BCQTSqomMXjkOGd8nOm66znDPN_g/s6000/Page%20Meadows%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0-Ea4yiYPOw9Oyq7QqWcvY20rka1qF3X4AqEiCosI4xfr0PJ2mAF0rfoMyFBQ8dxE6E7ERb2goQhKYIg-jtlth0A0gdoMHrF31P0EwtntM_q35TKr6yQ0YmaPnoOxKphpzr4scdoobmI1Rt43W4_u3l5cl07QR1BCQTSqomMXjkOGd8nOm66znDPN_g/w640-h426/Page%20Meadows%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last of the meadows</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div>This hike through Page meadows was fairly popular due to its proximity to Tahoe City and residential areas. Tahoe has many spots with better scenery, so Page Meadows is not my highest recommendation in the area, but it is an easy and short hike with nice wildflowers at the right time of year if that's what you're looking for.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-7557849866369987752023-08-09T17:18:00.121-07:002023-08-09T17:18:00.139-07:00Eagle Rock (Tahoe)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFzVDyuRlQ32KI48vY-V6OWC-tN4VSxyM24zEpcjEXdzjUFEkCqrZLuXk5klZ97--2qdGr5WqlR0fT5yaYwrfiec1EigWg1jP6NGddPo1ZHPLzHh_8WgTCI2PHzrV7zvNl_3R83-Dky19YaO-ttsrRTkTv_hYfBpZ9eBokDrf3mO9OBs-uPaECipuqrI/s6000/Eagle%20Rock%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFzVDyuRlQ32KI48vY-V6OWC-tN4VSxyM24zEpcjEXdzjUFEkCqrZLuXk5klZ97--2qdGr5WqlR0fT5yaYwrfiec1EigWg1jP6NGddPo1ZHPLzHh_8WgTCI2PHzrV7zvNl_3R83-Dky19YaO-ttsrRTkTv_hYfBpZ9eBokDrf3mO9OBs-uPaECipuqrI/w640-h426/Eagle%20Rock%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freel Peak and Lake Tahoe from Eagle Rock<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>0.8 miles round trip, 250 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy, although a tad of scrambling may be needed at the summit<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<br /><br />Eagle Rock is a massive outcrop on the west shore of California’s Lake Tahoe that provides lovely views of the blue waters of North America’s largest alpine lake while requiring a short hike of less than a mile round trip from the trailhead on Highway 89. This is a short but popular hike and it’s easy to see why when you’re at the summit: the sweeping views of the lake had here typically requires far more effort to reach. The trail is managed by the California Tahoe Conversancy, a California state agency that operates a number of tracts for recreation and conversation around Lake Tahoe.<br /><br /><div><div>I hiked Eagle Rock with Anna and a few visiting friends over July 4 weekend. The trailhead is a short drive from the Tahoe City area on the lake's West Shore and is about a 40 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe. Coming from Tahoe City, we followed Highway 89 south for 4.5 miles from the junction with Highway 28 and then came to the trailhead on the right (west) side of the road. Driving in, we could see Eagle Rock towering above the highway right before we reached the trailhead parking area. I encourage you to approach from the north, as it's far easier to pull into the roadside parking when driving southbound on Highway 89. There's room for parking for about at least ten cars here; the parking area is often full on summer weekends, but as the trail is short, turnover is pretty fast. There's no bathroom at the trailhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving from the trailhead, the trail began to head west up the forested southern slopes of Eagle Rock. The trail was generally well graded through its early stretches but ascended steadily and reached the spine of Eagle Rock at 0.2 miles, at which point it made a wide turn to the east and began heading east along the northern slopes of the rock up towards the summit. At 0.3 miles, the trail broke out of the forest and onto a massive outcrop; the trail became very rocky here, with a bit of minor scrambling almost necessary at times to reach the top of the eastern face of the outcrop. The volcanic rock atop Eagle Rock was substantially rougher and more jagged than the smooth granite that is generally found elsewhere around Tahoe. The true summit was slightly to the west of where the trail ended, although the best views of Lake Tahoe were atop the cliffs above the east face of the rock.</div><div><br /></div><div>The primary views from atop the cliffs of Eagle Rock extended in all directions but west. Lake Tahoe's placid blue waters lay below us to the east, separated from the rock by Highway 89 and the west shore's orderly conifer forests. From left to right, we could see many of the major peaks around the lake: Mount Pluto; the vast sweep of the Carson Range on the other side of the lake, which included the high summit of Mount Rose, the steep escarpment of Herlan Peak, and the barren summits of Freel and Jobs Peak; and the closer summits of Rubicon and Phipps Peaks in the Sierra Nevada, which rose above nearby McKinney Bay.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzGBo3jumXn1dKhxP382RjwUo6lX9mSk4V32ITT_DPMT1EzKyhrHUEDG_dWeS9cbFNiE21Yrukci2OFAQr4n9DTQsk_pWf_xkyQwPCV4q4PUyE6YLK68s-DaTs90ciCxlElYTacSgMlqJ5zzz-annms5efNE25ERUcxqwHaSjv9hM21Q3f1BRxlkmGgU/s6000/Eagle%20Rock%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzGBo3jumXn1dKhxP382RjwUo6lX9mSk4V32ITT_DPMT1EzKyhrHUEDG_dWeS9cbFNiE21Yrukci2OFAQr4n9DTQsk_pWf_xkyQwPCV4q4PUyE6YLK68s-DaTs90ciCxlElYTacSgMlqJ5zzz-annms5efNE25ERUcxqwHaSjv9hM21Q3f1BRxlkmGgU/w640-h426/Eagle%20Rock%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 89 passes below Eagle Rock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m2w4B-FoJmIGHlfttICZCXLLIrxawsFpJPIMUqZNprJYvT2VVLI-3YgDzRVEEwybupBvTtMhiJ0aR14rkKTkCLw_GVCmOb7zMzuBDiTTHjrp1sSdpfeKBUYkvv-ivyOmLOBFol5X5PHgUFixikZ9kuoZD1zK1B6yiCtUiYNNWuaGYyTgiPEjRNh7sTg/s6000/Eagle%20Rock%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m2w4B-FoJmIGHlfttICZCXLLIrxawsFpJPIMUqZNprJYvT2VVLI-3YgDzRVEEwybupBvTtMhiJ0aR14rkKTkCLw_GVCmOb7zMzuBDiTTHjrp1sSdpfeKBUYkvv-ivyOmLOBFol5X5PHgUFixikZ9kuoZD1zK1B6yiCtUiYNNWuaGYyTgiPEjRNh7sTg/w640-h426/Eagle%20Rock%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubicon and Phipps Peaks rise above the blue waters of Tahoe</td></tr></tbody></table>The main viewpoint was a bit crowded during our holiday weekend visit. To avoid the crowds and check out some alternative views, I made my way over to the true summit, just slightly west of the rock's main cliff face. The view of the lake from here was a bit limited but the view of the rock itself made up for it; there were also far fewer other visitors at the true summit.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLjCIbRzAdG_VWP1NQkr5fStWiYO1-Yl-txQkftVZWairij_4v6Q5bSqVXIqxirFspyyh9XisInP0OIRCC5cM4-kkDUrKVXLYsfbnHRlwR49yBrWmgx0ksQdhJzpZViV_q4_N57dcd5r9dP_qi7IV_ea3LYE9hv7p2ywyQXA88dLkmHAQIheKUCDuxcU/s6000/Eagle%20Rock%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLjCIbRzAdG_VWP1NQkr5fStWiYO1-Yl-txQkftVZWairij_4v6Q5bSqVXIqxirFspyyh9XisInP0OIRCC5cM4-kkDUrKVXLYsfbnHRlwR49yBrWmgx0ksQdhJzpZViV_q4_N57dcd5r9dP_qi7IV_ea3LYE9hv7p2ywyQXA88dLkmHAQIheKUCDuxcU/w640-h426/Eagle%20Rock%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Rock and Lake Tahoe</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div>Eagle Rock is a volcanic plug- it is the eroded remnants of a former volcanic vent. The outcrop is a testament to the importance of volcanic activity in the geologic history of the Lake Tahoe basin. In fact, the formation of the lake itself is due to volcanic activity: the formation of Mount Pluto, the rounded volcano on the northern end of the lake, around 2 million years ago, resulted in lava flows that dammed the outlet of the valley between the Sierra Nevada and the Carson Ranges, creating the alpine dream that we know today as Lake Tahoe.</div><div><br /></div><div>After enjoying the summit scenery, we descended the way we came to end our short but very scenic outing. While this hike is not one of the highlights in the Tahoe area, it was an enjoyable leg stretcher and a worthwhile hour-long excursion for visitors with some extra time during a Tahoe trip.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-70699790691879236942023-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:002023-08-02T17:00:00.139-07:00Lake Aloha<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2I5oNoMAnE/YQ8KnaOk-uI/AAAAAAAAhGQ/pPTuakDwzM0yFoQ5C7zyt5XBrum2Hqs7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2I5oNoMAnE/YQ8KnaOk-uI/AAAAAAAAhGQ/pPTuakDwzM0yFoQ5C7zyt5XBrum2Hqs7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Aloha</td></tr></tbody></table>7.5 miles round trip, 1200 feet elevation gain with boat shuttle (otherwise, 12 miles round trip)<div>Difficulty: Moderate</div><div>Access: Paved road to trailhead, no parking fee required, Echo Lakes boat taxi fee optional</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The 2021 Caldor Fire heavily affected the Echo Lakes area and the Desolation Wilderness. Check current conditions before attempting this hike.<br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div>The shimmering blue, island-dotted waters of Lake Aloha is the most iconic landscape of the Desolation Wilderness in California's Sierra Nevada and is one of the highlight hikes around Lake Tahoe. The approach from Echo Lakes- which is the most popular approach for day hikers- follows the Pacific Crest Trail and gives hikers the option to shorten the hike using a boat shuttle. This route is packed with scenic delights en route and delivers hikers to Lake Aloha with the least overall elevation gain. For those with a full day to hike out to Lake Aloha, this is certainly not to be missed when visiting the Tahoe area. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked to Lake Aloha with Anna and her mother, who was visiting us at the time, during a July visit to Lake Tahoe. The weather was unusually warm during our visit, hitting 90 degrees in the Tahoe area itself during hike, which made this hike somewhat more difficult than it actually is; the hot weather also portended the disaster that the Caldor Fire would wreck on this landscape later that same summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>From South Lake Tahoe, we reached the trailhead by following US Highway 50 south and west from town, passing Meyers and climbing uphill towards Echo Summit. Towards the top of the long Meyers Grade hill, the unmarked Old Meyers Grade Road split off to the right from the highway; we took this right turn. Old Meyers Grade Road continued climbing uphill via a few switchbacks until leveling out after crossing Johnson Pass and coming to a junction after 0.8 miles with the poorly marked Echo Lakes Road shortly after the pass; the Echo Lakes Sno-Park parking area lies directly across from the Echo Lakes Road turnoff. We turned onto Echo Lakes Road and followed it past Berkeley Camp to Echo Chalet. The hiker parking lot above Echo Chalet was already completely full by the time we arrived just after 9 AM, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends if you hope to find parking. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the trailhead at Echo Chalet, there are two ways to reach Lake Aloha. The lowest effort approach is to take a boat taxi from Echo Chalet to the dock at the far end of Upper Echo Lake, which shaves off just over 2 miles each way for the hike. For those who want to reach the lake on their own two feet, the Pacific Crest Trail also runs directly past the front of Echo Chalet before following the northeast shore of Lower and Upper Echo Lakes towards Lake Aloha. As I took the boat, I'll describe that option here; based on my admittedly secondhand knowledge, the PCT option should not pack in too much more elevation gain as it should simply follow the lakeshore. The Echo Lakes boat taxi usually operates 9 AM to 5 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day from Echo Lakes Chalet and typically costs $20/person, each way; current information on the service can be <a href="https://www.echochalet.net/boat-taxi-services/">found here</a>. There is no scheduled service; boats embark whenever there are at least three paying customers, and service back from Upper Echo Lake must be requested by 4:30 PM.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcyK2FQKDjM/YQ8Kpz1V7DI/AAAAAAAAhGc/D3Y9FZPKj9kG13rj7OC_anlawfh6UOTGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcyK2FQKDjM/YQ8Kpz1V7DI/AAAAAAAAhGc/D3Y9FZPKj9kG13rj7OC_anlawfh6UOTGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Echo Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>We boarded a boat taxi and set off across Lower Echo Lake, a long and beautiful reservoir nestled between forested slopes broken by slabs of granite. Within ten minutes, we were across Lower Echo Lake and transiting through the narrow passage connecting the Upper Lake with the Lower Lake. This scenic and shallow passageway sometimes becomes too shallow for travel by late summer, complicating plans for travelers hoping to use the boat shuttle. We passed by many vacation homes- the lake is a popular spot for Californians to retreat during the summer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGPQeRlToTE/YQ8KrXxAUtI/AAAAAAAAhGg/PY2L9YVIs9sBuiTQIVubgdn1DnUmG6mMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGPQeRlToTE/YQ8KrXxAUtI/AAAAAAAAhGg/PY2L9YVIs9sBuiTQIVubgdn1DnUmG6mMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow strait connecting the Echo Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table>The boat continued across Upper Echo Lake, which was especially scenic with the pointed granite summit of Ralston Peak rising behind the lake. After 20 minutes, we arrived at the dock at the far end of Upper Echo Lake; we disembarked and followed a hundred meter-long trail that led uphill to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW8uiM4ooXc/YQ8KrRjDCRI/AAAAAAAAhGk/2HhLbm_IbpouzkniRNpy5q7cUnryfjgcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW8uiM4ooXc/YQ8KrRjDCRI/AAAAAAAAhGk/2HhLbm_IbpouzkniRNpy5q7cUnryfjgcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralston Peak rising above Upper Echo Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Upon meeting up with the Pacific Crest Trail, we turned left and followed the PCT northbound towards Lake Aloha and Canada. The PCT ascended gently through a rocky forest and broke out onto a rocky outcrop a third of a mile after leaving the boat dock. Here, we were rewarded with lovely views back over Echo Lakes, with Upper Echo Lake looking especially beautiful with its placid blue waters dotted with forested islands.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dPx_yQWK78/YQ8KrwTvKxI/AAAAAAAAhGo/e5ap7_YIL14T1zJU9J4HrSL7GQo6g5pbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dPx_yQWK78/YQ8KrwTvKxI/AAAAAAAAhGo/e5ap7_YIL14T1zJU9J4HrSL7GQo6g5pbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo Lakes from the PCT</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail alternated between forest and open granite while making its continual ascent, entering the Desolation Wilderness at 0.7 miles, until breaking out into the open granite for good around a mile from the boat dock. At 1.1 miles, we came to the junction with the spur trail down to Tamarack Lake. We took this spur on our way in, descending along a 200-meter long trail that led down to the shore of shallow Tamarack Lake at the foot of Ralston Peak. This was a pretty although ordinary lake; Ralston Peak's sharp pyramid behind the lake was the nicest part of the view. Mosquitoes were horrendous around this lake in July.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeM2EWP6Hkw/YQ8KuheeGpI/AAAAAAAAhGs/qgxnQuCbBeI8KKA4brgzX3qeUa2e-mOmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeM2EWP6Hkw/YQ8KuheeGpI/AAAAAAAAhGs/qgxnQuCbBeI8KKA4brgzX3qeUa2e-mOmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralston Peak above Tamarack Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Returning to the PCT, we followed the trail northbound as it continued a steady climb. Views over Echo Lake and Tamarack Lake were increasingly impressive over the next mile as we ascended. On a hot and sunny day, this stretch of the trail was quite challenging as we were being baked constantly by the sun with no shade; luckily, the ascent moderated shortly after the trail went through a set of switchbacks and we returned to the forest at 1.8 miles from the boat dock after reaching the summit between the Echo Lakes basin and the Lake Aloha watershed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQLl6WUU_A/YQ8Kvz8yKNI/AAAAAAAAhGw/mUWEhQFNmKgOASRCP6_wzCWH5_7146FugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQLl6WUU_A/YQ8Kvz8yKNI/AAAAAAAAhGw/mUWEhQFNmKgOASRCP6_wzCWH5_7146FugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamarack Lake viewed from the PCT</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail wandered through a mix of pleasant conifer forests and small meadows over the next mile and a half over rolling terrain with mild ascents and descents. While less scenic than the climb up from Echo Lakes, this stretch of the hike was also easier and more shaded, which made it somewhat more pleasant. We passed numerous trail intersections over this stretch for paths branching off to Lake of the Woods and Lake Lucille; at each junction, we stayed on the PCT northbound.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiDEU1jKvI0/YQ8KwoELbWI/AAAAAAAAhG0/N-CpXzG_hYwVIWO3JyMVBQemaFt4V5rzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiDEU1jKvI0/YQ8KwoELbWI/AAAAAAAAhG0/N-CpXzG_hYwVIWO3JyMVBQemaFt4V5rzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows and forest along the PCT in Desolation Wilderness</td></tr></tbody></table>Although generally confined to the forest, this stretch of trail did offer occasional views to the north across Glen Alpine Valley to Mount Tallac, one of the most noteworthy peaks in the Lake Tahoe region. At one point, the trail passed just above small Lake Margery, offering one of the nicest views on this stretch of the hike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGM1fsjVxYg/YQ8KxBHTPXI/AAAAAAAAhG4/fxtEO5lzR2UmKgideQeiLu7fg4Au8Tl5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGM1fsjVxYg/YQ8KxBHTPXI/AAAAAAAAhG4/fxtEO5lzR2UmKgideQeiLu7fg4Au8Tl5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Tallac and Lake Margery</td></tr></tbody></table>At 3.2 miles, the PCT began a gentle but sustained descent through the forest as it dropped into the basin containing Lake Aloha. The trees were dense enough here that there was little sign of the lake until we were almost at its shores; at 3.5 miles, when we could see the lake through the trees, we took a spur trail to the left of the main trail and descended to the shoreline of the lake itself. <br /><br />Lake Aloha is one of the Northern Sierra's most stunning sights. The great granite ridge of the Crystal Range, which encompasses Pyramid Peak, Mount Agassiz, and Mount Price, rose above the sparkling waters of Aloha, which was dotted with numerous stark granite islands. Snow often adorns the bases of the granite cliffs of the Crystal Range, although during the drought year of 2021 there was little snow left by July.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42pxszexZnU/YQ8KnXqh_CI/AAAAAAAAhGY/cwg2IeInG-wD3ySDEjaqvGDPCJWYgDtUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42pxszexZnU/YQ8KnXqh_CI/AAAAAAAAhGY/cwg2IeInG-wD3ySDEjaqvGDPCJWYgDtUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid, Agassiz, and Price rising above Lake Aloha</td></tr></tbody></table>Lake Aloha is not a natural lake, but rather a reservoir formed by a dam across Pyramid Creek built in 1875 that flooded Desolation Valley. PG&E managed this dam and its associated hydroelectric project at the start, although the lake is today overseen by the El Dorado Irrigation District. As the water in Lake Aloha is drawn down for hydroelectric generation, lake levels fluctuate through the season and across years; when lake levels are low, more islands are visible in the middle of the reservoir. Desolation Valley once contained the Medley Lakes, a set of natural lakes scattered across this granite landscape, before all of the Medley Lakes were merged into the single Lake Aloha by the building of the dam. That this lake is not fully natural and is still being actively managed for human uses is a bit incongruous with the fact that Desolation Wilderness is supposed to be a federally protected wilderness area, but certainly the lake's unnatural origin does not detract much from its incredible beauty.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX60SWLBgnA/YQ8KnZqWxiI/AAAAAAAAhGU/12ziL3ip4S0I6a47X5Bg8nBnT4DVIYQdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Aloha%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX60SWLBgnA/YQ8KnZqWxiI/AAAAAAAAhGU/12ziL3ip4S0I6a47X5Bg8nBnT4DVIYQdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Aloha%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island-dotted Lake Aloha</td></tr></tbody></table>We enjoyed lunch and then backtracked to the boat dock, rushing to make sure that we made it back by the 4:30 last call for the boat taxi. The phone booth at the dock was not operational when we arrived but we had enough cell service to successfully call Echo Chalet and arrange a boat to come across the lake to pick us up.<div><br /><div>Lake Aloha is a highlight destination in the Tahoe area. While this means that parking can be hard at Echo Chalet, surprisingly the hike itself did not feel overcrowded and there was plenty of room to spread out along the lakeshore. While you shouldn't expect solitude, you can still look forward to a reasonably calm and quiet experience at Lake Aloha despite the area's incredible scenery and popularity.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-77023187306640140632023-07-26T16:30:00.266-07:002023-07-26T16:30:00.153-07:00Hungry Packer Lake<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP3MiEq2zCpuNg7Dx36XpJ5r8WTzjlXQ0iBMECic5Wpz6bShaoKou0l1kGm2LA7_I3KOLxveoa28kQPeUzffi2d41YZSddQbl1e7qRb33C8PYnmwRuaiFMVUezkaznC3ZPDalPgbYzM9OC3fOHKRX56Lyv3uKiRbBZ3kP6PFBGI6s69aC66XJ_QWm/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP3MiEq2zCpuNg7Dx36XpJ5r8WTzjlXQ0iBMECic5Wpz6bShaoKou0l1kGm2LA7_I3KOLxveoa28kQPeUzffi2d41YZSddQbl1e7qRb33C8PYnmwRuaiFMVUezkaznC3ZPDalPgbYzM9OC3fOHKRX56Lyv3uKiRbBZ3kP6PFBGI6s69aC66XJ_QWm/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Haeckel rises above the outlet of Hungry Packer Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>13 miles round trip, 2700 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no fee required<br /><br />The austere headwall of Mount Haeckel rising from the azure waters of Hungry Packer Lake may be the most astonishing scene of this lengthy day hike into Sabrina Basin in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada, but it is only one of many striking views encountered along this superb alpine hike. This hike climbs from popular Lake Sabrina up to the shores of mountain-ringed Blue Lake, then wanders through the rocks, meadows, streams, and lakes of Sabrina Basin until finally reaching the alpine wonderland of Sailor Lake, Moonlight Falls, and Hungry Packer Lake, which are surely among the most beautiful locales in all of California. There is plenty of work needed to achieve these rewards: the hike is rocky, long, and fairly tough, but the views of the High Sierra along with the pretty intermediate destinations of Blue Lake and Dingleberry Lake make this a highly rewarding hike. <br /><br />This is a harder hike than the net 2000 feet elevation change between Lake Sabrina and Hungry Packer Lake might suggest. For one, the trail between Blue Lake and Hungry Packer Lake is full of ups and downs, delivering an extra 600 feet of cumulative elevation gain on its way there and back through Sabrina Basin. Secondly, much of this hike is very rocky, especially the upper half of the climb to Blue Lake and the trail throughout Sabrina Basin. Thirdly, the whole hike is at high elevation (Hungry Packer Lake is at over 11000 feet above sea level), so altitude sickness can be a serious concern without proper acclimatization. <br /><br />I hiked through Sabrina Basin to Hungry Packer Lake during a mid-July visit to the Bishop area. This was the perfect time to visit: snow from the previous winter was almost completely melted and wildflowers were at peak bloom in the alpine meadows. The only drawbacks were relatively hot weather, thunderstorms that struck high elevations during the afternoon at this time of year, and the omnipresence of mosquitoes near the lakes. Hiking poles, sunscreen, bug spray, a mosquito head net, and proper planning with knowledge of the weather forecast are all essential to doing this hike. <br /><br />The High Sierra access behind Bishop is a long way from any major city: to reach this trailhead requires nearly 5 hours of driving from Los Angeles and over 6 hours of driving from the San Francisco Bay Area. Unless you approach on Highway 6 from Tonopah, you’ll inevitably have to arrive at Bishop on US 395; from downtown Bishop, at the junction of US Highway 395 and Highway 168, turn west onto Highway 168 and follow it out of town and uphill, continuing straight along this road and passing the turnoffs for South and North Lakes. After Highway 168 ends, the road continues as a narrower paved road and arrives at the Sabrina Basin Trailhead on the left side of the road just before the road reaches a bridge over Bishop Creek below the Lake Sabrina Dam. The trailhead is not clearly marked by any signage from the road, although at the start of the trail there is an informational placard telling hikers that they are hiking into the Sabrina Basin. There is parking for less than ten cars in the pullouts near the trailhead; if the parking here is already full when you arrive (likely if you aren’t arriving, like me, at 5 AM in the morning), you’ll have to continue another quarter mile along the road to the large day-use parking lot for Lake Sabrina, where there are plenty of parking spots and pit toilets; if so, you’ll also need to factor in an extra half mile round trip to this hike. <br /><br />I headed up the trail from the Lake Sabrina trailhead, which started a gentle but steady ascent through the forest. At two hundred yards from the trailhead, the trail passed a connector path leading to the Lake Sabrina Dam and then made two quick, sharp switchbacks to climb above the level of the dam. At this point, the trail flattened out and headed south, following the east shore of Lake Sabrina. Although there was a good deal of mixed brush and trees near the trail, there were generally good views of Lake Sabrina along this stretch of trail. Jagged, snow-capped granite peaks formed the backdrop to the lake, giving promise to the High Sierra scenery that would come later in the hike. <br /><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KDKglMdivr1JRZE3J7l3z-B1YwSVdLxNDmUo3gFw0ccZPQkQ1-mXxcCArO6jFHsZ2La3bktAsEkuT9imXQumEI31d_8q-MtAfjEhmQMqhM846G8pu0Qus0KDBy7uDToxFtgF-WwZ7T_BjGJVc5L3-ryQwEB9cmXJC5lyKUimN0YpbsiDQESqNnL2/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KDKglMdivr1JRZE3J7l3z-B1YwSVdLxNDmUo3gFw0ccZPQkQ1-mXxcCArO6jFHsZ2La3bktAsEkuT9imXQumEI31d_8q-MtAfjEhmQMqhM846G8pu0Qus0KDBy7uDToxFtgF-WwZ7T_BjGJVc5L3-ryQwEB9cmXJC5lyKUimN0YpbsiDQESqNnL2/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Sabrina<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At a mile into the hike, I started up along the main ascent of the hike: a 1300-foot ascent over two miles from Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake. The sun was just beginning to rise at this point, with alpenglow painting the peaks behind Lake Sabrina. A waterfall tumbled down from the high cliffs above the lake, marking the descent path of Middle Fork Bishop Creek from Sabrina Basin above to the reservoir below.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHZ2wHuuGRa-3PIcK8So-DSHXSNaaSbzPFvUp_H5cy0NGs622-1SRQ1K4KRw1GnVkou95ps4kJ0WRdg91epXPSH8E3hWIaxTi3otijvPrBYHSyHB65dgJkpiRD89LI9fS826ohDtkcO9684DEronZCjli33v0tp3d4eJ_mN6CGzfcLv1K_rIBQh84/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHZ2wHuuGRa-3PIcK8So-DSHXSNaaSbzPFvUp_H5cy0NGs622-1SRQ1K4KRw1GnVkou95ps4kJ0WRdg91epXPSH8E3hWIaxTi3otijvPrBYHSyHB65dgJkpiRD89LI9fS826ohDtkcO9684DEronZCjli33v0tp3d4eJ_mN6CGzfcLv1K_rIBQh84/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall and granite peaks behind Lake Sabrina<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The trail ascended steadily across an open, shrub-covered slope with wide views. Blooming wildflowers dotted the slope and I could see most of Lake Sabrina below me. At one and a quarter mile, the main trail passed a steep side trail to George Lake that peeled uphill to the left. Shortly after, the trail reentered forest and crossed over the cascading outlet stream from George Lake.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RsJMYXnpOnHFW1yeZRcqXil9m96UnVdDvubEbeHXX0mwjU5vcQzTSpwfyRk1WufAb6wKhwA8A336uIfQ4D1gzGpTdzxm6Gkza4K_9t-a88F1f_DnSjX-yqO90OiAVh7GbK7_RBR1R1GXKeIZNZva79ACTmu3GPva8US6Zh1n00JXAyK-Bp2Vwov2/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RsJMYXnpOnHFW1yeZRcqXil9m96UnVdDvubEbeHXX0mwjU5vcQzTSpwfyRk1WufAb6wKhwA8A336uIfQ4D1gzGpTdzxm6Gkza4K_9t-a88F1f_DnSjX-yqO90OiAVh7GbK7_RBR1R1GXKeIZNZva79ACTmu3GPva8US6Zh1n00JXAyK-Bp2Vwov2/w426-h640/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%204.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade along a creek on the trail to Blue Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail stuck to the forest after the stream crossing and continued on a relentless and aggressive uphill climb. The rocky trail made life a bit more challenging here as the trail ascended steadily via switchbacks. At 2 miles into the hike, I had a brief respite from the endless uphill as a few switchbacks along the trail swung out onto an open granite outcrop with spectacular views of Lake Sabrina below, red Mount Emerson rising above the North Fork Bishop Creek valley, and the backlit White Mountains in the distance across Owens Valley.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVciWWAt9sgaB3F7ZVFdLBAULTDuI-M2C51vtW0EDEEr5Q7hWp3dEPva4RvgZ3cydbvFoC1dp-fCDT2TeOESsBsrKyL0My_WEfRzQSWHcuMWhMlaRHnB83pL6BwTI4ej-9d9PD8M6RLfQNg0Pt4FuNbCvrDCTwZVWofo2ZR706gM4s3Vw3qTZ2G12c/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVciWWAt9sgaB3F7ZVFdLBAULTDuI-M2C51vtW0EDEEr5Q7hWp3dEPva4RvgZ3cydbvFoC1dp-fCDT2TeOESsBsrKyL0My_WEfRzQSWHcuMWhMlaRHnB83pL6BwTI4ej-9d9PD8M6RLfQNg0Pt4FuNbCvrDCTwZVWofo2ZR706gM4s3Vw3qTZ2G12c/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Lake Sabrina, with Mount Emerson rising above</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail began heading further up the watershed at 2.2 miles, marking an end to the views of Lake Sabrina. The uphill didn't end, though, as the trail continued its rocky push towards Blue Lake. At 2.6 miles, the trail made a set of switchbacks through a tight, rocky ravine. In mid-July, this ravine was exploding with Sierra columbine, with a beautiful mix of yellow, purple, and pink variants- I'm not sure I've ever seen so much Sierra columbine in one place. While this was a quiet spot that lacked the grandeur of the granite peaks later in the hike, it was lovely and enjoyable to see such a spectacular show of columbine.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfWER5i1TCkJg5sSJEKTOo01Q2xmk4Uk_2sXssSLdUYNl3U9RdhuLs4NgJ00r9gBq8UNIVlONjHSBRL_T1WBDVMBC16aHhmLFHQevw229rzSYoRMmdyk8M0_rLrJqnZ3aJ2ntw0cB7UwSNY1UtpSXLsSyC_pw57Q2ysI0xPjJTtprmyY_p2kL1aD6/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfWER5i1TCkJg5sSJEKTOo01Q2xmk4Uk_2sXssSLdUYNl3U9RdhuLs4NgJ00r9gBq8UNIVlONjHSBRL_T1WBDVMBC16aHhmLFHQevw229rzSYoRMmdyk8M0_rLrJqnZ3aJ2ntw0cB7UwSNY1UtpSXLsSyC_pw57Q2ysI0xPjJTtprmyY_p2kL1aD6/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra columbine in bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1f_HFq-6kYjV1oW6aa_UWmO3_6JmcTGCMofEZLBKPGbWY5Qax8gUBGMpWJzoBHUKNoEDKQVWZ39UWm78ME9PNHgQRldTG5jz5u7FlS8hHweHTTK6W214cvrUYsmM8YuQtsdx1GI-CpAGLOG1scbNykI2akGXQk50_ssZ2qhLoYwqJIbcX8e4zmxy-/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1f_HFq-6kYjV1oW6aa_UWmO3_6JmcTGCMofEZLBKPGbWY5Qax8gUBGMpWJzoBHUKNoEDKQVWZ39UWm78ME9PNHgQRldTG5jz5u7FlS8hHweHTTK6W214cvrUYsmM8YuQtsdx1GI-CpAGLOG1scbNykI2akGXQk50_ssZ2qhLoYwqJIbcX8e4zmxy-/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra columbine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxJHWvIHVk4ElBu6rF6neAsGf7U3poucUvq0e2CRzsrITZ0JMOAv5oId1SKNuqYGkOAoicZFWgfS0ep9rpLjuPuoOrGs90T5UUolcN8kKjj-sygPx4pDdn-VQLqFZzabRglNh6AxYmyrihtUd51yhWKVnSwd8QqFBl4XCIc39eKdj8Mz0sQSXuE_S/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxJHWvIHVk4ElBu6rF6neAsGf7U3poucUvq0e2CRzsrITZ0JMOAv5oId1SKNuqYGkOAoicZFWgfS0ep9rpLjuPuoOrGs90T5UUolcN8kKjj-sygPx4pDdn-VQLqFZzabRglNh6AxYmyrihtUd51yhWKVnSwd8QqFBl4XCIc39eKdj8Mz0sQSXuE_S/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A riot of Sierra columbine</td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.8 miles, the trail leveled out and soon came to the shores of Blue Lake, the first of the many lakes I would visit that day in the Sabrina Basin. The trail arrived at the outlet of the lake and then crossed the outlet stream, following a route across granite slabs on the other side of the stream.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gjJ64UxeJ55e-TAQIqd6invt89MXcf3tv8g-rRWdziSIbnCq2BwzVK7eVblwuTo-4n36krv3ebwmLAiMrgq4GXJF5lCFwk_NCsaNjUUrE1TBfyvCrrBNotJQrc_ipeXuBMUDDxkq0NTzNpZFAwMuqgtyWgAaBsziyiJh8X2jiabalH-P7XNCf_0P/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gjJ64UxeJ55e-TAQIqd6invt89MXcf3tv8g-rRWdziSIbnCq2BwzVK7eVblwuTo-4n36krv3ebwmLAiMrgq4GXJF5lCFwk_NCsaNjUUrE1TBfyvCrrBNotJQrc_ipeXuBMUDDxkq0NTzNpZFAwMuqgtyWgAaBsziyiJh8X2jiabalH-P7XNCf_0P/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outlet of Blue Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail soon returned to the lakeshore at a spot with a much more open view of the entirety of Blue Lake. A great granite ridge that led back to the high peak of Mount Thompson rose imposingly above the lake, which had a sparkling blue color that lived up to its name.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJ5lYnP1PA6o4-X84N1CHuLPmzAOmaet4dAZqn2_nFC_XzbWl4hUt3uFW1YNyRin8dA-QTARKJ2AhO2ziCePCNIILIir7-Aw91eL22u6N65K4FV8VvmPA6DdrFPIy9DPvzzMX9Vh9cERAbut7PwFaSPs-2RLbDkRYlbQxnC-INZeyyvhVsQyO6Bv/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJ5lYnP1PA6o4-X84N1CHuLPmzAOmaet4dAZqn2_nFC_XzbWl4hUt3uFW1YNyRin8dA-QTARKJ2AhO2ziCePCNIILIir7-Aw91eL22u6N65K4FV8VvmPA6DdrFPIy9DPvzzMX9Vh9cERAbut7PwFaSPs-2RLbDkRYlbQxnC-INZeyyvhVsQyO6Bv/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Thompson rises above Blue Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail made a sharp right turn at this lakeside viewpoint and entered the forest. At just over 3 miles from the trailhead, I passed a junction with the trail to Donkey and Baboon Lakes; I took the right fork at this junction to head towards Dingleberry Lake. The trail traveled across a flat, forested bench for a few hundred meters after the junction before coming to an exposed talus slope. There were nice views down the valley of Middle Fork Bishop Creek as I crossed this exposed stretch of the trail. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 3.6 miles, the trail turned back into the forest, passed a small pond and then came to a junction with the spur trail to Emerald Lakes. While the main trail to Dingleberry and Hungry Packer Lakes continued to the right, I took the side spur trail for fifty meters and then traveled followed a social path to the left to visit one of the string of lakes known as the Emerald Lakes. The trail to Emerald Lakes continued onward from here, but I found this lake to be a perfect, serene High Sierra scene, with a serrated granite summit rising directly above the grass-lined, tree-ringed, mirror-like lake.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwRxl1WwoRYGU-UYOIdxN0HxCreC2EHEtZdFWUz3NUC5-Yjx4rvAeAe7g2LCVw_pOQ4GXuqMeGm9dLLJKJWNqPfvTrLSyt5W2tZFLNRoD0NpiI2BDatSUdp3-UO168nIwslaBrtw5f1Spu_OyMbskDXGfUIfbrufLW5Z392stqcd24RoRqcKfvVZB/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwRxl1WwoRYGU-UYOIdxN0HxCreC2EHEtZdFWUz3NUC5-Yjx4rvAeAe7g2LCVw_pOQ4GXuqMeGm9dLLJKJWNqPfvTrLSyt5W2tZFLNRoD0NpiI2BDatSUdp3-UO168nIwslaBrtw5f1Spu_OyMbskDXGfUIfbrufLW5Z392stqcd24RoRqcKfvVZB/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Emerald Lakes</td></tr></tbody></table>Returning to the main trail, I continued along my way towards Dingleberry and Hungry Packer Lakes. Over the next half mile, the trail undulated over hilly granite terrain that was interspersed with forests, until coming out atop a low granite ridge above Dingleberry Lake. This low ridge gave lovely views over Dingleberry Lake as well as the wall of High Sierra spires behind it, which now included Picture Peak and Mount Haeckel.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pi9-d3m5tBZP97pHpo0KtIuNmJ4JnTBIT3Y19qXmGJxHiHHt931dS5TUliNq1c6WjwhFjgZ_VfQMdw7fs-lUIddQWRCM4uBA4MEaTcIL4oYDQKnXDO5Acj8VDf2jV45vNSC3RIxPS-RS0GgZMnOWcDMKK6tr57NYJpHwsAWabYNhMoLZuSLe1Z-0/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pi9-d3m5tBZP97pHpo0KtIuNmJ4JnTBIT3Y19qXmGJxHiHHt931dS5TUliNq1c6WjwhFjgZ_VfQMdw7fs-lUIddQWRCM4uBA4MEaTcIL4oYDQKnXDO5Acj8VDf2jV45vNSC3RIxPS-RS0GgZMnOWcDMKK6tr57NYJpHwsAWabYNhMoLZuSLe1Z-0/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Dingleberry Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail followed the ridge briefly with its expansive views before descending through the forest and reaching the shoreline of Dingleberry Lake at 4.4 miles from the trailhead. As the trail reached the lake on its southern shore, I was not able to see Dingleberry Lake with a High Sierra backdrop from this angle; however, the view of lower granite peaks and pines on the opposite shore from here was still quite nice.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsISI2_spN8lFsUtJEe8ry-DTEJIxfEH2IELwFKZPE4GjzAdzA9TgdC6_JCQ2i7Dtzl43dN0XHlFgFGWk5GWQNfXG_-iy9hvw5cuJXMXfI1LqZxMzVWkxfgbybiQL7RsRN3Go83_3TwgLOD5RFp3HIb7FAkwVfyBrL8uSfU-o3ecldXykbpV4OBXa/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsISI2_spN8lFsUtJEe8ry-DTEJIxfEH2IELwFKZPE4GjzAdzA9TgdC6_JCQ2i7Dtzl43dN0XHlFgFGWk5GWQNfXG_-iy9hvw5cuJXMXfI1LqZxMzVWkxfgbybiQL7RsRN3Go83_3TwgLOD5RFp3HIb7FAkwVfyBrL8uSfU-o3ecldXykbpV4OBXa/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dingleberry Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Leaving the shores of Dingleberry Lake, traveled across a fairly flat landscape of granite interspersed with forest and came to a junction where the trail split between a stock and a hiker trail; as I was traveling on foot, I took the right fork. The hiker route brought me to the banks of Middle Fork Bishop Creek at 4.6 miles. In July, the creek was still fairly full, with a thirty-foot wide span that was crossed by a series of strategically-placed rocks. Picture Peak and Mount Powell were visible rising above the creek, making this another idyllic High Sierra spot. Stream levels tend to be lower later in the season and can make the stream crossing a bit easier.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIqks1HvP17cRJ_-0_p6qaMMJFODV5RkPXC6MWogUsAy5DCNFKoSOWemTuZD1zgHRbPHDyy9Rw9kAZYKl4DMiWaAmObaOPtiDHyB8m7JPG2zfCImmSc1J8QQOrg-GyADeB8419x4o347Rx6tWWazT_SuNXASJVmFqR58yxI2y0_u0ieYLFx7ojays/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIqks1HvP17cRJ_-0_p6qaMMJFODV5RkPXC6MWogUsAy5DCNFKoSOWemTuZD1zgHRbPHDyy9Rw9kAZYKl4DMiWaAmObaOPtiDHyB8m7JPG2zfCImmSc1J8QQOrg-GyADeB8419x4o347Rx6tWWazT_SuNXASJVmFqR58yxI2y0_u0ieYLFx7ojays/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Fork Bishop Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>After crossing the creek, the hikers' trail followed Bishop Creek upstream and was soon rejoined by the stock trail, which crossed the creek at a different point. At this point, the trail began a steady ascent again, passing a lush, wildflower-dotted meadow along the way. At just under five miles from the trailhead, the trail began ascending in earnest again up a tree-dotted granite slope. Nice views opened up down the length of Middle Fork Bishop Creek valley, encompassing the meadow that I had just passed through, Dingleberry Lake, and the White Mountains on the other side of Owens Valley.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHli2uGDjFWDpTfYD27Uz4prxfFS7l4xX1Cra_NXG8UWRscoIAge2_HRWXoONG6s3lpa2LIvyR63IO3zwxRQTxVPh8ytwN4pO8naN17wFmGo_TlEBA18YG5fuYmJ1gPq2qLFg3hN3FbhkvLmdFqQ-pxFlcjUKG6H2KyCLdzt5uAoIT8DBRuIwq3wvv/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHli2uGDjFWDpTfYD27Uz4prxfFS7l4xX1Cra_NXG8UWRscoIAge2_HRWXoONG6s3lpa2LIvyR63IO3zwxRQTxVPh8ytwN4pO8naN17wFmGo_TlEBA18YG5fuYmJ1gPq2qLFg3hN3FbhkvLmdFqQ-pxFlcjUKG6H2KyCLdzt5uAoIT8DBRuIwq3wvv/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows above Dingleberry Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail arrived at a junction at 5.3 miles, with the main trail heading towards Midnight Lake while the left fork led towards Hungry Packer Lake. I took the left fork, which dipped down and crossed two wildflower-lined streams in quick succession. The trail undulated up and down until reaching a view over Topsy Turvy Lake at 5.6 miles. Here, the trail turned to the right (south) and began its final ascent into the valley containing Sailor Lake, Hungry Packer Lake, and Moonlight Falls.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW7EhS2Dd9jlheM0I_-TvygR69uZgzaJoYm0mv-S6w_HWEsbZHUo1LR5KmtgVSd4m6Ugs3_1y3q0zQ-qrcPOLNMnzUyBCaJ3QNugkPdYj8-nFy5TcXagL_sTROdw8X6vgh7gFXJ-sXBkzEbLkIbyG3Cvilt-P4-wE23TLgRNVcjpS_sI2hyIWqC9b/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW7EhS2Dd9jlheM0I_-TvygR69uZgzaJoYm0mv-S6w_HWEsbZHUo1LR5KmtgVSd4m6Ugs3_1y3q0zQ-qrcPOLNMnzUyBCaJ3QNugkPdYj8-nFy5TcXagL_sTROdw8X6vgh7gFXJ-sXBkzEbLkIbyG3Cvilt-P4-wE23TLgRNVcjpS_sI2hyIWqC9b/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topsy Turvy Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>After a long 5.8 miles of hiking from the trailhead, the trail broke out of the trees and into the glorious alpine basin at the foot of Mount Powell and Picture Peak. The trail alternated between crossing granite benches and pristine alpine meadows here- the stretches of trail across meadow were incredibly striking and an exemplar of High Sierra scenery.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlaD6C-TVLnLYwqbl1AYfQ_p55jShrRwTztBl6NQ47aOsYbHrgXdWNg8Db_HCYbWUWGOBuxvomJsFJaXgitWXeyYOT5EaKHL6PC9wkP6gxaOAl6ioDlUixVkI9xO_0w4lkrpX0OUBx5REdTXQAZgirf_hmimvujeUmfrB_QvJL1fGf_Tzb0LrIr2H/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlaD6C-TVLnLYwqbl1AYfQ_p55jShrRwTztBl6NQ47aOsYbHrgXdWNg8Db_HCYbWUWGOBuxvomJsFJaXgitWXeyYOT5EaKHL6PC9wkP6gxaOAl6ioDlUixVkI9xO_0w4lkrpX0OUBx5REdTXQAZgirf_hmimvujeUmfrB_QvJL1fGf_Tzb0LrIr2H/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows below Mount Powell near Sailor Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>At 6 miles into the hike, I came to the junction with the trail to Moonlight Lake. Hungry Packer and Sailor Lakes were down the right fork, while Moonlight Lake and Moonlight Falls were off to the left fork. While I had no intention of hiking to Moonlight Lake, I was able to see Moonlight Falls on the other side of the valley from the trail junction and made a spur of the moment decision to add a brief side trip to the falls. The falls were actually slightly off of the Moonlight Lake Trail and required some cross-country travel to reach; I followed the Moonlight Lake Trail about fifty meters, crossing Middle Fork Bishop Creek, and then struck out across the open granite, making a beeline for the falls. I had to cross another creek and bushwhacked through a slightly marshy area but I soon found myself at the base of Moonlight Falls. The falls is a fairly minor drop down a granite ledge, but it makes for an extremely picturesque scene when paired with the granite spires of Picture Peak and Mount Haeckel rising behind it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L-3GWn7h_Yf9GUlFmXSa0CAtr6PDqqswMhHShL4LOX_4ev_fh2E1pKLJwGWAsHuqrC5S63ljzoxTgSdSbVXJbA9vA4elYeVmfhXrjeRud0d2bskW50jkDbL4sjVhxachYnsbHrLYCJnx4uQf0b2P-dW08rEEQXFiLmMkADrOlDzWg-ufCDVbdX5l/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L-3GWn7h_Yf9GUlFmXSa0CAtr6PDqqswMhHShL4LOX_4ev_fh2E1pKLJwGWAsHuqrC5S63ljzoxTgSdSbVXJbA9vA4elYeVmfhXrjeRud0d2bskW50jkDbL4sjVhxachYnsbHrLYCJnx4uQf0b2P-dW08rEEQXFiLmMkADrOlDzWg-ufCDVbdX5l/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlight Falls and Picture Peak</td></tr></tbody></table>I found out later that I was only about a hundred meters away from Moonlight Lake as the crow flies from that viewpoint at the base of Moonlight Falls; however, as I was tight on time during my hike, I returned to the Hungry Packer Lake Trail and continued on the final stretch of this hike. The scenery here was absolutely marvelous and reached a climax when I arrived at the small but indescribably beautiful Sailor Lake at 6.2 miles from the trailhead. This lake was an alpine wonderland out of my most vivid High Sierra dreams: Picture Peak, Mount Haeckel, and Mount Powell all rose above its placid waters, with snow adorning the granite pinnacles and walls of those great surrounding peaks. Middle Fork Bishop Creek burbled happily as it tumbled down a meadow-lined path through the granite boulders, cascading in its final drop into Sailor Lake. The lake was alpine perfection: none of my words can approach doing it justice.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAgyl0ADXj3clt2TOLHfIbsqctVRQQNVYnhzA_x4MsclwC7N8T3T5ZNzZ5_zmldi5s0zQKvl6im8QqlS4-nahYRgQzFjOu4dE3ex5_0NjMfUARCj4VbkLt3QuTQMzN0TD4KDkdE-TwOJbWuVulvJFLfKEn-XcPnWP7-2cFp8Ej7RIB-_6Ftogn9B_/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAgyl0ADXj3clt2TOLHfIbsqctVRQQNVYnhzA_x4MsclwC7N8T3T5ZNzZ5_zmldi5s0zQKvl6im8QqlS4-nahYRgQzFjOu4dE3ex5_0NjMfUARCj4VbkLt3QuTQMzN0TD4KDkdE-TwOJbWuVulvJFLfKEn-XcPnWP7-2cFp8Ej7RIB-_6Ftogn9B_/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailor Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Marmots darted around the meadows, pausing their naps and lunches to whistle to each other as they reacted to my presence.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHizMSOhddrvMWsPO6Z2IHKvIi7UE94wc38eIAyAurSKH6NBoNJbkB8OwGjkJUKmBwyq-nDbngyBjvTD_HuIOZfk8K-WI-7fmHiwmV19mjMB30pPQgwdYUCx_ozJm6aO6m4wnXzKslWlhaHATfDNjZoaZDpDm-smnkKq8jEaLyqDvdE8lq50_O9Lsj/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHizMSOhddrvMWsPO6Z2IHKvIi7UE94wc38eIAyAurSKH6NBoNJbkB8OwGjkJUKmBwyq-nDbngyBjvTD_HuIOZfk8K-WI-7fmHiwmV19mjMB30pPQgwdYUCx_ozJm6aO6m4wnXzKslWlhaHATfDNjZoaZDpDm-smnkKq8jEaLyqDvdE8lq50_O9Lsj/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marmot in the meadows near Sailor Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>When I reached the far end of Sailor Lake, the trail began following Middle Fork Bishop Creek uphill through its meadow-lined path. Picture Peak rose directly behind the stream, creating a scene of extraordinary beauty. I was spellbound, my jaw agape at the High Sierra magic that was unfolding.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW7C4L8p5VhS7mSeSK5SPRRgbGqVS2fX8HqXomdM-0SiwZoevq8N18kCECNy1fBpPGqwjQf73kF2g0unMAl_7OjSth5Vkhp3Rkl3fn7FTTPweqXA5z-oxu1oeb9ieosRfGdj5CR_Ry8p1ku1zzDe2pgM03OVaVbi7eBhuB_RPEI-xjHGSlOXzNxDB/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW7C4L8p5VhS7mSeSK5SPRRgbGqVS2fX8HqXomdM-0SiwZoevq8N18kCECNy1fBpPGqwjQf73kF2g0unMAl_7OjSth5Vkhp3Rkl3fn7FTTPweqXA5z-oxu1oeb9ieosRfGdj5CR_Ry8p1ku1zzDe2pgM03OVaVbi7eBhuB_RPEI-xjHGSlOXzNxDB/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascading Middle Fork Bishop Creek above Sailor Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Picture Peak's sharp pinnacle grew larger and larger as I hiked the final uphill. At just under 6.5 miles, I arrived at a narrow pond that formed the outlet to Hungry Packer Lake. Here, the trail crossed the lake and I followed the path another fifty meters until it petered out in a meadow just short of the lakeshore of Hungry Packer Lake. Crossing that meadow, I reached the hike's final destination. Hungry Packer Lake's waters were a beautiful blue, forming a stark contrast with the whites and grays that dominated the color of the imposing granite wall across the lake. Picture Peak's massive cliffs rose directly from the lake and the high spire of Mount Haeckel was visible behind Picture Peak. It was an arresting scene and a satisfying final reward to top off the bonanza of spectacular scenery in the hike's final mile.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbKJjSCHxkmpWsQKjdrM5YDw-1uTilhms9z5JaCrc2rTfzj0RiwE7_ItobYDT-xESGONKQTPX_rZmhGf2PVPREP5QqMBoXwzZ3SzbcsHqxSWWNsKPfFuoZMMv2kY9-DpKlg50oj8HNxZbNkB_l29MJ5UYUs3ilk70K8j39xu9Lr7RFtENmDezdbnj/s6000/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbKJjSCHxkmpWsQKjdrM5YDw-1uTilhms9z5JaCrc2rTfzj0RiwE7_ItobYDT-xESGONKQTPX_rZmhGf2PVPREP5QqMBoXwzZ3SzbcsHqxSWWNsKPfFuoZMMv2kY9-DpKlg50oj8HNxZbNkB_l29MJ5UYUs3ilk70K8j39xu9Lr7RFtENmDezdbnj/w640-h426/Hungry%20Packer%20Lake%2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Peak and Mount Haeckel rise above Hungry Packer Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>It is unwise to make a general online recommendation for other people to embark on a rocky, steep, and long day hike with a chance for altitude sickness. However, hikers who are fit enough should absolutely make their way up the Sabrina Basin for its scenic delights. The alpine scenery around Moonlight Falls, Sailor Lake, and Hungry Packer Lake is as fine as any that I've seen in the High Sierra.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-31679755944757885032023-07-19T16:00:00.107-07:002023-07-19T16:00:00.140-07:00Devils Postpile<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWZvH-MHVDet_r9-91hmKTt9mPA92RMGdzwTLFUT1aiTOgdItEl16ba9SXDs3BcvWHUffxhC-GfIAhKxxxJIgWhtDI6gefKYT7ITBJsRhxQXK1YC7q-sU6Czs-ymlwOzerCFYV1f_J8ylklF0-YGeUdbQ2f5fFM0MFsqGp00wrqcbtd7HCiL9zUvz6=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWZvH-MHVDet_r9-91hmKTt9mPA92RMGdzwTLFUT1aiTOgdItEl16ba9SXDs3BcvWHUffxhC-GfIAhKxxxJIgWhtDI6gefKYT7ITBJsRhxQXK1YC7q-sU6Czs-ymlwOzerCFYV1f_J8ylklF0-YGeUdbQ2f5fFM0MFsqGp00wrqcbtd7HCiL9zUvz6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Postpile<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>1.3 miles loop, 250 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<br />Access: Devils Postpile bus to trailhead (unless arriving before 7 AM), Devils Postpile National Monument entrance fee and bus fare required<br /><br />California's Devil Postpile National Monument, nestled in the Sierra Nevada outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, is home to one of the most perfectly geometric examples of columnar basalt in the American West. Although such hexagonal rock columns are not rare in the western US, Devils Postpile is an exemplar of this type of unique volcanic rock. This is one of the top attractions in the Eastern Sierra and should not be missed; the hike to reach the formation is easy and short and includes views of both the front cliffs of the Postpile as well as a chance to study the neat geometric patterning from above. Devils Postpile can only be visited during summer, when Reds Meadow Road is open past the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort to reach the national monument.<br /><br />Due to its status as one of the top attractions around Mammoth Lakes, visitors looking to go to Devils Postpile in the summer months must ride a shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain resort. Buses run during the day from Mammoth Mountain, making stops at Agnew Meadows, Devils Postpile, the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, and Reds Meadow; tickets can be purchased online in advance. The Reds Meadow Road is only open to passenger cars outside of the bus system’s operating hours; visitors hoping to drive to the Devils Postpile Trailhead must pass the entrance kiosk at Minaret Summit before 7 AM.<br /><br />Devils Postpile is a long way from any major city (Reno, Nevada is perhaps the closest) but is a short drive from the town of Mammoth Lakes, the primary ski and outdoor destination of the Eastern Sierra. <br /><br />I visited Devils Postpile on an early July morning: as the bus system was in effect, I found myself arriving at Minaret Summit at sunrise to be able to drive to the national monument. From the center of town in Mammoth Lakes, I followed Minaret Summit Road to the northwest, crossing the saddle and passing the entrance kiosk to enter the San Joaquin watershed. The entrance kiosk was not staffed at 6 AM but it is staffed later in the day- expect to stop at the kiosk on your way out to pay entrance fees. At this point, the Minaret Summit Road became the Reds Meadow Road and began descending into the Middle Fork San Joaquin River valley. While the road was paved the entire way, the stretch of road just past Minaret Summit was hairiest: here, there were no lane divides, with two-way traffic on a windy mountain road (including occasional buses) accommodated on a single lane road. After reaching the bottom of the valley and passing the Agnew Meadows turnoff, the road became an easier drive, with defined lanes the rest of the way down to the right turnoff for Devils Postpile. Taking the turnoff, I followed the road down to a large parking lot, which was already half full just after 6 AM on the Fourth of July weekend. There was plenty of parking and bathrooms at the trailhead.<br /><br />The trail to Devils Postpile left the parking area and headed south along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, quickly entering a pleasant riverside meadow. After crossing the meadow, the trail reentered the forest but stayed by the riverbank, with partial views of the river to the right. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmuusONqUu-SNgTfSNgiFwEtUnxWZgJGCeINAvGDcEiu2t57bcPjmJSfGdyPAlPP0kRpj4AIaifFwnekRht-0LwB7RVGLM6q9jJ1wNuuP6Qxc_XbGSlKWaR5b2RDTXPTsbOvQgiFAnlD8w0ryuQufqu28mJ6SswF07ql081XtcqmCsX1swZXtsGDuJ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmuusONqUu-SNgTfSNgiFwEtUnxWZgJGCeINAvGDcEiu2t57bcPjmJSfGdyPAlPP0kRpj4AIaifFwnekRht-0LwB7RVGLM6q9jJ1wNuuP6Qxc_XbGSlKWaR5b2RDTXPTsbOvQgiFAnlD8w0ryuQufqu28mJ6SswF07ql081XtcqmCsX1swZXtsGDuJ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Fork San Joaquin River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At a third of a mile from the trailhead, I came to a junction with the Upper Postpile Loop. I stayed on the lower trail, which immediately after came to the foot of a spectacular wall of hexagonal basalt columns- the Devils Postpile. On the left end of the postpile wall were a group of warped columns that had clearly been subject to more geological forces since the time of their origin. These twisted columns allowed me to gaze directly onto the bases of the hexagonal columns.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPqNkZiaIP3kBwYG8wyWoELbQefwocYz9ljrkz6r4DKokrQcrFRwpAwEj1sIxTfE_dZjJIk5FhqaGZluJZf66glmJ0IiozreXrUK8A5FeOyepRN4676ezr4EyRJrsisd_h9Swy-pHMgaPJ8UpZIDS4lwtN7dFjEDRiTYRKtWgKee1OglE-97RwjQAv=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPqNkZiaIP3kBwYG8wyWoELbQefwocYz9ljrkz6r4DKokrQcrFRwpAwEj1sIxTfE_dZjJIk5FhqaGZluJZf66glmJ0IiozreXrUK8A5FeOyepRN4676ezr4EyRJrsisd_h9Swy-pHMgaPJ8UpZIDS4lwtN7dFjEDRiTYRKtWgKee1OglE-97RwjQAv=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Postpile</td></tr></tbody></table>Beneath the postpile wall, a pile of broken hexagonal columnar basalt talus littered the hillside; the extreme geometric nature of these rocks made them look artificial, as if this were the dumpster for some darker-covered concrete columns rather than a natural wonder. I walked a hundred feet south along the trail, enjoying impressive direct views of the postpile throughout.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO5XcTA0GRj4XhPF9RqN_f9HBLbWkG8IxnNQ7cbp7ZGj4-OU1gkJtcRVFTKETWtojV2X3XyNZZKV-HD4p4Hir9l0MIQTl6GG2vITRRNjHFn7DOK8dqjibsjv08X16ZDr5UagH-uWIX0RvFj9qqOStpmMHnZlJ8fUfphs3F6fB7emN9kpE_eRrxpE6f=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO5XcTA0GRj4XhPF9RqN_f9HBLbWkG8IxnNQ7cbp7ZGj4-OU1gkJtcRVFTKETWtojV2X3XyNZZKV-HD4p4Hir9l0MIQTl6GG2vITRRNjHFn7DOK8dqjibsjv08X16ZDr5UagH-uWIX0RvFj9qqOStpmMHnZlJ8fUfphs3F6fB7emN9kpE_eRrxpE6f=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Postpile</td></tr></tbody></table>How did such a unique geological occurrence come to this valley at the headwaters of the Middle Fork San Joaquin River? The postpile's ultimate origin is shared with the origin of the rest of America's Western Cordillera: the subduction of the Farallon Plate beneath the North American Plate. This subduction event created the Rocky Mountains as well as the magma intrusions into the crust that were responsbile for Devils Postpile. About a hundred thousand years ago, one such magma intrusion erupted in the Reds Meadow Valley and formed a lake of mafic (basaltic) lava; as the lava lake cooled into rock, the lava began to contract, forming boundaries known as cooling joints that were perpendicular to the surface of the cooling lava. As these cooling joints extended through the lava, they formed hexagonal columns as the lava cooled into basalt. Later erosion by glaciers and the Middle Fork San Joaquin River exposed the columns and created the cliffs of basalt that we see today.<br /><br />The trail passed by the base of the postpile and then began a short ascent, reaching a second junction with the Upper Postpile Loop at a half mile from the trailhead. This time, I took the left fork to follow the Upper Postpile Loop, which I took for the return trip to the trailhead. The Upper Postpile Loop continued ascending a small hill and immediately provided me a closer opportunity to study the columnar basalt. The columns here were at an angle, which indicated that geological forces have warped the original basalt formation: the original cooling joints (and thus the columns) would have all formed vertically.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqfjoDPZQceO3KzRL8mw-w4ezUo3D2SwvdM6MYRHOThP3ht4E0uYp8pGrebzyxlg6mUa0dJJY4UqUwmQ61lsU3FLWvBfhPbkiMb5TVEfbndgi2L57zVbsa_bmU6R-7R_jzXGquuuWaNtdtglU78TGwu5-31M-A1Mgd4RD7IXDpW_zz4gN3MRbAAyq2=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqfjoDPZQceO3KzRL8mw-w4ezUo3D2SwvdM6MYRHOThP3ht4E0uYp8pGrebzyxlg6mUa0dJJY4UqUwmQ61lsU3FLWvBfhPbkiMb5TVEfbndgi2L57zVbsa_bmU6R-7R_jzXGquuuWaNtdtglU78TGwu5-31M-A1Mgd4RD7IXDpW_zz4gN3MRbAAyq2=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columnar basalt</td></tr></tbody></table>The loop trail ascended 200 feet above the Middle Fork San Joaquin River before it began to drop downhill again, reaching an interesting view of the columnar basalt from above at 0.8 miles into the hike. Here, glacier polish had left a flat, smooth surface of hexagonal basalt tiles, where each tile was the cap of one basalt column. This was a rare and unique opportunity to see a cross-section of the geometries of these columns, which turned out to not all be hexagonal: while six-sided columns were the most common, I also spotted a number of 5 and 7-sided columns.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn2oo_qMEY4WZy60pt8g71h70cquwPcKl2pVendd5cQcvmUCTV6gr8k22Dvuh33a9cWNPjxmMTqa-PkFFZHbazdpYTKA6G4xuZar8gHmRiCcV3DERPmnCWLJZ4y0sXQEhZ0rm1zl8b9M0cUj9qACei5Tt-n6gYPBobfkWYAeOv0HRjqO_1aDvuSAaw=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn2oo_qMEY4WZy60pt8g71h70cquwPcKl2pVendd5cQcvmUCTV6gr8k22Dvuh33a9cWNPjxmMTqa-PkFFZHbazdpYTKA6G4xuZar8gHmRiCcV3DERPmnCWLJZ4y0sXQEhZ0rm1zl8b9M0cUj9qACei5Tt-n6gYPBobfkWYAeOv0HRjqO_1aDvuSAaw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth caps of the Devils Postpile</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>After marveling at these bizarrely cleanly-shaped rock columns, I finished up the Upper Postpile Loop with a final descent back to the main trail next to the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, closing the loop at just under 1 mile; from there, I followed the trail along the river just one-third of a mile north back to the trailhead and parking area. I coupled this hike with a later hike to Rainbow Falls to see the two main attractions of the national monument and enjoy its fascinating geologic history.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-4817152414740330902023-07-12T17:00:00.002-07:002023-07-12T17:00:00.133-07:00Schulman Grove Discovery Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5AvaekfNYE/YQ8S5PjxR-I/AAAAAAAAhHQ/p67mf2x_QOUmIPeDUXTPaC3DhwsTaWpKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5AvaekfNYE/YQ8S5PjxR-I/AAAAAAAAhHQ/p67mf2x_QOUmIPeDUXTPaC3DhwsTaWpKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Sentry Tree and the Sierra Nevada<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>1 mile loop, 300 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<div>Access: Paved road to trailhead, Inyo National Forest Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest recreation fee required</div><div><br /></div><div>Gnarled and lonely atop the arid White Mountains of California, the bristlecone pines of Schulman Grove are the oldest known living things on earth. The Discovery Trail visits a particularly scenic stretch of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in Inyo National Forest and while it doesn't pass by Methuselah- the oldest tree on the planet- you'll see plenty of 4000-plus year old trees, including the iconic Dead Sentry Tree, perhaps one of the most photographed trees. The stunning views of the Sierra Nevada across Owens Valley make this an even more rewarding hike. Despite fairly easy stats, the hike can be a bit challenging due to elevation- the entire trail is above 10000 feet. This is the easiest way to see the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and visitors should not miss out on seeing these incredible ancients.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains is a long way from any large metropolitan area, although it's not that far from the town of Bishop, which is the largest population center in Owens Valley. Las Vegas is 4 hours away, Los Angeles 5 hours, and the Bay Area at least 6 hours of driving away. I hiked the Discovery Trail during a summer trip to Mammoth Lakes with Anna. From Bishop, we followed US 395 south to Big Pine, turning left onto California Highway 168 at the very northern edge of town. We followed Highway 168 for 13 miles into the White Mountains, entering a narrow canyon where the road reduced to a single lane in spots. At the junction with the White Mountain Road, we turned left and followed this paved road 10 miles north along the crest of the White Mountains past stunning views of Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada to the right turnoff for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center, just before the pavement end. We parked in the visitor center lot, which had room for over 30 cars. We stopped by the visitor center first to learn about the grove and to pay the entrance fee for visiting the forest (Federal Recreation Passes are accepted here).</div><div><br /></div><div>Multiple trails branched out from the visitor center into this grove of ancients. The Methuselah Trail, a four-mile loop which visits the oldest currently known non-clonal tree on the planet, is likely to interest most visitors, but as we arrived with limited time in the afternoon, we chose to hike the Discovery Trail instead, a shorter loop that visits the first bristlecone pines discovered to be over 4000 years old. The Discovery Trail started on the north side of the parking lot, across from the visitor center.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Discovery Trail started off with a series of gentle uphill switchbacks through the bristlecone pine forest. The bristlecones at the start of the hike are not terribly impressive compared with what was to come. Here, the trees tended to be taller, straighter, leafier, and thinner: in other words, they looked far more similar to the traditional idea of a tree than their beautifully grotesque elders do. The Sierra Nevada on the other side of Owens Valley was visible from the start, although views would improve as we ascended.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FILfNarJxIs/YQ8S5nQ8vqI/AAAAAAAAhHU/GBFi9dBiVUw_GhlQpQMgwgEu3W56i8yjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FILfNarJxIs/YQ8S5nQ8vqI/AAAAAAAAhHU/GBFi9dBiVUw_GhlQpQMgwgEu3W56i8yjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Nevada and the bristlecone pines of Schulman Grove</td></tr></tbody></table>As we gradually ascended the hill above the visitor center via switchbacks, the trees became more gnarled, trading their striaght trunks for increasingly spherical clusters of branches. These more wizened trees are typically older than their more put-together looking counterparts: the slow growth of these trees promotes a denser wood that in turn enhances the trees' longevity.<div><br />In the White Mountains, the soil erodes at the rate of about a foot per millenium; thus, the degree of exposure of a bristlecone's roots can hint at its age. Using this metric, it's easy to tell that some of the trees here are well over 3000 years old. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSoqs-c9sVA/YQ8S8eKPwNI/AAAAAAAAhHY/hbZMb263mTAmTjHFNodAZBptCyr3kX59ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSoqs-c9sVA/YQ8S8eKPwNI/AAAAAAAAhHY/hbZMb263mTAmTjHFNodAZBptCyr3kX59ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aged bristlecone pine with exposed roots</td></tr></tbody></table>Among the oldest bristlecone pines, many barely cling on to life. What initially seems to be the dead trunk will often have just a few inches of live bark supporting small patches of needles and cones. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a steady ascent via switchbacks over the first third of a mile of the hike, the trail arrived along the spine of the ridge; here, the trail ascended via stairsteps along the ridge amidst some of the oldest and most spectacular trees in the grove.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux2SkszlqHE/YQ8S9qALOdI/AAAAAAAAhHg/3CDoDXw3hnA2fd3a35k_W4qeaYlS9MAjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux2SkszlqHE/YQ8S9qALOdI/AAAAAAAAhHg/3CDoDXw3hnA2fd3a35k_W4qeaYlS9MAjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient trees atop the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table>Schulman Grove is named after Edmund Schulman, a dendrochronologist from the University of Arizona who first measured the incredible age of bristlecone pines at this very spot in the White Mountains. Before Schulman arrived in the White Mountains in the 1950s, the giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada were thought to be the oldest living trees: after all, the largest trees on earth, which were known to exceed 3000 years, had something to show for their extended age! The wizened, windswept, and stubby bristlecone pines were not initially thought to match sequoias in age. However, as dendrochronology- the science of using tree rings to establish a record of environmental changes over millenia- took off in the 1950s, Schulman came to the White Mountains to check out the bristlecone pines. On this very ridge, Schulman took a core of a tree now known as Pine Alpha and to his amazement counted over 4000 rings- the first recorded tree over four millenia old! By taking cores from long-dead trees here that had been well preserved by the dry and harsh climate, Schulman was able to construct a dendrochronological record spanning the past ten millenia. Pine Alpha is not identified for its safety, but is one of the trees that is found atop the ridge along this very trail.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTbzuOmFVPw/YQ8S9Hxjt5I/AAAAAAAAhHc/9JhnLf4j6G8y-BgFUey0rMFg6tQuDrAKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTbzuOmFVPw/YQ8S9Hxjt5I/AAAAAAAAhHc/9JhnLf4j6G8y-BgFUey0rMFg6tQuDrAKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient trees near Schulman's discovery site of Pine Alpha</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRnSFvth1kg/YQ8S_UW3MCI/AAAAAAAAhHk/Ucv1YUv_W-8uULlB_jJfzyjhMhTdb8MQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRnSFvth1kg/YQ8S_UW3MCI/AAAAAAAAhHk/Ucv1YUv_W-8uULlB_jJfzyjhMhTdb8MQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bristlecone bark</td></tr></tbody></table>At just over a half mile from the trailhead, we reached the high point of the hike. Here, the trail crossed a gully where the rock underfoot transitioned from limestone to some metaigneous rock. Bristlecone pines grow especially well on limestone: in fact, the presence of limestone at high elevations in the Great Basin is a unifying factor between where these trees are found here in the White Mountains and further in the east in the Snake Range of Nevada, which together represent two of the most significant occurences of these trees. Bristlecones were scattered across the limestone slopes but the forest abruptly ended when we crossed onto the talus slope of red rock.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yXolF7f3NQ/YQ8TBUBbzRI/AAAAAAAAhHs/oquxl-h0aCsWs4tvLMhx1CEc0TWx2twcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yXolF7f3NQ/YQ8TBUBbzRI/AAAAAAAAhHs/oquxl-h0aCsWs4tvLMhx1CEc0TWx2twcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Nevada and the Schulman Grove on limestone slopes</td></tr></tbody></table>Although the trees along the trail ended briefly, there was still much to see from this high, 10500-foot perch in the White Mountains. The grand Sierra Nevada and its soaring granite crest rose to the south and the west, towering above the desert floor of Owens Valley that lay between the Sierra and the White Mountains. Looking south we could see Sierra giants like Mount Williamson, the pyramidal guardian peak of Manzanar; the range stretched out of sight, culminating at Mount Whitney before fading down to the Mojave Desert.<br /><br />The most impressive part of this Sierra view, however, was clearly the Palisades, a granite wall rising to the southeast that culminated in 14249-foot North Palisade, the third highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. Multiple permanent snowfields filled the cirques beneath the peaks of the Palisades; the most impressive of these ice bodies is the Palisades Glacier, which simultaneously has the distinction of being the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada and one of the southernmost glaciers in the United States. Much of the view of the glacier was blocked from this angle by Temple Crag, a rock monolith lying beneath North Palisade, but it was still exciting to catch a glimpse of one of the final remnants of the incredible geological phenomena that shaped much of the Sierra Nevada.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTx9p_u7cIE/YQ8TAqM8e6I/AAAAAAAAhHo/lWT-D8dfEU0Dkw0mSahCnMT_E_z1pUfqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTx9p_u7cIE/YQ8TAqM8e6I/AAAAAAAAhHo/lWT-D8dfEU0Dkw0mSahCnMT_E_z1pUfqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palisades and the Palisade Glacier</td></tr></tbody></table>As the trail began to descend the rocky talus slope, we came upon two isolated bristlecone pines that were well separated from their limestone-loving brethren. The uphill tree still sported a healthy complement of needles, while the lower tree was clearly dead. However, this lower tree- known as the Dead Sentry Tree- had a particularly twisted and gnarled look, with each branch spiraling skyward from its rugged base. This exceedingly pictureque tree is undoubtedly the most photographed spot along this hike and is also one of the world's most famous and visually recognizable trees, even if most people are unaware of its name. Although often mistaken for being Methuselah, the oldest tree on earth, Dead Sentry is in fact dead and not the oldest living tree.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-rCE5EwnNg/YQ8TB21pS4I/AAAAAAAAhHw/Nows9y-oFUwBhUrfDNFi4U30WZ0EK96BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-rCE5EwnNg/YQ8TB21pS4I/AAAAAAAAhHw/Nows9y-oFUwBhUrfDNFi4U30WZ0EK96BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Discovery%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Sentry Tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1bTbeoLuWw/YQ8S4yg4V2I/AAAAAAAAhHM/_rBckGiOHYIskxFc5wtzE8WiaNna3fw_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Discovery%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1bTbeoLuWw/YQ8S4yg4V2I/AAAAAAAAhHM/_rBckGiOHYIskxFc5wtzE8WiaNna3fw_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Discovery%2B10.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Sentry</td></tr></tbody></table>Past Dead Sentry, the trail continued to descend before heading south to return towards the visitor center. The final stretch of the hike had just a few bristlecones, most of which were less noteworthy, although there were still plenty of views uphill to the numerous bristlecones that we had seen earlier along the ridge. The trail brought us back to the parking lot to wrap up the one-mile loop.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is one of the shortest and most easily accessible hikes for seeing bristlecone pines anywhere and both the trees and the mountain views along this hike are beyond spectacular. While hikers who are game for more may prefer more intense hikes in the White Mountains, all visitors to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest should walk through this grove once and marvel at the tenacity of life. Don't miss out if you're visiting the Eastern Sierra.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-54785460298370484192023-07-05T15:30:00.000-07:002023-07-05T15:30:00.142-07:00Rainbow Falls (Sierra Nevada)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRKRnTT-M9ILqHIp-bnVCzXEHURTZOLutsbk1gKqKukjSG47QeUuQmCGODYcZh3BdX7InnFGP8QDP71PNQOO_A8z1QjFtObO3ErUVubd4uc5SiQz6ERyrxgIBy4D54jaLNUSlPEgsPdg0jbbYpaAkaSsKMB-tFHsygslJYRzCQOCwAQiDXHQO51g2a=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRKRnTT-M9ILqHIp-bnVCzXEHURTZOLutsbk1gKqKukjSG47QeUuQmCGODYcZh3BdX7InnFGP8QDP71PNQOO_A8z1QjFtObO3ErUVubd4uc5SiQz6ERyrxgIBy4D54jaLNUSlPEgsPdg0jbbYpaAkaSsKMB-tFHsygslJYRzCQOCwAQiDXHQO51g2a=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>2.5 miles round trip, 400 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<br />Access: Devils Postpile bus to trailhead (unless arriving before 7 AM), Devils Postpile National Monument entrance fee and bus fare required<br /><br />At Rainbow Falls, the Middle Fork San Joaquin River makes a spectacular hundred-foot plunge down the columnar basalt characteristic of California’s Devils Postpile National Monument. One of the most significant waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada outside of Yosemite Valley, Rainbow Falls is a highlight of Devils Postpile National Monument and a must-visit for summer visitors to the Mammoth Lakes region. The hike from Reds Meadow Road down to the falls is quite easy, if fairly nondescript until the end; however, reaching the trailhead is a bit more complicated as Reds Meadow Road is restricted to bus traffic alone in the day during the summer and is closed the rest of the year. While hikers wishing to drive to the trailhead can do so if they arrive at Minaret Summit before 7 AM, most visitors will need to take a bus to reach the trailhead from Mammoth Mountain. <br /><br />I hiked to Rainbow Falls on an early July morning: as the bus system was in effect, I found myself arriving at Minaret Summit at sunrise to be able to drive to the national monument. From the center of town in Mammoth Lakes, I followed Minaret Summit Road to the northwest, crossing the saddle and passing the entrance kiosk to enter the San Joaquin watershed. The entrance kiosk was not staffed at 6 AM but it is staffed later in the day- expect to stop at the kiosk on your way out to pay entrance fees. At this point, the Minaret Summit Road became the Reds Meadow Road and began descending into the Middle Fork San Joaquin River valley. While the road was paved the entire way, the stretch of road just past Minaret Summit was hairiest: here, there were no lane divides, with two-way traffic on a windy mountain road (including occasional buses) accommodated on a single lane road. After reaching the bottom of the valley and passing the Agnew Meadows turnoff, the road became an easier drive, with defined lanes the rest of the way down to the right turnoff for Rainbow Falls. I made a stop at Devils Postpile first, so I did not arrive at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead until about 8 AM, when I snagged the very last spot in the small parking lot.<div><br /></div><div>From the parking lot, I followed the trail through the forest gently downhill towards Rainbow Falls, crossing the combined John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails about 200 meters after leaving the parking lot. At 0.4 miles from the trailhead, I passed a junction with a trail that headed back uphill towards Reds Meadow Lodge. The forest began to thin out after this point, opening up views of the Ritter Range rising to the west.</div><div><br /></div><div>At two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead, I came to a junction where the right fork led to Devils Postpile and the left fork to Rainbow Falls. I took the left fork. At this point, the descent from Reds Meadow Road ended and the trail followed a flat plateau above the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. The dwarf forest here is a result of the slow recovery from the 1992 Rainbow Fire than burned through this area; in 2020, this area was just a mile away from being burned by the Creek Fire, one of the most severe fires in California history. </div><div><div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic83ZM_U-3bEEngQzZK5HY0IhtokMrkUnPhPRji-pWHj7fufqSqn3jh2sf4FQlqlERUmTIDWH_rf3WcurRQtLjRmgcSU9k79RdD4_1wwqYhaZMr5s36Uyu9W9VaaEjCEi3PsYchsCWg4zwgkkdkAW0ZuEMULKedKLo9W3PebE5pD4Ex2VfroFoDgIj=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic83ZM_U-3bEEngQzZK5HY0IhtokMrkUnPhPRji-pWHj7fufqSqn3jh2sf4FQlqlERUmTIDWH_rf3WcurRQtLjRmgcSU9k79RdD4_1wwqYhaZMr5s36Uyu9W9VaaEjCEi3PsYchsCWg4zwgkkdkAW0ZuEMULKedKLo9W3PebE5pD4Ex2VfroFoDgIj=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ritter Range</td></tr></tbody></table>The thinned-out forest provided nice views of the Ritter Range to the west and Mammoth Mountain to the north. I could see the gondola station atop Mammoth Mountain from here: Mammoth's north slopes are home to one of California's premier downhill skiing areas. Mammoth Mountain is a lava dome volcano, created by the same geological forces that are responsible for Long Valley Caldera to the east and the eruptions that created the columnar basalt found at Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI5hGKwad5B_69S2OVYsD71A0P6FHwovuu5ArVdRht2Ex2IDPKtxdr7V9a1NpWRcTMQm7yrwYIUPvHpUCPdIBwW1Ry0Vo2sfiXGbI1zhPThLtrbwvasYQ_ErZjUKAlGN5ehPY2LwUIY3byBkcYC34eF9FWhbh8ZjdLn8jcEaTmHNDtIc5LGGdvfORH=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI5hGKwad5B_69S2OVYsD71A0P6FHwovuu5ArVdRht2Ex2IDPKtxdr7V9a1NpWRcTMQm7yrwYIUPvHpUCPdIBwW1Ry0Vo2sfiXGbI1zhPThLtrbwvasYQ_ErZjUKAlGN5ehPY2LwUIY3byBkcYC34eF9FWhbh8ZjdLn8jcEaTmHNDtIc5LGGdvfORH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammoth Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table>At just under one mile from the trailhead, I came to a junction with the Fish Creek Trail. Here, I took the right fork, which continued to follow the Middle Fork San Joaquin River and began descending again. The trail here approached the river close enough to provide the first views of the Middle Fork San Joaquin River just above the lip of Rainbow Falls. From here, there were nice views up the length of the river towards the Sierra crest and Two Teats.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1uCaZIe0XIWYHwdqgFeBYaaVwMWtDoOnP-Q0CS9ib6LTXq2uuoVMf57BTWrlOGG-4kFfooEqOyk-vGGR2Kfjdb7xWiKZdLRKwEd6bKKoog6OaNcXr3gNtJ-hRvEwbB84UjGeeX0Z5rmlNe3i-dO0FwOJl0J4bUgvbQ_lchLoK9MoZx_5GMOL1qiVW=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1uCaZIe0XIWYHwdqgFeBYaaVwMWtDoOnP-Q0CS9ib6LTXq2uuoVMf57BTWrlOGG-4kFfooEqOyk-vGGR2Kfjdb7xWiKZdLRKwEd6bKKoog6OaNcXr3gNtJ-hRvEwbB84UjGeeX0Z5rmlNe3i-dO0FwOJl0J4bUgvbQ_lchLoK9MoZx_5GMOL1qiVW=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Fork San Joaquin River above Rainbow Falls</td></tr></tbody></table>Continuing to descend, at 1.1 miles from the trailhead I came to my first view of Rainbow Falls. The first overlook gave a lovely view over Rainbow Falls, where the Middle Fork San Joaquin River plunged a hundred feet into a pool at the base of a columnar basalt gorge. The vertical striations of the rock walls of the gorge were a pleasing aesthetic complement to the vertical drop of the falls. The columnar basalt at Rainbow Falls and at Devils Postpile was formed when cooling lava cracks and contracts, forming vertical hexagonal columns. The view here was lovely, but this wasn't the end of the hike, so I continued to follow the trail downhill.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDLBzDygVOarv5RxeE5idYhTNoBgQl5FLwZzjs1KAR2K4aBve33f_iqeSZ33ZtRbB8kD-HXptjK41RjuejHqia87wTt4d-45jTtDyNasQSbDsyy9lnXh4zrCDxm9xuNGm6qMjDOv45b0xqFT9oPBuN_nLrhkSxr4KwOvMOt54GOvG_28gkds9kFFdy=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDLBzDygVOarv5RxeE5idYhTNoBgQl5FLwZzjs1KAR2K4aBve33f_iqeSZ33ZtRbB8kD-HXptjK41RjuejHqia87wTt4d-45jTtDyNasQSbDsyy9lnXh4zrCDxm9xuNGm6qMjDOv45b0xqFT9oPBuN_nLrhkSxr4KwOvMOt54GOvG_28gkds9kFFdy=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Falls</td></tr></tbody></table>Shortly after the first overlook, I came to the second overlook, where I had a slightly different angle on the waterfall; here, I was below the lip of the waterfall and could better appreciate the curtain of water formed by the falls.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj3H55nTy_2TkJLrBhINy28mysyD7TWmving2x1lcYaxh0bS5j7c7taRuRtxW5Zt71LZq6J-Ov3Ar5kmrOj79yHhv7I3AU1kKdoOx9JQbADwwe-hKhBwB8RAdWH2UhhzI4zHLHabYq06q11gamFeHl2obwKiVO3BQTPP7RULZpawJY5q_wkDgAeGRG=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj3H55nTy_2TkJLrBhINy28mysyD7TWmving2x1lcYaxh0bS5j7c7taRuRtxW5Zt71LZq6J-Ov3Ar5kmrOj79yHhv7I3AU1kKdoOx9JQbADwwe-hKhBwB8RAdWH2UhhzI4zHLHabYq06q11gamFeHl2obwKiVO3BQTPP7RULZpawJY5q_wkDgAeGRG=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Falls from the middle overlook</td></tr></tbody></table>Past the second overlook, I came to the top of a steep descending trail that dropped down into the gorge to visit the base of Rainbow Falls. The staircase descent was quite steep here and required negotiating some large steps, but it was thankfully short and brought me to the end of the hike at the pool at the base of Rainbow Falls. This was the ultimate viewpoint for the falls, where I could appreciate this wall of water constantly plunging over the basalt cliffs. The falls' fine mist engulfed me in a refreshing shower, even though I was still over a hundred feet from the base of the falls itself.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK1K8B75VHqH0M47i-pqSibt634y1-SzWpPiPUefbfIyUr-RJzrNAnIyOIRDX6NdKeeJyZb7XXn47wOpuLWXbQS1GGkaPzwomvKWJE7Wp_u2LuOT_4C8CxrRVIYCh8PtGwViCHOx5QWeTjQzPw4ZSreg2F2Ex6muJinTSOi7tYh5n4gUWTrZVAduWx=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK1K8B75VHqH0M47i-pqSibt634y1-SzWpPiPUefbfIyUr-RJzrNAnIyOIRDX6NdKeeJyZb7XXn47wOpuLWXbQS1GGkaPzwomvKWJE7Wp_u2LuOT_4C8CxrRVIYCh8PtGwViCHOx5QWeTjQzPw4ZSreg2F2Ex6muJinTSOi7tYh5n4gUWTrZVAduWx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of Rainbow Falls</td></tr></tbody></table>The return was straightforward: I retraced my steps back to the car. The return journey is uphill, so most of the physical exertion on this hike happens after you've enjoyed the hike's main attraction. On the drive back out to Mammoth Lakes, I stopped at the Minaret Summit entrance station to show my America the Beautiful Pass- visitors who come without a pass will still need to pay their entrance fee here.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Rainbow Falls is one of the loveliest waterfalls in California outside of Yosemite and a top attraction in the Mammoth Lakes area; visitors should couple a stop at Devils Postpile with this short hike to see Rainbow Falls. The area is only accessible in summer and visitors must take the Reds Meadow bus unless they arrive early enough to drive the road to the trailhead.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-27751976476614186192023-06-28T17:30:00.083-07:002023-06-28T17:30:00.197-07:00Tokopah Falls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13j8lQBr2AYjPuE5UyQf2G4G6qfgeHxsRrwR8wPAjEAxOb68mXtY1MU4oPEeny7NgPaANS9cWP0TlqAlXhV0xTj0QCQpjQSGeVQzkUEWB9p8UeeC77TmKksK-djAZP2QZpBZvO8cPbzlXGwlL28wY6OoCA5AV0cumPiogem3D-wS1zlJ8k1LcRv2a/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13j8lQBr2AYjPuE5UyQf2G4G6qfgeHxsRrwR8wPAjEAxOb68mXtY1MU4oPEeny7NgPaANS9cWP0TlqAlXhV0xTj0QCQpjQSGeVQzkUEWB9p8UeeC77TmKksK-djAZP2QZpBZvO8cPbzlXGwlL28wY6OoCA5AV0cumPiogem3D-wS1zlJ8k1LcRv2a/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokopah Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>4 miles round trip, 650 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy<div>Access: Paved road to trailhead, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park entrance fee required<br /><br />The lovely and relatively short hike to Tokopah Falls in California’s Sequoia National Park follows the Marble Fork Kaweah River through a granite-bound valley to a long, tumbling cascade down a great granite slope. Starting at the Lodgepole Campground north of the park’s main Giant Forest visitor area, this hike is exceedingly popular due to its central location, good scenery, and relative gentleness. A rockier stretch at the end of the trail presents the only rougher terrain of this hike. While a lesser destination than the park’s giant trees or High Sierra lakes and peaks, Tokopah Falls is still a satisfying day hiking destination in this second oldest of US national parks. <br /><br />Anna and I hiked out to Tokopah Falls during a Memorial Day visit to Sequoia National Park, although I had first explored this trail with my parents during a visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2005. The trailhead is inside the Lodgepole Campground: specifically, the trail starts from the north end of a bridge across the Marble Fork Kaweah River. However, there’s no parking at the true trailhead, so it’s necessary to park at the large lot just past the entrance to the campground, past the visitor center and store. There are flush toilets near the parking area. Visitor shuttle buses also serve the trailhead parking lot, although for the most part this lot is used as a launching point for visitors who are taking a bus to Giant Forest rather than the other way around. <br /><br />From the trailhead parking lot, we followed the campground road two hundred meters east along the south bank of the Marble Fork Kaweah until coming to the bridge across the river that accessed the campground’s upper loop. We walked across the bridge, savoring the views of the happily cascading Marble Fork, and found the trailhead at the north end of the bridge. We hopped onto the Tokopah Falls Trail and began to follow the trail to the east along the north bank of the river. <br /><br />The trail followed the Marble Fork Kaweah River, staying near the river for its entire length. Traveling through the forested valley, the trail provided occasional glimpses of the granite cliffs that hemmed in the valley, creating a miniature and less spectacular version of Kings Canyon or Yosemite Valley. Flowers bloomed on the forest floor during our late May visit, the most notable of which were mustang clover, a tiny, pink-and-yellow flower. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWK8qI01cfrE6FZH5ay__rxv38-s52BGe_A10lj3Ix07z4y70A_3z0kQk2700vAmkIKoizgDTYGo7HzZv11N9PdcOAWUWCtSPZN-JXaNLaglSBR4RTWp8YsI7AGLBn0kdXjGCZ7jY1Q3Q-93-IW2GQneNmUwnJ7F1V4rVbY-HCB6TEIb3wtu2AqT7/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWK8qI01cfrE6FZH5ay__rxv38-s52BGe_A10lj3Ix07z4y70A_3z0kQk2700vAmkIKoizgDTYGo7HzZv11N9PdcOAWUWCtSPZN-JXaNLaglSBR4RTWp8YsI7AGLBn0kdXjGCZ7jY1Q3Q-93-IW2GQneNmUwnJ7F1V4rVbY-HCB6TEIb3wtu2AqT7/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustang clover<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> The earliest stretch of the trail followed the Marble Fork Kaweah River closely; in fact, we were able to see across into the Lodgepole Campground on the opposite bank. After this initial stretch, the trail became a bit more distant from the river but detours from the main trail revealed many pretty cascades along this vivacious mountain stream. The trail ascended steadily at a gentle grade and never felt difficult.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrD_4Mi5KNUvbv5whW3k6d9lfV8KIaVPUqSD3Fl_S-KU6vqmTdFUvbd2wwLTggsc3wR4ZHOc9ZI5t1AdQx2ATkTsx2wOgtkQUpYyvwQ5rgECu9D3yrb_tsxoVHrL8qyO2NML8KDYYqXPfIW328FPkJu8YnlzWNSHnSrQ0IeCyC24-n6l432r_Q2A3/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrD_4Mi5KNUvbv5whW3k6d9lfV8KIaVPUqSD3Fl_S-KU6vqmTdFUvbd2wwLTggsc3wR4ZHOc9ZI5t1AdQx2ATkTsx2wOgtkQUpYyvwQ5rgECu9D3yrb_tsxoVHrL8qyO2NML8KDYYqXPfIW328FPkJu8YnlzWNSHnSrQ0IeCyC24-n6l432r_Q2A3/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small waterfall on the Marble Fork Kaweah</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOq52mTvR12yYiEnuMHJ0B0HgSi3MVh-1t0lOzqRzXGjNQoQNDrhPxhM7qrgDF6JO2ImQyjPE-JRyVijh-hXgU70QZqs6dQHt7ytaKDRfyvlgXNHHfWBMV-7ZriyBWSg_s7m62WzBV5rf5tU1N4VWqMZGVojhkHFydcs-3r9_YsWiWPE9FTpsahto/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOq52mTvR12yYiEnuMHJ0B0HgSi3MVh-1t0lOzqRzXGjNQoQNDrhPxhM7qrgDF6JO2ImQyjPE-JRyVijh-hXgU70QZqs6dQHt7ytaKDRfyvlgXNHHfWBMV-7ZriyBWSg_s7m62WzBV5rf5tU1N4VWqMZGVojhkHFydcs-3r9_YsWiWPE9FTpsahto/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Fork Kaweah<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The steady ascent leveled out at 0.8 miles from the trailhead, where the river entered a calm, forested valley with great granite peaks rising all around. The granite wall of the Watchtower became more easily visible on the southern side of the valley here. The calm, clear waters of the Marble Fork Kaweah here were a nice contrast to the more vigorous flow encountered earlier in the hike.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lbmxtRLJ2a1guNrp2nDTXOVLnr-Y6V9zOF2wbXgavPAUXGKvI2GKfA6EE8e6-G8eKr8mzlXuKzvyoab5FaOO0O7tBDxJrw2F98R32JDDi3Jm1lsFsu_2nU6Irun-oNFCxsfyQdnwwFoc2sx6xmk1moWiFEAZl5Ev855KQ0lTuum8a_l6llF8_UJw/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lbmxtRLJ2a1guNrp2nDTXOVLnr-Y6V9zOF2wbXgavPAUXGKvI2GKfA6EE8e6-G8eKr8mzlXuKzvyoab5FaOO0O7tBDxJrw2F98R32JDDi3Jm1lsFsu_2nU6Irun-oNFCxsfyQdnwwFoc2sx6xmk1moWiFEAZl5Ev855KQ0lTuum8a_l6llF8_UJw/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granite walls rising over the Marble Fork Kaweah River</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO71z-k7Zt_or5_rLKkrx7bWr-LN_PBAQvPcBcrADgAzBN2gOfuG1vUHR1GvJq3fAPHwyWJqR_Syd80xjlaFKnFqTCtKoMGl59OBDRltz_YAb_gC9BGPjGKolcRJbqMpbuW4beFp3UzKvNNEgjRJHev6Zb8PHRU-jyK-83LzGAD7zIR-JOTYlxv3UO/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO71z-k7Zt_or5_rLKkrx7bWr-LN_PBAQvPcBcrADgAzBN2gOfuG1vUHR1GvJq3fAPHwyWJqR_Syd80xjlaFKnFqTCtKoMGl59OBDRltz_YAb_gC9BGPjGKolcRJbqMpbuW4beFp3UzKvNNEgjRJHev6Zb8PHRU-jyK-83LzGAD7zIR-JOTYlxv3UO/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Fork Kaweah<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This flatter stretch of trail traveled through a lodgepole forest at the bottom of the valley until it began climbing gently but steadily again at 1.3 miles. As the trail returned to the banks of the cascading Marble Fork, more nice views opened up, including improving angles on the Watchtower.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UB4vmTaQvfd6qPs66iR8g5dRzF-_SGpQRM5DLdX42ZiXVPHgnK8YoBWDezXesDfojjkHpGcg92JxTZuz1-isS5f9n0FiLmAlZoCeJs3aBQGHYAu9pCeC047pX5JzBPouJLxS3h7ndEpDx-_XNkIfKa8o9nVEiu02apLNXQEqnugKjOn3kKv9nons/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UB4vmTaQvfd6qPs66iR8g5dRzF-_SGpQRM5DLdX42ZiXVPHgnK8YoBWDezXesDfojjkHpGcg92JxTZuz1-isS5f9n0FiLmAlZoCeJs3aBQGHYAu9pCeC047pX5JzBPouJLxS3h7ndEpDx-_XNkIfKa8o9nVEiu02apLNXQEqnugKjOn3kKv9nons/w426-h640/Tokopah%20Falls%207.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Watchtower rising over the Marble Fork Kaweah River</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail crossed a tributary stream on a well-built bridge at 1.5 miles as it returned to the forest. Although the alternating stream-and-forest scenery along this trail was not necessarily remarkable, the lush environs still made this a very enjoyable experience.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8dWiAAtKHnfteCJvBqLvUPfN_ZVA2KSJBpDun7CtbmthM91ZFp9Z5vGvVU3ZSxslIF4pm_8AiSTogBum-BUUFxa2lerE715fSwzJgHYocMSq0Q0uDKR-4YnIa2G4HPvxHz78MnTUUWalu1IylXObWC2o7pdZx7wZknP4VtMYvtH6EyeQyMkmRNDD/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8dWiAAtKHnfteCJvBqLvUPfN_ZVA2KSJBpDun7CtbmthM91ZFp9Z5vGvVU3ZSxslIF4pm_8AiSTogBum-BUUFxa2lerE715fSwzJgHYocMSq0Q0uDKR-4YnIa2G4HPvxHz78MnTUUWalu1IylXObWC2o7pdZx7wZknP4VtMYvtH6EyeQyMkmRNDD/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge over Marble Fork tributary stream</td></tr></tbody></table>At 1.7 miles, the trail finally emerged from the lodgepole pine forest, providing the first open views of Tokopah Falls at the head of the granite-bound valley. Rather than being a free-falling drop like the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, Tokopah Falls is more of an extended tumble down a sloping granite face: the Marble Fork Kaweah River drops over a thousand feet into the valley from the Table Lands above, but the individual drops are never more than about 50 feet tall. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7NC7Bmb_JgkJYNetu0VkaisycRu-7xxIUStqOD7Gv6W_p1lafHnkZS5uWcRf1P1fQo8IIii17GbMhMzMD7zFgiGdgsNgkdMNeAi2KUl1C9rDyO9zS7muGvviL_7gkiKHAc97WOzctQ4fuJtH9Qk7wANjT0KLLraxFZBp6qnrp8XuXfBlU8Y5v_M0/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7NC7Bmb_JgkJYNetu0VkaisycRu-7xxIUStqOD7Gv6W_p1lafHnkZS5uWcRf1P1fQo8IIii17GbMhMzMD7zFgiGdgsNgkdMNeAi2KUl1C9rDyO9zS7muGvviL_7gkiKHAc97WOzctQ4fuJtH9Qk7wANjT0KLLraxFZBp6qnrp8XuXfBlU8Y5v_M0/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokopah Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail began to climb steadily again, now entering rockier terrain. At one point, the trail passed underneath overhanging rocks while traversing a pile of talus: this was the trickiest terrain of the hike. No true rock scrambling is needed here but the trail surface is broken up across large rocks and presents a bit more of a challenge. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoPzukAygQnZGm0wM_EV9Z6b15tppB6X3w-51BGIVxsOZlvKCcCIUWyx13W943rlb19Vgvyu0HGdeHEqzRh29UoZvxajPZ9P0fKm5SRvnhSVfUMYLc4tICCNP4pVoTvuEkNESedkavOyPNmzXpK8YfTJXxFK6M9YBLRCkef29k3Rtbg5qhLNO2DU4/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoPzukAygQnZGm0wM_EV9Z6b15tppB6X3w-51BGIVxsOZlvKCcCIUWyx13W943rlb19Vgvyu0HGdeHEqzRh29UoZvxajPZ9P0fKm5SRvnhSVfUMYLc4tICCNP4pVoTvuEkNESedkavOyPNmzXpK8YfTJXxFK6M9YBLRCkef29k3Rtbg5qhLNO2DU4/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky final approach to Tokopah Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail smoothed out a bit as it continued traveling across a rocky talus slope, delivering open views of Tokopah Falls ahead and the Watchtower rising above. Marmots frequent the talus slopes here: I saw quite a few lazing out on these rocks when I visited during my youth. <br /><br />At two miles from the trailhead, the Tokopah Falls Trail ended at the base of its namesake waterfall. From here, only one of the lowest tiers of the waterfall was visible, with snowmelt from above flowing down a large granite step. The Watchtower rose ominously above, displaying its sharp form when viewed from this angle; the high granite cliffs making up the south side of the valley behind the Watchtower were also quite impressive. The area around the end of the trail was quite crowded, as this is a popular hike; a line of people waited to take selfies of the waterfall on a large rock. Despite the busy nature of the trail, the valley was still an imposing sight and well worth the trip along the Marble Fork Kaweah.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0yQo-C1QUv8urJsz-s2CJ5bDkeI68Ul0qzRjq2DxF2FV3x-yhSTquoNqUVswuNqqQiZbw1uryldaOvbfdBo0FpqBmxGHyfWyjW0dvzto53gv2VA51_xonsUW6HumZ0t4fm4XfBfCV6_OjGyaDW_P0NSXkJ3Kjfr8Xxu6WT7Y-C2IUjqeJOLuualc/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0yQo-C1QUv8urJsz-s2CJ5bDkeI68Ul0qzRjq2DxF2FV3x-yhSTquoNqUVswuNqqQiZbw1uryldaOvbfdBo0FpqBmxGHyfWyjW0dvzto53gv2VA51_xonsUW6HumZ0t4fm4XfBfCV6_OjGyaDW_P0NSXkJ3Kjfr8Xxu6WT7Y-C2IUjqeJOLuualc/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokopah Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFohP8GjwT0ENNT7YvewY5nqkouJKcg4bs_p4Xe_WPEr9h5woHfzSMCAUTACfQxIn95JrqqvQRGOgBrZcal1q6J_oxjeae2CtWQwMG50peLi1sbY4-JGvx1s3NySKJTpqV5FkMZ7td00iOZ-dy87LF2UZOp-U8RhYWUgFWF6_rI5wWlnRa0P9B7yRn/s6000/Tokopah%20Falls%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFohP8GjwT0ENNT7YvewY5nqkouJKcg4bs_p4Xe_WPEr9h5woHfzSMCAUTACfQxIn95JrqqvQRGOgBrZcal1q6J_oxjeae2CtWQwMG50peLi1sbY4-JGvx1s3NySKJTpqV5FkMZ7td00iOZ-dy87LF2UZOp-U8RhYWUgFWF6_rI5wWlnRa0P9B7yRn/w640-h426/Tokopah%20Falls%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Watchtower<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Although the hike along the Marble Fork Kaweah up Tokopah Valley is extremely popular, I would still recommend this hike to casual visitors to Sequoia National Park: this is one of the few spots in the park where hikers can so accessibly interact up close with the granite landscape that makes the Sierra Nevada so remarkable. While the falls can certainly get crowded, there's enough room on this trail to spread out a bit and enjoy this pretty corner of the Sierra.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-48640406814561505962023-06-21T17:00:00.030-07:002023-06-21T17:00:00.142-07:00Friluftsled Kleven<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf32JL5_n6uBBpqa3ax1_GLmegUGJTwIyXN2vOZrX-wH7-7KDFM2Pwt8_5B2-Rlq9QpsfpHLLfXW5YINdyE8DYJVno_EYQuMVIRJer5PXu_lMXksuz6lLIoFFrWRXFe96jgDfVRkUGePfTsSZRfklHBuc9J72df_LpgkkLpEzzHLa8ymdLx6q__9nl/s6000/Smogen%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf32JL5_n6uBBpqa3ax1_GLmegUGJTwIyXN2vOZrX-wH7-7KDFM2Pwt8_5B2-Rlq9QpsfpHLLfXW5YINdyE8DYJVno_EYQuMVIRJer5PXu_lMXksuz6lLIoFFrWRXFe96jgDfVRkUGePfTsSZRfklHBuc9J72df_LpgkkLpEzzHLa8ymdLx6q__9nl/w640-h426/Smogen%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallo Lighthouse and the rocky coastline of Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>2 km loop, 50 meters elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, limited (paid) parking at Smogen<div><br /></div><div>The town of Smogen captures the essence of Sweden's idyllic Bohuslan Coast with its neat rows of red-roofed houses and seafood cafes spread out over a rocky, windspread island on the North Sea coast. A narrow waterway separates Smogen from Kleven, a rocky granite islet that is an excellent spot to explore the natural seaside scenery of this coastline. While some hikes are enjoyable because they provide a wilderness experience, the Friluftsled Kleven- the Kleven Nature Trail- is enjoyable because of its proximity to Smogen and its many charms. This loop trail alternates between traveling through the rocky heart of the island and following its rugged coastline and provides many pretty views of the town of Smogen. Although short and generally easy, this hike does require a good deal of walking across sometimes uneven rock surfaces, stopping just short of needing rock scrambling in places.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anna and I stopped in Smogen and hiked the Friluftsled Kleven during a trip to Sweden in which we drove from Stockholm across the country to Gothenburg, spending our last day before reaching Gothenburg exploring the rocky shoreline and fishing harbors of the Bohuslan Coast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Smogen is just under a two-hour drive from Gothenburg, but the Bohuslan Coast is so charming that you should plan to spend at least one night in the area and enjoy the long summer days. From Gothenburg, follow Freeway E6 north to exit 101, then take Route 162 west, then Route 171 and Route 174 to reach Kungshamn; then cross the grand Smogenbron to reach the island of Smogen. Once on Smogen, follow Storgatan to the parking area in the heart of the town; here, turn right onto Brunnsgatan and follow it until it turns into Klevenvagen, passing by the end of the inlet along Smogenbryggan and a mini-golf place. The road crosses a small bridge to pass from Smogen onto Kleven; once on Kleven, there is a medium-sized lot on the right side of the road with room for about 70 cars. In summer, a fee is charged for parking; since we came in the off season, parking was free. There were restrooms about 20 meters back along Klevenvagen on the opposite side of the road; the area around the restrooms had a particularly picturesque view of a series of colorful boatsheds along the harbor of Smogenbryggan, which is one of the most iconic spots in Smogen. If the main parking lot is full when you arrive, you can also park in the lot in the center of town and walk over to the trailhead along the Smogenbryggan boardwalk.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfKO7PhB6afVH6tXvf7JQUbs7W8D1fop8wts4sV02E3PkO2EjtMq0b8ADCtsGnFMB4v53cDfsRHk3bTB9MPJiX9egr-QR-rmUDxRa6Hg4Dj1G7O9bG5ZMyz6H-iMwQGkmtn6Tbnn-XT8bh2jbPbx8-4a7zfrRqb2x8OT8tSoPhUKtQRtME8u7GmjX/s6000/Smogen%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfKO7PhB6afVH6tXvf7JQUbs7W8D1fop8wts4sV02E3PkO2EjtMq0b8ADCtsGnFMB4v53cDfsRHk3bTB9MPJiX9egr-QR-rmUDxRa6Hg4Dj1G7O9bG5ZMyz6H-iMwQGkmtn6Tbnn-XT8bh2jbPbx8-4a7zfrRqb2x8OT8tSoPhUKtQRtME8u7GmjX/w640-h426/Smogen%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Smogenbryggan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The trail started just slightly further down Klevenvagen from the parking lot: a sign marked the start of the trail, which broke off to the right from the road and headed into a cleft cut into the rounded granite outcrops that are so characteristic of the Bohuslan Coast. A short fifty meter stretch of trail brought us to a pond nestled amidst the granite landscape; the trail followed a boardwalk suspended above the pond, hugging the side of a granite cliff.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBrslDQrrPs9xsdgRJj4zMpUDaLPO4xUrKOKvjrYNg7V_sGY99R96PqWpk2v2d_iMnLwqB_NWhpy-v8Ut1N7Mw_hewIcpu3qw_2jpHCfCknE6QipnNX4NNKo8_j3H5uSwqPd45D-2S5TRKx5UjRxUCyaNldwAheDMbNGKkdhXMDk7zfMrZ4__FHP/s6000/Smogen%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBrslDQrrPs9xsdgRJj4zMpUDaLPO4xUrKOKvjrYNg7V_sGY99R96PqWpk2v2d_iMnLwqB_NWhpy-v8Ut1N7Mw_hewIcpu3qw_2jpHCfCknE6QipnNX4NNKo8_j3H5uSwqPd45D-2S5TRKx5UjRxUCyaNldwAheDMbNGKkdhXMDk7zfMrZ4__FHP/w640-h426/Smogen%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk above a pond on Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The trail wrapped around the west side of the pond, traveling across open granite after the end of the boardwalk. We followed the trail across a low hill and came out to wonderful views of the sea, with the island of Hallo and its distinctive red and white lighthouse visible in the distance. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPdlU50_N8oBTjTiziUrzq_f34jOBXcDPA9amle1L7rV9NatGiqxmdEa-Kv6jcR7DS7W6RMYLguC8jnIyZNxdnNdqmT8o3_H48-CqbB3Ik0T4e2i43rkRh66qEhCiFcrFAhQXJkl1dddD5j0I6YEOYcwzC0UCOUK_XziAwAYMCOScPDTkDuWGHj9W/s6000/Smogen%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPdlU50_N8oBTjTiziUrzq_f34jOBXcDPA9amle1L7rV9NatGiqxmdEa-Kv6jcR7DS7W6RMYLguC8jnIyZNxdnNdqmT8o3_H48-CqbB3Ik0T4e2i43rkRh66qEhCiFcrFAhQXJkl1dddD5j0I6YEOYcwzC0UCOUK_XziAwAYMCOScPDTkDuWGHj9W/w640-h426/Smogen%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallo lighthouse and the Kleven coastline<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The trail then descended via some small wooden staircases down towards the water; just before reaching a small inlet, we came to a trail junction. The main loop trail headed to the left while the spur trail to the right led towards the rocky headlands on the southwest corner of Kleven. We chose to take the spur first, which headed up the barren granite hills. There was not a well-defined trail here; we simply aimed for the base of a wooden staircase that led to the top of the rocky hill.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once at the top of the wooden staircase, we had open, sweeping views of the Bohuslan Coast and the Smogen area. The view east gave us impressive views of the pink granite cliffs of Kleven rising above the North Sea coastline. If the granite cliffs in this view appear a bit unnaturally abrupt, that's because they are: this was once a granite quarry.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOg5vptTQspBzU41HWSq4xuXTquXFMXFe8ug0Xh-A1Q1WEfiSgnu_Z0Cl9X-m7AkiJ4OH6OiUWR33uEBz20uhkzdtrTbLz6-HCwvpE07op4b_-cCPNGTPORR7oRyiG9lcl2kArlJ_tG5Fs-rIHxUDBhSBRgMVBhwswW1EXg4i7j_rSLtyZBizPvP7/s6000/Smogen%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOg5vptTQspBzU41HWSq4xuXTquXFMXFe8ug0Xh-A1Q1WEfiSgnu_Z0Cl9X-m7AkiJ4OH6OiUWR33uEBz20uhkzdtrTbLz6-HCwvpE07op4b_-cCPNGTPORR7oRyiG9lcl2kArlJ_tG5Fs-rIHxUDBhSBRgMVBhwswW1EXg4i7j_rSLtyZBizPvP7/w640-h426/Smogen%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granite cliffs of Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>We followed the east-west granite ridge here to the west and came to the southwest corner of Kleven. Whereas most of the easily-accessible Bohuslan coastline have very calm waters due to the protection of the mainland coast by outlying islands, at the far end of Kleven, which is relatively unprotected, we saw the waves of the North Sea crashing ashore against the granite rocks.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pg1FiTOESPENP7swjI4uUdlc1uoueXHVS8wM3FvLbv976zC3KqBHdSAm-tAqrSGDBP9JXxhwDXXvq8XpWAmMid8BvKEyIKKoGoG2KTHDcJad_OV0EQthjSIJ6l0j7F7Er_X17q-X_-r9Ma1VRBg1ToKdHq_p2umSiWGfoc6ia1nbqdSdOlCRxgFq/s6000/Smogen%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pg1FiTOESPENP7swjI4uUdlc1uoueXHVS8wM3FvLbv976zC3KqBHdSAm-tAqrSGDBP9JXxhwDXXvq8XpWAmMid8BvKEyIKKoGoG2KTHDcJad_OV0EQthjSIJ6l0j7F7Er_X17q-X_-r9Ma1VRBg1ToKdHq_p2umSiWGfoc6ia1nbqdSdOlCRxgFq/w640-h426/Smogen%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves of the North Sea wash against the rocky coastline of Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Returning down the wooden staircase to the junction with the loop trail, we took the right fork and continued along the loop. The trail crossed a small valley and then climbed up to the top of the granite cliffs on the other side of the small bay. The trail became somewhat less well defined here, although blazes on the rock helped keep us on the right general path. As the trail traveled exclusively over the granite outcrop, there were multiple points where it was almost necessary to use our hands- this was not intense rock scrambling, but some visitors may feel they need support than their legs can provide.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepIUHJmqdx_V31owxcL0gTybj-SkIkjhsu3LlntOl33yszSfbyHHynp3J0GrcTMPPwwkO_HKgeMy3APbc3P3TA4YGR7RtY7zixbo6atSx5v624zDXxNMlUBWgd0zlKP2mYhd2_BrwJt8t9sHCM8U6wbj-XdwzBvMUA45BXXXS6ES_SiZ1iaCTx3Pi/s6000/Smogen%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepIUHJmqdx_V31owxcL0gTybj-SkIkjhsu3LlntOl33yszSfbyHHynp3J0GrcTMPPwwkO_HKgeMy3APbc3P3TA4YGR7RtY7zixbo6atSx5v624zDXxNMlUBWgd0zlKP2mYhd2_BrwJt8t9sHCM8U6wbj-XdwzBvMUA45BXXXS6ES_SiZ1iaCTx3Pi/w640-h426/Smogen%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky landscape of Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The rocky landscape here rewarded us with sweeping views of the ocean and across Kleven's rocky heart to the town of Smogen itself. The town's church steeple soared above the neat rows of white-walled, red-roofed houses that are so distinctive to this part of the Swedish coast. On the coast side, sweeping views extended towards the North Sea on one side and towards the Hallo Lighthouse and the multitude of rocky islets that dot the Bohuslan Coast on the other side.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EpGQ_TYIQTo29QEKD7f-LGnKWZhHxzz4OZ1n_ygMNnzNVniYGVJhwl3Wz1D1CcDKMn63loYFU5Z28Ak9CkL2UBDUGK3KMjtbaQD55npj7Mp9sIRFbp4e-BxSlGFoZjmIgN_hM1yCRDWW-hyjOCE27umvfAO3chDPrq876pFSAdxhh6a2azNjb2NT/s6000/Smogen%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EpGQ_TYIQTo29QEKD7f-LGnKWZhHxzz4OZ1n_ygMNnzNVniYGVJhwl3Wz1D1CcDKMn63loYFU5Z28Ak9CkL2UBDUGK3KMjtbaQD55npj7Mp9sIRFbp4e-BxSlGFoZjmIgN_hM1yCRDWW-hyjOCE27umvfAO3chDPrq876pFSAdxhh6a2azNjb2NT/w640-h426/Smogen%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smogen views from Kleven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oE4zF8oyh4N1p2WErdzAeFGSKj0rVMII7kwItqcFisffcyQ-35uYHnRVtQA2GjtdOAMKwd3u-fuSNGDUX-ZsJXD1-z5mOHlP9b3RL6ytRefWkQ_BU7k3n-vEupVBaD7Cojpq3E7apPLeXn5wNCpv4FjEEwqN3I8xSoLPz0xj3GZMSfPLTaMkRNQL/s6000/Smogen%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oE4zF8oyh4N1p2WErdzAeFGSKj0rVMII7kwItqcFisffcyQ-35uYHnRVtQA2GjtdOAMKwd3u-fuSNGDUX-ZsJXD1-z5mOHlP9b3RL6ytRefWkQ_BU7k3n-vEupVBaD7Cojpq3E7apPLeXn5wNCpv4FjEEwqN3I8xSoLPz0xj3GZMSfPLTaMkRNQL/w640-h426/Smogen%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallo Lighthouse<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshrKwu5u4Y-LiQhQP8Asr9Cg54wTBLfX4jkwFO2oh_-5bgmmf7QODn-aTaVY9V0a9hJfkyJ-qP-oCiE3AB5Y7lKH46DB0oRXxy13EoaF9tZAlSO6dNAjjg5gbxO1MD4hz9k6xcFIfAwXab3gwJk8O78COcv8OLoW01KQymwFOlkoSBCKu349pFsQ7/s6000/Smogen%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshrKwu5u4Y-LiQhQP8Asr9Cg54wTBLfX4jkwFO2oh_-5bgmmf7QODn-aTaVY9V0a9hJfkyJ-qP-oCiE3AB5Y7lKH46DB0oRXxy13EoaF9tZAlSO6dNAjjg5gbxO1MD4hz9k6xcFIfAwXab3gwJk8O78COcv8OLoW01KQymwFOlkoSBCKu349pFsQ7/w640-h426/Smogen%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Kleven and the Bohuslan Coast</td></tr></tbody></table>The path traveled across open granite along Kleven's south coast until the trail markers began leading back inland. After the trail turned away from the coast and traveled inland across the rolling granite, we quickly arrived back at a narrow paved road at the gate of the Smogen Diving Center; we followed the road through a cleft in the rock and emerged next to a boat storage facility on Klevenvagen at 1.5 km into the hike. Turning left onto Klevenvagen, we took the sidewalk along this street back to the trailhead parking area, where we closed the loop after 2 km of hiking.<br /><br />After we finished the hike, we drove over to the fisherman's harbor at the end of Fiskhamnsgatan, just southeast of the center of town. We ate a later lunch at Gostas Fiskekrog Restaurang, where Anna enjoyed a heaping appetizer of fresh local shrimp. All in all, we found Smogen extremely charming and thought this hike on Kleven was a lovely way to sample the beauty of Sweden's Bohuslan Coast.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-35686842520811231542023-06-14T16:30:00.115-07:002023-06-14T16:30:00.186-07:00Canyon Creek Lakes<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkXAJoonqSI/YLhlfkDtNFI/AAAAAAAAg40/nzdzBfkw30YSBPeM7jPQD0RdBFD02yddgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkXAJoonqSI/YLhlfkDtNFI/AAAAAAAAg40/nzdzBfkw30YSBPeM7jPQD0RdBFD02yddgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thompson Peak reflect in Upper Canyon Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>16 miles round trip, 3200 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous<br />Access: Paved but narrow road to trailhead, no entrance fee required<br /><br />Canyon Creek Lakes is the quintessential Trinity Alps hike, delivering views of sparkling alpine lakes, sharp and snowy granite peaks, and roaring waterfalls in an oft-overlooked corner of California. These attractions have guaranteed that the Canyon Creek Lakes hike is not overlooked though: this is one of the most popular trails in northwestern California. The pair of lakes set beneath Thompson Peak at the end of the hike are the main draw here, but visitors who come earlier in the hiking season can also admire the powerful spray of Canyon Creek Falls, which is surely one of California’s premier cascading streams outside the Sierra Nevada. Although few parts of this hike are extremely steep, the length of this hike still makes a one day journey to Canyon Creek Lakes and back quite challenging. <br /><br />Canyon Creek’s long canyon resembles a sort of giant staircase, with four great steps descending from the head of the valley to its mouth. At each step, Canyon Creek tumbles over a major waterfall or cascade; the twin Canyon Creek Lakes lie atop the highest of these giant steps. This means that this hike is subdivided into stretches of fairly flat hiking punctuated by short but steep ascents up each of the steps of the staircase. <br /><br />This is the most popular hike in the Trinity Alps. While a far drive from any major population center, Canyon Creek Lakes has become by far the best-known hiking destination in this corner of the state and the parking area will be overflowing on an average summer weekend. Most visitors do the Canyon Creek Lakes hike as an overnight backpacking trip due to the length of the hike; backpacking in the Trinity Alps Wilderness requires a backcountry permit, which can be obtained at the USFS ranger station in Weaverville, even after hours. On my visit on a Memorial Day weekend Sunday, I saw well over a hundred hikers along the trail over the course of a day. Luckily, there’s enough room to spread out and appreciate the many lakes and waterfalls of this hike, so even though I was rarely alone the hike never felt crowded. <br /><br />This trail usually melts out by Memorial Day most years; late summers have typically been a crapshoot due to the wildfires and smoke that are common in this part of the state in August and September. The Trinity Alps are a long drive from most of California’s large population centers, with Redding being the closest city and Weaverville being the closest town. To reach the Canyon Creek Lakes Trailhead from Weaverville, I followed Highway 299 west across Oregon Mountain Summit for 8 miles to Junction City, turning right onto Canyon Creek Road when I came to the Junction City Store. I then followed the paved Canyon Creek Road for 13 miles up the valley to the Canyon Creek Lakes Trailhead. Canyon Creek Road is generally easy to drive, although it got a bit narrow and had a few potholes in the final miles approaching the trailhead. The trailhead parking lot was quite large considering the relatively remote location: there were designated parking spots for at least 50 cars and a pit toilet and cars were parked alongside the road for a quarter mile leading back from the parking lot. I nabbed the very last spot in the lot when I arrived around 7 AM on a Sunday. <br /><br />The trail left from the far end of the parking lot loop. Starting uphill through the forest, the Canyon Creek Trail almost immediately split, coming to a junction where the Bear Creek Trail peeled off from the canyon Creek Trail. I took the left fork to stay on the Canyon Creek Trail at this junction. The trail initially began with a gradual ascent and quickly entered the Trinity Alps Wilderness, at which point the trail began to hug a steep hillside. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1QaJKjtGm0U/YLhlq9y7CLI/AAAAAAAAg5c/58ACbV-UIaQZo1YbPOwWdvJeqH79PPf5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1QaJKjtGm0U/YLhlq9y7CLI/AAAAAAAAg5c/58ACbV-UIaQZo1YbPOwWdvJeqH79PPf5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Trinity Alps Wilderness on the Canyon Creek Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 0.4 miles, the Canyon Creek Trail descended slightly and crossed over Bear Creek. Across the creek, the trail climbed back out into Canyon Creek’s watershed and followed the side of the canyon above the creek. The trail had just the gentlest of inclines over the next two miles as it traveled through the forest. The forest along this hike was quite attractive: it was lusher than the forests of the Sierra Nevada and other area of California further south, although not quite as verdant as those of the Pacific Northwest, a reflection of the far wetter climate here compared to points south. <br /><br />There were few views to speak of the in this forested stretch of the hike save occasional glimpses of the rocky ridges across the valley and the trail stayed too far above Canyon Creek to really see the creek either, making the first three miles of the hike the least interesting stretch of the hike. This began to change after the trail came to a junction with a spur trail to McKay Camp and the Sinks at 2.9 miles from the trailhead. The Sinks refer to an area where Canyon Creek flows beneath a rockslide; while this sounded interesting, I had a long day ahead of me to reach Canyon Creek Lakes so I chose to bypass this detour and continue straight along the Canyon Creek Trail. <br /><br />The Canyon Creek Trail began its first climb in earnest after passing the spur to the Sinks. The trail ascended steadily at a moderate grade through the forest and made two switchbacks before it broke out onto an open granite slope for the first real views of the hike. From this vantage point slightly above the canyon, I was able to see Sawtooth Mountain, one of the Trinity Alps’ most iconic peaks, rising ahead up the valley. Granite ridges capped the forested slopes across the valley, while I was able to catch a glimpse of the thundering Canyon Creek Falls just slightly up the valley. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZV58UyZQaw/YLhlulG1nvI/AAAAAAAAg5w/CUd2bxZ2VaUa8UuhUnXjiCgljTaMDfqtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZV58UyZQaw/YLhlulG1nvI/AAAAAAAAg5w/CUd2bxZ2VaUa8UuhUnXjiCgljTaMDfqtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity Alps rise above Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GTB3YaoStE/YLhlvmysNRI/AAAAAAAAg50/HBi5_-Rl26E2q0tyTEhh1vLc7JwoIDMwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GTB3YaoStE/YLhlvmysNRI/AAAAAAAAg50/HBi5_-Rl26E2q0tyTEhh1vLc7JwoIDMwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Sawtooth Peak<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After the granite clearing ended, the trail crossed a minor stream and then made a rightward turn. An unmarked spur path descended from this unmarked turn down to the lowest set of falls on Canyon Creek, which is also the most impressive. This unsigned detour is an absolute highlight of this hike and should not be missed. The social path led steeply downhill through forest and bushes, dropping over 200 feet in elevation until it came to an astonishing viewpoint of the two drops that together make up Canyon Creek Falls. Even when the path itself became unclear, the roar of the water kept me going the right direction. <br /><br />Canyon Creek Falls was magnificent. Here, the roaring waters of Canyon Creek- which drains a watershed lined by the high, snowy peaks of the range- cascaded wildly and frothily down two drops, plunging into a rocky canyon hemmed in by forests and the high mountains of the Trinity Alps. Canyon Creek Falls is not the only waterfall on Canyon Creek- there were at least two more major waterfalls that I would see on this hike later in the day- but it is the largest and most significant waterfall in the valley. It is also known as Lower Canyon Creek Falls, to differentiate it from the Middle and Upper Canyon Creek Falls further upstream, but typically the unqualified name “Canyon Creek Falls” refers to this lowest and most impressive of the falls. To catch a full view of both drops of the falls, I explored around the rocky viewpoints above the canyon, finding superlative views from a slightly lower viewpoint below the main viewpoint at the end of the initial social path. Be careful here, though, as a fall into the creek would almost certainly be fatal.<div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlGGK15b2Xc/YLhlylsHOrI/AAAAAAAAg58/K-SUs4PCWOoUFOyf2wFFl-SsFWnIcHvcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlGGK15b2Xc/YLhlylsHOrI/AAAAAAAAg58/K-SUs4PCWOoUFOyf2wFFl-SsFWnIcHvcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Creek Falls (Lower Falls)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm93hNhqv-8/YLhlyii0kwI/AAAAAAAAg54/glZjrXzYIDQ-tTPhZeJ_Xi9I7A4YJHB2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm93hNhqv-8/YLhlyii0kwI/AAAAAAAAg54/glZjrXzYIDQ-tTPhZeJ_Xi9I7A4YJHB2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow over the lower drop of Canyon Creek Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Zp4PifNJlo/YLhly6L-0AI/AAAAAAAAg6A/HMAcMnZ-EpUlsnLIwI0EGvK93z_8ol-EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Zp4PifNJlo/YLhly6L-0AI/AAAAAAAAg6A/HMAcMnZ-EpUlsnLIwI0EGvK93z_8ol-EgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B7.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower drop of Canyon Creek Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Retracing my steps up the social path to the main Canyon Creek Trail, I continued up the valley. The trail came to the side of Canyon Creek at 4 miles from the trailhead, where I was able to see a set of minor but pretty falls on the creek. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbkGdF7VjI/YLhl06IjA7I/AAAAAAAAg6E/msAZItRCPygAA6cTOupHug-7wZE6SKC2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbkGdF7VjI/YLhl06IjA7I/AAAAAAAAg6E/msAZItRCPygAA6cTOupHug-7wZE6SKC2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls along Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Soon after, the canyon floor flattened out completely and the plunging creek transitioned to a placid stream, flowing leisurely by lovely old growth conifers. The next two miles of the Canyon Creek Trail were flat, a nice break from the ascent that had preceded. The trail passed to the east by the small but fairly unremarkable Canyon Creek Meadow, which had some views of the surrounding mountain walls. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXlT7eRkzVI/YLhl1d-EXwI/AAAAAAAAg6I/8xtvng9RxAMsW9hDCMHoYYlTbr6sL0i-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXlT7eRkzVI/YLhl1d-EXwI/AAAAAAAAg6I/8xtvng9RxAMsW9hDCMHoYYlTbr6sL0i-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fznt0rgHbSA/YLhlgq01sSI/AAAAAAAAg48/RnemDRaGm6UnBDMYrTgMl0SbxEfQVEGcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fznt0rgHbSA/YLhlgq01sSI/AAAAAAAAg48/RnemDRaGm6UnBDMYrTgMl0SbxEfQVEGcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Creek Meadow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JkQysQ9cDQ/YLhlgX3gkjI/AAAAAAAAg44/xEGq9wOgsIAvSUsltEQdQ_60crnKJiFKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JkQysQ9cDQ/YLhlgX3gkjI/AAAAAAAAg44/xEGq9wOgsIAvSUsltEQdQ_60crnKJiFKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful old growth forest along Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The flat terrain ended at 5.8 miles from the trailhead. Here, as the trail was about to begin an ascent to the right, I found another unmarked spur trail that split to the left and headed towards Canyon Creek. A hundred meters through the forest along this spur trail brought me to the foot of Middle Canyon Creek Falls, another impressive and perhaps taller, albeit less powerful, cascade. The views from the base of the falls were nice, but the best views were from further up. <br /><br />Unfortunately, there’s no well-defined path going up the side of the Middle Falls: if you don’t feel comfortable with rock scrambling and navigating your way back to rejoin the trail later, it is best to backtrack to the Canyon Creek Trail and to follow it uphill through a switchback ascent to the junction with the Boulder Creek Lakes Trail. However, adventurous hikers should abandon the trail briefly here and scramble up the granite boulders alongside the Middle Falls, where there are much better views of this thunderous cascade. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFQBR0l8zw0/YLhli4upI6I/AAAAAAAAg5A/Bo8y8Aat6wYcu_9Xl3808hMacl08gN7lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFQBR0l8zw0/YLhli4upI6I/AAAAAAAAg5A/Bo8y8Aat6wYcu_9Xl3808hMacl08gN7lwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Scrambling all the way up to the top of Middle Falls, I came to a patch of open granite slopes with views of Canyon Creek as it embarked on its drop through the falls and the snowy visage of Mount Hilton rising to the west. This was a scenic and quiet spot that is skipped over by the main trail: I took a break here to enjoy the lovely scenery. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkD9J7tQ5k8/YLhlkG20gEI/AAAAAAAAg5E/LCaQ11HiWcsW2l3LgnFTVOibab5H67OygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkD9J7tQ5k8/YLhlkG20gEI/AAAAAAAAg5E/LCaQ11HiWcsW2l3LgnFTVOibab5H67OygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Mount Hilton and the Boulder Lakes basin from above Middle Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There is no marked path leading from the top of Middle Falls back to the Canyon Creek Trail. The most straightforward approach- which I took- was to follow a faint path upstream along Canyon Creek until I met the Boulder Creek Lakes Trail at a point where that trail crossed Canyon Creek. Here, I turned right and followed the Boulder Creek Lakes Trail for three hundred meters back to the Canyon Creek Trail, where I rejoined the main trail at 6.3 miles from the trailhead and continued following it up the valley. The Boulder Creek Lakes Trail visits what I hear are a pair of exceptionally scenic lakes at the base of Mount Hilton; while I would certainly love to return, I didn’t have enough time for that detour on this hike. <br /><br />A brief stretch of flatter hiking through the forest followed before the trail arrived at the next major step in the valley. The trail climbed out into the open as it ascended alongside Upper Canyon Creek Falls. Excellent views of this lovely cascade down the granite were now paired with views of the high peaks surrounding the valley, which included Sawtooth Mountain to the east and Mount Hilton to the west. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrl674RmKtU/YLhlk382qZI/AAAAAAAAg5I/tCk9qcjXhucmVAjaksbE7O1W2afWLSs7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrl674RmKtU/YLhlk382qZI/AAAAAAAAg5I/tCk9qcjXhucmVAjaksbE7O1W2afWLSs7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Above the Upper Falls, the trail flattened out yet again, traveling through patchy forest and occasional clearings with nice mountain views. Plentiful wildflowers- including dogwoods in the forest and shooting stars in the clearings- made this an especially beautiful stretch of the trail during my hike. At 7.2 miles from the trailhead, the Canyon Creek Trail crossed Canyon Creek itself. In late May, with the creek at nearly full flow, this was quite challenging: I was able to walk along a few logs to cross the creek without getting wet, but without fortuitously placed logs I would have had to undertake a soaking, thigh-deep ford of the stream. Hiking poles were critical in helping me cross Canyon Creek without taking a dunk. Later season visitors may find this crossing much easier, but an easier crossing here also means less impressive waterfalls along the hike up. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jhwyBWWLYI/YLhllFhC-QI/AAAAAAAAg5M/d6Uds4_aGysJiTU6f2ccwAk07pJV7lCtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jhwyBWWLYI/YLhllFhC-QI/AAAAAAAAg5M/d6Uds4_aGysJiTU6f2ccwAk07pJV7lCtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting stars blooming in the meadows<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5lvji3CcUA/YLhlnT-zz9I/AAAAAAAAg5U/yQASQlEoSckVFtklTWKvdlESTMNTj5WkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5lvji3CcUA/YLhlnT-zz9I/AAAAAAAAg5U/yQASQlEoSckVFtklTWKvdlESTMNTj5WkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fording Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81_kF5wOsPU/YLhlnMIvVXI/AAAAAAAAg5Q/auXdB3J3xxEBGXrxuUv9U7dXrf0Qtu-FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81_kF5wOsPU/YLhlnMIvVXI/AAAAAAAAg5Q/auXdB3J3xxEBGXrxuUv9U7dXrf0Qtu-FACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogwoods blooming along Canyon Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Across Canyon Creek, the trail continued up the valley through the forest until arriving at the base of the fourth and final step of the valley at 7.4 miles from the trailhead. Here, Canyon Creek had another impressive cascade- this one unnamed- that marked its first steps down the valley from its headwaters in the lakes above. The trail headed across open granite and began a steep final ascent to Lower Canyon Creek Lake. Superlative views down the valley with the snowy peaks of the Trinity Alps unfurled. <br /><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf6co7_Fj2E/YLhlnzd_7pI/AAAAAAAAg5Y/LoL8ZgiUSBYiRO1E04X47UTvm2FGUSUEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf6co7_Fj2E/YLhlnzd_7pI/AAAAAAAAg5Y/LoL8ZgiUSBYiRO1E04X47UTvm2FGUSUEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade on Canyon Creek below Lower Canyon Creek Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWOGdcBKWsg/YLhlrF0pB0I/AAAAAAAAg5g/pmK3cO2VjQY8weQI38q-wRavS9zg0J4wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWOGdcBKWsg/YLhlrF0pB0I/AAAAAAAAg5g/pmK3cO2VjQY8weQI38q-wRavS9zg0J4wgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity Alps view from approach to Lower Canyon Creek Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Finally, 7.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail flattened out and arrived at Lower Canyon Creek Lake, a beautiful, watery blue gem nestled beneath the sharp pinnacle of Thompson Peak. At 9002 feet, Thompson Peak is the tallest summit of the Trinity Alps and lies at the heart of the range. Snow adorned the granite bench beneath the summit pyramid and usually sticks around until late summer most years (the only glacier of the Trinity Alps lies on the opposite side of Thompson Peak). The lake was delightfully cold on the extremely hot day of my hike; despite its great distance from the trailhead, there were numerous hikers here enjoying the water, although most were backpackers rather than day hikers. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-1Z9gsbasE/YLhlrWByhRI/AAAAAAAAg5k/lqfbvjydotouMdl0-YeqNotNBbhVitEmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-1Z9gsbasE/YLhlrWByhRI/AAAAAAAAg5k/lqfbvjydotouMdl0-YeqNotNBbhVitEmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thompson Peak rising over Lower Canyon Creek Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A social trail followed the west shore of the lake, providing multiple access points to the lakeshore for hikers to relax and enjoy the view. This trail was idyllic and I enjoyed exploring it for a short stretch; however, to reach Upper Canyon Creek Lake, I instead followed a poorly marked trail that led up the granite benches on the west side above the lakeshore. This trail followed the spine of the granite ridge for a brief stretch before heading to the right off of the ridge and traversing through a landscape of rocks and sparse trees above the lower lake. After reaching the far end of the lower lake, the trail made a brief turn into a gully before climbing back out onto an open granite slope that overlooked the upper lake.</div><div><br /></div><div>The upper lake was a granite-bound bowl situated directly beneath the jagged, snowy crest of the Trinity Alps. A great buttress of stone rose directly across this lake, leading up towards the snow-covered shoulders of the Trinity Alps' greatest peaks. The view of the lake was superb; I was able to see some different angles on this view by taking the trail that followed the granite divide between the upper and lower lakes. The upper lake was far quieter than the lower lake, with far fewer hikers making it up this far.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_sVLiXrS-8/YLhlurb-14I/AAAAAAAAg5s/6fqxvjSYa8Qo3miSKPmdkmABdyUgzquTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_sVLiXrS-8/YLhlurb-14I/AAAAAAAAg5s/6fqxvjSYa8Qo3miSKPmdkmABdyUgzquTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crest of the Trinity Alps above Upper Canyon Creek Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The low granite ridge near the outlet of Upper Canyon Creek Lake also provided a stunning view downhill of Lower Canyon Creek Lake and the snowy, forested peaks that rose further down the valley. In fact, the view from here is perhaps one of the most iconic of the Canyon Creek Lakes and the Trinity Alps; I enjoyed this astounding landscape and had my lunch before starting the lengthy return to the trailhead.<br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YCc4cABI7Q/YLhltu7ikII/AAAAAAAAg5o/ShIp_ZzGPiA9pr8dHLxQw_Ny0IxD1fJ1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YCc4cABI7Q/YLhltu7ikII/AAAAAAAAg5o/ShIp_ZzGPiA9pr8dHLxQw_Ny0IxD1fJ1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Canyon%2BCreek%2BLakes%2B21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Canyon Creek Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>This was a highly enjoyable hike. Although extremely popular, the scenic highlights of this pair of lakes and the waterfall-filled valley leading up to this location in the heart of the Trinity Alps are too spectacular to skip over. A single day was barely enough to enjoy everything this trail had to offer; while I would recommend visiting Canyon Creek Lakes whether on a day hike or backpack, this certainly would have been a great place to stay overnight to explore more.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-60597693166359961482023-05-17T18:00:00.001-07:002023-05-17T18:00:00.152-07:00Cowles Bog<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCcOPorDmAw/YK5eO6-U-5I/AAAAAAAAgw8/QDbWufcVD7Ak73Y-RWMq-YRNt9lpcry_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCcOPorDmAw/YK5eO6-U-5I/AAAAAAAAgw8/QDbWufcVD7Ak73Y-RWMq-YRNt9lpcry_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>4.5 miles loop, 250 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Decent gravel road to trailhead, Indiana Dunes National Park entrance fee required<div><br /></div><div>The Cowles Bog hike allows you to experience a little bit of everything that makes the new Indiana Dunes National Park special: a lush and biodiverse wetland, tall dunes, views of vast Lake Michigan, and reminders of the region's industrial past and present. The bog is named after Henry Cowles, a pioneering ecologist at the University of Chicago who made important observations at this wetland and in the surrounding dunes that contributed to the area's eventual preservation. Although the scenery here is not flashy, I found Cowles Bog to be a joy to hike with its profusion of wildflowers, relative seclusion, and good views. If you have time for just a single hike at Indiana Dunes National Park, Cowles Bog would be a reasonable choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked Cowles Bog while visiting Indiana Dunes National Park with a friend living in Chicago. We drove in from Chicago, taking I-94 south and east into Indiana and leaving the interstate at exit 26A for Route 49. Upon exiting, we took Route 49 north for two miles and then made a left turn for the ramp to connect with US Route 12; we took the left fork at the bottom of the ramp to head west on US Route 12. We followed US 12 west for 1.4 miles and then turned right onto Mineral Springs Road. We followed this paved road with no lane divides north for three-quarters of a mile to the gate for Dune Acres; at this point, we turned right and followed a short gravel road into the parking lot for the Cowles Bog Trail. Parking here was somewhat limited, with room for less than 20 cars; if this parking lot is full, you will have to park 2/3 mile to the south at the Calumet Trailhead to access this hike. On a late May weekend day, there was a national park attendant monitoring the parking situation at the trailhead to prevent illegal parking. We were lucky and found a spot, but Indiana Dunes is popular enough that you may need to arrive earlier or later in the day to guarantee finding a spot. There was no entrance fee when I visited, but Indiana Dunes National Park has since implemented entrance fees; I am not certain where fee collection occurs.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the parking lot, we walked back down the short gravel road to get back to Mineral Springs Road and then crossed the road to reach the start of the trail. The trail started by traveling along an elevated strip between lush, forested wetlands on both sides. In May, the fresh green colors of the forest and bog here were extremely refreshing; this was a landscape bursting with life. Ferns were sprouting up throughout the partially-flooded plane and cattails occurred in open spots with more sun. There was plenty of wildlife as well: we heard the call of birds in the forest and saw a turtle crossing the trail.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb_frhcko0U/YK5eUpeDTCI/AAAAAAAAgxU/4eXaJ9oLGl8yRqcZv7XI3hHXux_EplGWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb_frhcko0U/YK5eUpeDTCI/AAAAAAAAgxU/4eXaJ9oLGl8yRqcZv7XI3hHXux_EplGWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferns abound in Cowles Bog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krYtLu1MyvA/YK5eWoLuj8I/AAAAAAAAgxc/X1gJycUBDR0lC0uXyIFNwaRH1SkduS2IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krYtLu1MyvA/YK5eWoLuj8I/AAAAAAAAgxc/X1gJycUBDR0lC0uXyIFNwaRH1SkduS2IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rich vegetation of Cowles Bog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9-dZY2KfFA/YK5eW11kYOI/AAAAAAAAgxg/HEbw3OSG7O8eiUUqytqRwipRxK2Hxi_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9-dZY2KfFA/YK5eW11kYOI/AAAAAAAAgxg/HEbw3OSG7O8eiUUqytqRwipRxK2Hxi_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table>The landscape of Cowles Bog played a crucial role in Dr. Henry Cowles' study of ecological succession. The bog's complex mosaic of habitats, including wetlands, sand dunes, and forests, provided Cowles, then a professor at the University of Chicago, with a unique opportunity to observe and document the changes in plant and animal communities over time. Cowles' research on ecological succession revealed that the bog was not a static environment, but a dynamic system in which different species of plants and animals replaced one another in a predictable sequence.<br /><br />Cowles observed that the sand dunes at the bog's edge were colonized by pioneering species of grasses, which were gradually replaced by shrubs and trees as the dunes stabilized. Similarly, he noted that the wetlands in the bog were colonized by different species of plants depending on the depth of the water, and that these communities changed over time as the water level fluctuated. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a third of mile of hiking from the trailhead, the wetlands to the right of the trail ended and the trail began following the base of a forested dune; the forested part of the bog still lay to the left (south) side of the trail. At 0.8 miles, we came to a junction where the Cowles Bog Trail began its figure eight loop. Here, we took the right fork, which took us uphill and away from the bog as the trail began its first ascent. This short uphill climb brought me up and over a forested dune; while the vegetation on the hill somewhat hid that all the hills here were just dunes, the loose sand underfoot betrayed that we were on one of the park's namesake dunes. Being amongst the dunes didn't mean that we were done with the wetlands, though: after crossing the first dune, the trail returned to the boundaries of an open marsh.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFEmXY27C_M/YK5eYcKVaQI/AAAAAAAAgxk/YUq0a9R4b04piZs9orVBJK6c3gNMEh0KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFEmXY27C_M/YK5eYcKVaQI/AAAAAAAAgxk/YUq0a9R4b04piZs9orVBJK6c3gNMEh0KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowles Bog</td></tr></tbody></table>In late May, the forest floor on the dunes was awash with wildflower color. Columbine, geraniums, and lupine were among the many flowers in bloom, lining the sandy path up the dunes.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIgUYRclKn4/YK5eWusYMYI/AAAAAAAAgxY/7K1VE4eEDtwKPOLWwEcNPJJQJtucsL73QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIgUYRclKn4/YK5eWusYMYI/AAAAAAAAgxY/7K1VE4eEDtwKPOLWwEcNPJJQJtucsL73QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming geraniums<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlKSqbEiTcQ/YK5eZtksCtI/AAAAAAAAgxo/5v2BQnG0IqoAoxMSWpE4S_u_TPzeC2KUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlKSqbEiTcQ/YK5eZtksCtI/AAAAAAAAgxo/5v2BQnG0IqoAoxMSWpE4S_u_TPzeC2KUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine and lupine</td></tr></tbody></table>At 1.2 miles, the trail began another climb into the sandy hills, these forested dunes. The ascents here are somewhat more challenging than trails of a similar grade elsewhere due to the looseness of the sand. The trail here was incredibly idyllic, though, because of the flowers dotting the forest floor. The trail came to a junction at 1.4 miles, where the left fork cut the loop short; we took the right fork to proceed along the main Cowles Bog Trail to the shores of Lake Michigan.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozhJYvZTTqs/YK5ea54RxFI/AAAAAAAAgxs/2MUSAbY060Qrx3Lg9Yx1Qtz5t_vVxrh8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozhJYvZTTqs/YK5ea54RxFI/AAAAAAAAgxs/2MUSAbY060Qrx3Lg9Yx1Qtz5t_vVxrh8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail across forested and flower-coated dunes</td></tr></tbody></table>The trail went up and down through this stretch of the Indiana Dunes until, at 1.7 miles, we emerged in the open atop Mount Bentley Dune, adjacent to the lake. From this open vantage point, we enjoyed the best views of the hike, which encompassed the neighboring forest, an expanse of sand beneath my feet, and the placid waters of Lake Michigan ahead.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvsmVgmyiCg/YK5ebKvhkHI/AAAAAAAAgxw/CTCxYyy_epgAkz4b5nfkyc64HfWOb0TxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvsmVgmyiCg/YK5ebKvhkHI/AAAAAAAAgxw/CTCxYyy_epgAkz4b5nfkyc64HfWOb0TxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Bentley dune and Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table>Gazing across the lake, we caught a sight of the faint Chicago skyline; on a less stormy day, it might be more clear. The distinctive forms of the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Tower were both clearly distinguishable, even from this distance. The distant skyline was the only reminder that Lake Michigan was just a lake and not the vast ocean.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSzyaV85yA/YK5eOjCkgMI/AAAAAAAAgw4/tJsl4ZMJnyUOVX48bHihuRJfAxpYqdMkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSzyaV85yA/YK5eOjCkgMI/AAAAAAAAgw4/tJsl4ZMJnyUOVX48bHihuRJfAxpYqdMkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago skyline visible across Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table>After soaking in the dune-top views, we descended down the steep sides of the dune towards the lakeshore. At the base of the dune, we came to a junction with a trail that led west through the grass towards the return leg of the loop; however, we skipped this junction and decided to follow the path all the way down to the waterfront and the beach along Lake Michigan, which we reached at just under 2 miles from the trailhead.<br /><br />Looking west, we could see the two massive smokestacks of the Bailly generating station, a large coal-fired power plant that is part of the Port of Indiana industrial zone.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsbQ2MwKoXU/YK5ePBAmPAI/AAAAAAAAgxA/pmXi3D04THUJuZWIGWnBBlIGfJdlE4IIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsbQ2MwKoXU/YK5ePBAmPAI/AAAAAAAAgxA/pmXi3D04THUJuZWIGWnBBlIGfJdlE4IIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailly Generating Station at the Port of Indiana</td></tr></tbody></table>The Port of Indiana was built into the heart of the Indiana Dunes in the 1960s, creating a massive industrial area and port in what used to be the Central Dunes of the Indiana Dunes. Bethlehem Steel and US Steel lobbied for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the lake bottom near Burns Harbor to create a deepwater port for transporting coal and steel; the result was this complex just east of Gary. The construction of the port split the Indiana Dunes in two and destroyed a large swath of the central dunes; this was one of the multiple environmental catastrophes affecting the Indiana Dunes that eventually led to the dunes' preservation and recent establishment as a national park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking east along the lakeshore, we had a view of the forested dunes coming down to the water for miles until reaching the NIPSCO Michigan City power plant in the distance, a coal-fired power plant that sits atop the site of one of the other environmental catastrophes of the Indiana Dunes. The power plant is built on the former site of the Hoosier Slide, once the largest of all the Indiana Dunes, which was completely torn apart and mined for its sand to make millions of Ball Corporation Mason jars.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TkxyNc7Ejk/YK5eREVp1_I/AAAAAAAAgxI/-ECNvLnMPRYhWH-SAfrdg7GCFjJAdy9zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TkxyNc7Ejk/YK5eREVp1_I/AAAAAAAAgxI/-ECNvLnMPRYhWH-SAfrdg7GCFjJAdy9zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View along the Indiana Dunes to the Michigan City power plant<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Ahead of us lay the vast expanse of Lake Michigan- the largest lake fully within the United States, the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by area, truly an freshwater sea. Three hundred miles of open freshwater separated our position on the southern end of the lake from the north shore on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVe0lIJQ8DQ/YK5eQUxcUaI/AAAAAAAAgxE/x1L0Q03lv-ciKXn3wFwoFDcJE2kFE2FbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVe0lIJQ8DQ/YK5eQUxcUaI/AAAAAAAAgxE/x1L0Q03lv-ciKXn3wFwoFDcJE2kFE2FbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table>We followed the beach to the west for a fifth of a mile and came to a path leading back up the dunes from the beach at 2.2 miles into the hike. Taking this path, we began the return leg of the loop. After crossing a flat, grass-covered stretch of the dune, the trail embarked on a steep climb up the forested dune of Mount Tuthill. This was the steepest and most extended ascent of the hike: the trail notches 120 feet of elevation gain in one go here. Although potentially tough for Midwest standards, hikers visiting from more mountainous areas are still likely to find this a short uphill climb.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back among the wooded dunes, we enjoyed the forested landscape and the profusion of spring wildflowers blooming amidst the blooms. The spring scenery here was overwhelmingly verdant. Only the sand underfoot reminded us that these hills were sand and not soil. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykR1PQd3Rwk/YK5eS7TXNeI/AAAAAAAAgxM/MqHeu8xqABM3OYMQ_Cvd2vX3gt9nGmm8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykR1PQd3Rwk/YK5eS7TXNeI/AAAAAAAAgxM/MqHeu8xqABM3OYMQ_Cvd2vX3gt9nGmm8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupine blooming on the wooded dunes</td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.7 miles, we passed a junction that headed towards the inbound leg of the loop; we stayed to the right at the junction and continued on the larger loop. This trail briefly followed a low sand ridge before it dropped down to the bog and cut through the wetlands. At times, there were glimpses from the trail to the nearby Port of Indiana complex and its sprawling industrial campus.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMSeFWJY94k/YK5eTrtrTyI/AAAAAAAAgxQ/Tdnurh5bG5AVW9e0prhEXJ-u6yQBNe7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cowles%2BBog%2B15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMSeFWJY94k/YK5eTrtrTyI/AAAAAAAAgxQ/Tdnurh5bG5AVW9e0prhEXJ-u6yQBNe7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cowles%2BBog%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowles Bog</td></tr></tbody></table>At 3.3 miles, we came to another trail junction where the Greenbelt Trail split off from the Cowles Bog Trail. The right fork for the Greenbelt Trail followed the southern boundary of the bog to Mineral Springs Road; we took the left fork, which kept us on the north end of the bog. We closed the loop at 3.6 miles into the hike and then followed the path through the bog that we had come in on back to the trailhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable and rewarding hike and the highlight of my day in the Indiana Dunes. The diversity of scenery on this hike- sandy dunes, blooming forest, a vast lake, verdant wetlands, industrial history, and a plethora of wildlife and wildflowers- made this a satisfying and unique experience and makes this a highly recommended hike when visiting the Indiana Dunes.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-22756043310403858302023-05-03T16:30:00.082-07:002023-05-03T16:30:00.157-07:00Calaveras South Grove<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eymFlqNc54/YJiTakNKElI/AAAAAAAAgqM/PJAatjA4Qzwfc9FcESDVt00k7R8stvh6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eymFlqNc54/YJiTakNKElI/AAAAAAAAgqM/PJAatjA4Qzwfc9FcESDVt00k7R8stvh6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive sequoias of the Calaveras Big Trees South Grove<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>5 miles loop, 750 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, Calaveras Big Trees State Park entrance fee required<br /><br />South Grove- the more remote of the two giant sequoia groves in California’s Calaveras Big Trees State Park- is a lovely forest featuring many behemoth trees in a quieter and less touristy setting than the better known and more easily accessible North Grove in the same park. While the trail-accessible portions of this grove generally do not have a high density of these giant trees, there are some superlative trees along the five-mile loop hike through the grove. Most impressive of these trees include the Agassiz Tree, the largest sequoia in South Grove, along with other notables such as the Palace Hotel Tree and the Chimney Tree. As giant sequoias here occur at as low as 4500 feet- half the elevation of the sequoias found at Atwell Grove, hundreds of miles to the south- this is the lowest elevation of all giant sequoia groves. The hike to access this low elevation grove starts with a 1.2-mile access trail, includes a one-mile loop within the grove, and peaks along a 1.5 mile-round trip spur to the heart of the grove.<br /><br />The road from the entrance of Calaveras Big Trees State Park to the South Grove Trailhead is closed during winter and is typically inaccessible from the first major snowfall of each winter until sometime in May, depending on snowfall each year- check the state park website to make sure the road is open before you go. <br /><br /> I visited Calaveras Big Trees State Park and hiked to the South Grove during an early May visit in a low-snow year, when dogwoods were blooming amidst the great redwood giants. The park is closest to Stockton and Sacramento and is a bit far for a day trip from the Bay Area, although those who are very ambitious could make it work. Driving in from the Stockton area, I followed Highway 4 east across the Central Valley, winding into the foothills above Copperopolis and passing the classic Gold Rush towns of Angels Camp and Murphys. I arrived at Calaveras Big Trees State Park about 70 miles after leaving Stockton on Highway 4 and made a right turn into the park; after passing through the park entrance, I followed a paved but winding and narrow 8-mile road across the North Fork Stanislaus River to the South Grove Trailhead near the end of the road. There were pit toilets here; services are more plentiful if you stop at the visitor center near the park entrance.<br /><br />Leaving the trailhead, the South Grove Trail descended gently through forest to reach the banks of granite-lined Beaver Creek at 0.2 miles. The trail crossed this pretty creek on a well-built bridge. After the bridge, the South Grove Trail passed two junctions in quick succession with the Bradley Grove Trail, which split off to the left at both junctions; both times, I stuck to the right fork to continue towards South Grove. The trail ascended at a gentle to moderate grade after leaving Beaver Creek, passing through forests of pine mixed with dogwoods that were blooming during my May visit. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW0c5PPRQyg/YJiTiOQ8f0I/AAAAAAAAgqc/nCQDQjVZQj8vz8KwmfBgb8ettZCihbEOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW0c5PPRQyg/YJiTiOQ8f0I/AAAAAAAAgqc/nCQDQjVZQj8vz8KwmfBgb8ettZCihbEOACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over Beaver Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail stuck to fairly plain Sierra pine forest for just over the first mile, encountering no sequoias along the way. The uphill ascent was gentle here, although during my early-season hike I had to climb around some sizable fallen trees. At one mile from the trailhead, the South Grove Trail crossed an old logging road. At 1.2 miles, the trail arrived at the edge of the grove and came to the start of the South Grove loop. I hiked the loop counterclockwise and started out by taking the left fork.<div><br /></div><div>The left fork brought me across a stream, where the trail embarked on a steep climb- the most intense of the hike- that quickly elevated me 200 feet, after which the trail leveled out and headed up the valley. Here, I encountered the first sequoias of the hike, although there weren't any large sequoias that were close to the trail itself. Looking up and downslope, I spotted a few mature giant sequoias, some of which were quite impressive in girth.<br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgsbSM5ZpDs/YJiTi3kYUkI/AAAAAAAAgqg/U1d2aedZcJ0mNuri8c5Z54wgozSgiOV3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgsbSM5ZpDs/YJiTi3kYUkI/AAAAAAAAgqg/U1d2aedZcJ0mNuri8c5Z54wgozSgiOV3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/South%2BGrove%2B3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant sequoia in South Grove<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>At just under 2 miles, the loop trail made a short descent and crossed the creek at the bottom of the valley and then came to a trail junction. The loop continued to the left, returning towards the trailhead, while the right fork was a spur heading deeper into the grove.</div><div><br />I took the right fork at this junction, following the spur trail for two-thirds of a mile to the Agassiz Tree. If you’ve come this far, you absolutely need to take the spur from the loop, as the spur has the best sequoia scenery of this hike. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edr8Yr6RpqA/YJiTjhofTlI/AAAAAAAAgqk/DAc8-enFMKgQMtO16NaOMUoJhPNenLwKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edr8Yr6RpqA/YJiTjhofTlI/AAAAAAAAgqk/DAc8-enFMKgQMtO16NaOMUoJhPNenLwKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sequoia with dogwood flowers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Two hundred meters down the spur trail, I came to the Chimney Tree, a wide-girthed giant sequoia that had been completely hollowed out by fire such that the crown of the tree had toppled; however, the tree was still alive, sporting newer growth atop its original trunk. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kfv9qXgQyNg/YJiTmipw0fI/AAAAAAAAgqo/LoI57JXUunkCEM20PKGIGRUGeRPiBwaNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kfv9qXgQyNg/YJiTmipw0fI/AAAAAAAAgqo/LoI57JXUunkCEM20PKGIGRUGeRPiBwaNACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/South%2BGrove%2B5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Past the Chimney Tree, the trail began to pass by more and more giant sequoias, entering a more scenic part of the grove. In one of the most scenic moments of the hike, the trail passed right between two massive sequoias with diameters well over 15 feet that were growing side by side. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9EiwtEejo/YJiTm5mAxHI/AAAAAAAAgqs/H7m79FayzZkXL813FMTlIBq4FQMfgsGGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9EiwtEejo/YJiTm5mAxHI/AAAAAAAAgqs/H7m79FayzZkXL813FMTlIBq4FQMfgsGGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sequoias of Calaveras South Grove<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.5 miles, I came upon the Palace Hotel Tree, which rose to the left of the trail and was marked by a small sign. The name of this enormous tree was apt: the inside of this 20+ foot diameter tree had been hollowed out by fire, creating a spacious chamber that would easily be as large as a small bedroom in a San Francisco apartment. Such burn scars are known as goosepens, having been used by early European American arrivals in the area to contain their poultry. This particular tree received its name soon after the opening of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, a grand and majestic structure that today still stands along Market St. near Montgomery Station.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbcMxQdA4U4/YJiTnqv36YI/AAAAAAAAgqw/XYgqlGuxrvog6lCvbF9s2lrn5SQ9QhTGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbcMxQdA4U4/YJiTnqv36YI/AAAAAAAAgqw/XYgqlGuxrvog6lCvbF9s2lrn5SQ9QhTGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immense goosepen in the Palace Hotel Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxc_ZoQY0Xw/YJiTpnxeSWI/AAAAAAAAgq0/QdJCiEqSxqMOP3e84IvtBwbjOrph-9OfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxc_ZoQY0Xw/YJiTpnxeSWI/AAAAAAAAgq0/QdJCiEqSxqMOP3e84IvtBwbjOrph-9OfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/South%2BGrove%2B8.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at the Palace Hotel Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Leaving the Palace Hotel Tree, I continued another 200 meters onward until the trail made a rightward turn to reach the Agassiz Tree at 2.7 miles from the trailhead. The trail ended at the base of the tree, with a footpath going downhill and wrapping around the base of the tree. A few logs between the Agassiz Tree and Big Tree Creek provided places for hikers to rest and enjoy views of this arboreal behemoth. Blooming dogwoods dotted the understory around the Agassiz Tree, adding a lot of floral interest to the scenery.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqxmBAIRK0/YJiTc7HaAtI/AAAAAAAAgqQ/vccIguepQ_IdFOz6iaYyynY3a5D3l0gtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqxmBAIRK0/YJiTc7HaAtI/AAAAAAAAgqQ/vccIguepQ_IdFOz6iaYyynY3a5D3l0gtACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogwoods at the Agassiz Tree</td></tr></tbody></table><div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsBdPkeLho/YJiTp2wqcDI/AAAAAAAAgq8/hrpTMXIm2YQFvUnoUypKlOlUMSPC4e88ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsBdPkeLho/YJiTp2wqcDI/AAAAAAAAgq8/hrpTMXIm2YQFvUnoUypKlOlUMSPC4e88ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of the Agassiz Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Agassiz Tree is the thirty-seventh largest giant sequoia in the world and the largest giant sequoia in Calaveras Big Trees State Park; it is the largest giant sequoia north of the Washington Tree in Mariposa Grove. The tree is stupendous, boasting a 25-foot diameter and standing over 260 feet tall. The base of the tree was hollowed out on one side by an enormous goosepen that rivaled the burn scar of the Palace Hotel Tree. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDvGay4Qi-Y/YJiTaacuCZI/AAAAAAAAgqE/HTqhrNk2dw4g9FGVrYiAJA4XH3U9qbX7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDvGay4Qi-Y/YJiTaacuCZI/AAAAAAAAgqE/HTqhrNk2dw4g9FGVrYiAJA4XH3U9qbX7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goosepen of the Agassiz Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The tree is named after Louis Agassiz, a Swiss-born naturalist who taught at Harvard. Agassiz is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work in glaciology, identifying geological features that result from glaciers and postulating that Europe had once endured continental glaciation during Ice Ages. Agassiz’s legacy is somewhat complicated now due to a number of his writings justifying scientific racism; however, while we should remember him Agassiz's failings in addition to his achievements, it is fair to note that Agassiz is remembered and commemorated today despite his failings, not because of them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzIOHaRzu9k/YJiTabGQUqI/AAAAAAAAgqI/3I2SbIkxLckCDIRqJnzH9loVY7aNOWlAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzIOHaRzu9k/YJiTabGQUqI/AAAAAAAAgqI/3I2SbIkxLckCDIRqJnzH9loVY7aNOWlAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/South%2BGrove%2B11.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty Agassiz Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> After enjoying my lunch at the Agassiz Tree, I began my return towards the trailhead; at 3.4 miles I came to the junction with the loop again and this time took the right fork to complete the loop counterclockwise. There were not too many giant sequoias near this part of the trail but I was able to enjoy the sprinkling of white dogwood flowers throughout the lower portion of the forest canopy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roCXt5YyrtQ/YJiTeA41TBI/AAAAAAAAgqU/ZO0LCXnnB0k1wXc_0v7KPbFEsfawCNU1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roCXt5YyrtQ/YJiTeA41TBI/AAAAAAAAgqU/ZO0LCXnnB0k1wXc_0v7KPbFEsfawCNU1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogwoods in South Grove<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> At 3.6 miles, I spotted the Kansas Group, a set of three mature giant sequoias, off to the left of the trail. In South Calaveras Grove’s general lack of sequoia density, these three great trees in such close proximity was quite striking. Continuing along the northern leg of the loop, I returned to the junction at the start of the loop at 3.9 miles; there were no sequoias of note in the final stretch of the loop. Back at the start of the loop, I followed the South Grove Trail for just over a mile, crossing Beaver Creek and then returning to the trailhead. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ozvo0QE75w/YJiTfzsJGfI/AAAAAAAAgqY/CpyNiCFusFoayijyrAv_4tYHn3FlquiuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/South%2BGrove%2B14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ozvo0QE75w/YJiTfzsJGfI/AAAAAAAAgqY/CpyNiCFusFoayijyrAv_4tYHn3FlquiuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/South%2BGrove%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kansas Group<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> South Calaveras Grove is not the most impressive sequoia grove due to its low density of trees- Giant Forest, Mariposa Grove, and Redwood Mountain Grove are certainly more picturesque. However, the awesome size of some of the individual trees in this grove still makes it a satisfying hike and it remains one of the best places to see giant sequoias north of Yosemite National Park.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-50541675279326744552023-04-26T18:00:00.001-07:002023-04-26T18:00:00.149-07:00Kungsklyftan and Vetteberget<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87xC3tuk2vBLK_9kG2nVlkBc9IJe_WtLLcvzjTGZVe5Ad8mHSbowehlHN-byQKO9pAT1o0jtnbher9Q8WFWSi_Ml33tZ-LHw6Nm2EGdC6Ku8ebeltk72aZAfyvyzI6VtXblQp1QPgtl0jhMRrOoskxatbVrDhf9OCpBePHxI8BV8whNNr_irO0Sks/s6000/Fjallbacka%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87xC3tuk2vBLK_9kG2nVlkBc9IJe_WtLLcvzjTGZVe5Ad8mHSbowehlHN-byQKO9pAT1o0jtnbher9Q8WFWSi_Ml33tZ-LHw6Nm2EGdC6Ku8ebeltk72aZAfyvyzI6VtXblQp1QPgtl0jhMRrOoskxatbVrDhf9OCpBePHxI8BV8whNNr_irO0Sks/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Fjallbacka from Vetteberget<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>2 km round trip, 70 meters elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Paved, narrow road to trailhead; parking limited in Fjallbacka<div><br /></div><div>The best view of Fjallbacka- one of the most charming and picturesque towns along Sweden's rocky Bohuslan Coast- is from the top of the great dome of Vetteberget, which overlooks the tidy red-roofed town and its nearby archipelago and fjords. While there are multiple routes to reach the top of Vetteberget, none is more dramatic than the Kungsklyftan- a deep gorge bisecting the rock of Vetteberget that leads to the staircase climb to this rocky hill's grand summit. While not particularly difficult, this hike does involve climbing quite a few stairs and some uneven footing and the conditions atop Vetteberget can be extremely windy. This is a must-do for all visitors to Fjallbacka and was one of the loveliest spots on the west coast of Sweden.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fjallbacka is a small and indescribably lovely town along the Bohuslan Coast, just under two hours of driving north of Gothenburg. While it was quiet during my May visit- which is still during the off season- in summer it can apparently become quite busy as one of Sweden's most beloved coastal towns. Ingrid Bergman, the elegant Hollywood leading lady of the 1940s who starred opposite Humphrey Bogart in <i>Casablanca</i>, spent the later years of her life in this idyllic seaside town. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Anna and I hiked through the Kungsklyftan and up Vetteberget during a May visit to Sweden. We stayed at the Bryggan Fjallbacka, which is in the heart of town and just steps away from the trailhead of the Kungsklyftan hike. For visitors just in town for the day, there are pay parking lots along Falkevagen up the hill from the center of town.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the Bryggan Fjallbacka, we walked south along the waterfront, passing a monument to Ingrid Bergman. Right after passing the monument and a children's playground, we made a left and headed for an arched gateway at the base of the Vetteberget's cliffs: this was the start of the path through the Kungsklyftan. The path immediately began a steep, rocky staircase climb through the forested entrance to the Kungsklyftan gorge; there were nice views back down towards the Fjallbacka harbor.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the top of the rocky staircase, the trail leveled out in the heart of the Kungsklyftan gorge. This narrow cleft in Vetteberget was extraordinarily dramatic: massive, house-sized boulders were lodged between the great vertical cliffs. The trail passed underneath the boulders, following wooden planks that made footing while traversing the rocky bottom of the gorge a little easier. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UmS3eVaU8cHFaKvAuB4Ie-Xl7YpJn3Crws8K7I-eneeFgCFieigTUGM7ufZ3ERgDOzRzEjHoaT3-NSHqq0VHZlDxt7wZg4WZ1OKd6bkAJb1dH_JplYHspDYl56fpRg6eGIo6_PVHPAgBatgr7LhITfgdXbob530A8AulekANhHlSTVUG5kExcHr_/s6000/Fjallbacka%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UmS3eVaU8cHFaKvAuB4Ie-Xl7YpJn3Crws8K7I-eneeFgCFieigTUGM7ufZ3ERgDOzRzEjHoaT3-NSHqq0VHZlDxt7wZg4WZ1OKd6bkAJb1dH_JplYHspDYl56fpRg6eGIo6_PVHPAgBatgr7LhITfgdXbob530A8AulekANhHlSTVUG5kExcHr_/w426-h640/Fjallbacka%202.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kungsklyftan</td></tr></tbody></table>After 200 meters of hiking up the staircase and through the Kungsklyftan gorge, we arrived at the base of a wooden staircase. This staircase- built into the side of the cliff- ascended from the gorge up to the rocky summit plateau of Vetteberget. From the base of the staircase, the exit out the far side of the Kungsklyftan gorge was visible- we were just a few meters away from the houses on the south side of the mountain. Instead of exiting, however, we headed up the staircase. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOZ26WKntu2cMNxP4gIn1dyyQsKpvlXZ-VANEhHRU4qdoD-WLPkooesNSC1Y6pEHhKP7M7kJT_gZsbkFbDIFAwOB2vp_B_PnGH3MdS8a5hoY6m9vRPL3T_KjS3WJqheukeO3OaRniBWbKZXc6IviAPjOrQib5szA6rNkq1tFDz-1-O80ZHQ55fVqr/s6000/Fjallbacka%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOZ26WKntu2cMNxP4gIn1dyyQsKpvlXZ-VANEhHRU4qdoD-WLPkooesNSC1Y6pEHhKP7M7kJT_gZsbkFbDIFAwOB2vp_B_PnGH3MdS8a5hoY6m9vRPL3T_KjS3WJqheukeO3OaRniBWbKZXc6IviAPjOrQib5szA6rNkq1tFDz-1-O80ZHQ55fVqr/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairway up Vetteberget</td></tr></tbody></table>The wooden stairs were quite steep, so we had to pause for a break a little over halfway up; we were rewarded with ever-improving views. Below us lay the colorful houses of Fjallbacka, which spilled down the hill to the harbor, rose a myriad of rocky islands that make up the Fjallbacka archipelago. Beyond the farthest of the islands lay the vast and cold North Sea.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq91VQEoRm8qH0R3y5IWDk3oLAFDpFlN1xoMF4NrDbTq4m-Fkv-CoFm4af3JkIvwef4U9x9AdHEMFar9n8u7xEAIcH09R5nP-WnYCLQfKneEIq-TgNl6kggBhB1u1jDInYJV1SFSQnxuZ773nKHTd0c6HhLahufBGrkO2W-JTEOBqqWy7v7mxjNGwC/s6000/Fjallbacka%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq91VQEoRm8qH0R3y5IWDk3oLAFDpFlN1xoMF4NrDbTq4m-Fkv-CoFm4af3JkIvwef4U9x9AdHEMFar9n8u7xEAIcH09R5nP-WnYCLQfKneEIq-TgNl6kggBhB1u1jDInYJV1SFSQnxuZ773nKHTd0c6HhLahufBGrkO2W-JTEOBqqWy7v7mxjNGwC/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Vetteberget</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-nkOGInTbwCGp7GA-sraXouN0rqNTEBg1KeinNJxlaAmt4eTcYa1FyJJNsplMkq0e7tht6lah1NTxzmCxmm3uqfFRDjOdOFjPZ23pPCvwmaErKeC85W_wtCck8aEk1DPwUNCPa28Zx4MRRv4en6xhdupvYN3ZgO6u5M2uuSIvwhqTpVdrDr04Jwu/s6000/Fjallbacka%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-nkOGInTbwCGp7GA-sraXouN0rqNTEBg1KeinNJxlaAmt4eTcYa1FyJJNsplMkq0e7tht6lah1NTxzmCxmm3uqfFRDjOdOFjPZ23pPCvwmaErKeC85W_wtCck8aEk1DPwUNCPa28Zx4MRRv4en6xhdupvYN3ZgO6u5M2uuSIvwhqTpVdrDr04Jwu/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Fjallbacka</td></tr></tbody></table>The staircase ended at Vetteberget's summit plateau, where the trail faded out onto the granite. In May, the winds at the summit were intense, with a steady gale whipping across Vetteberget from the North Sea. However strong the winds were, the spectacular views made the views atop the staircase worth it: below us lay the idyllic seaside town, sandwiched between the cliffs and a fjord, with infinite rocky islands stretching towards the horizon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKp_z9Q9IC_CCmh39-VtNZ89-YnEYHptkvPDXJWUJCNHzYF3jAvJa-XfUItwAH9CqiAjkhj24klu1G8goNjppuPbzc-EUtJTJtb6Vh7de4DM_DAo-oG-lRZu_B8Tf7mqdD3EV26iyBYwC20CsJjny0NveRdUG4QVZUH00bLgmvs5V1btmOak5ZGw1/s6000/Fjallbacka%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKp_z9Q9IC_CCmh39-VtNZ89-YnEYHptkvPDXJWUJCNHzYF3jAvJa-XfUItwAH9CqiAjkhj24klu1G8goNjppuPbzc-EUtJTJtb6Vh7de4DM_DAo-oG-lRZu_B8Tf7mqdD3EV26iyBYwC20CsJjny0NveRdUG4QVZUH00bLgmvs5V1btmOak5ZGw1/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjallbacka</td></tr></tbody></table>The top of the staircase was not the high point of Vetteberget; the true high point of this rocky hill was unclear, but as the views off the sides of the cliffs were most interesting, missing the high point did not seem like anything to be concerned about. Instead, we chose to explore the northern side of Vetteberget to see if we could find views over the central part of Fjallbacka and its stately stone church. We could see a high point on the northern side of the rock but there was no direct path to reach it from the top of staircase- multiple areas of bushy vegetation made a direct traverse of the rocky plateau impractical. Instead, we followed the western cliffs of the mountain and then circled around to the viewpoint on the north side of the rock.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CU4WflKa_l_89Ha23KCbuCq29q4zSgFAYPvVAEJKumhaJ_DSuBd5nsX6oAiTJLNheOXnzQQ-G3vfug-Q1Zcu46iRuJJJuvKJNkPnVUK0zPDfaVuZ3Accvz6fbVFHsEhqxGtvJklxezQjItKGhQsgspKdXYPdmcQiWHBZLdYufobkRm7kTjRaVGXe/s6000/Fjallbacka%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CU4WflKa_l_89Ha23KCbuCq29q4zSgFAYPvVAEJKumhaJ_DSuBd5nsX6oAiTJLNheOXnzQQ-G3vfug-Q1Zcu46iRuJJJuvKJNkPnVUK0zPDfaVuZ3Accvz6fbVFHsEhqxGtvJklxezQjItKGhQsgspKdXYPdmcQiWHBZLdYufobkRm7kTjRaVGXe/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjallbacka Archipelago</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-kQT1fF1Pw9HPmQLH8dZ0SZPdZhOQC4-l8h2iHH9GL03vbNTDB_i0Ks4WHabr5aeR1HrNpi4br90LMTsZehUAfcabyLXvuD7qggMC--x665ZhxBaFcVda49W1Efo3E0fjJvoVQzMcCeF0YbXkxGB5zLXOMZdaAVbEYeJD81skPq6qrkbouccBNJk/s6000/Fjallbacka%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-kQT1fF1Pw9HPmQLH8dZ0SZPdZhOQC4-l8h2iHH9GL03vbNTDB_i0Ks4WHabr5aeR1HrNpi4br90LMTsZehUAfcabyLXvuD7qggMC--x665ZhxBaFcVda49W1Efo3E0fjJvoVQzMcCeF0YbXkxGB5zLXOMZdaAVbEYeJD81skPq6qrkbouccBNJk/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out into the Fjallbacka Archipelago</td></tr></tbody></table>Arriving on the north side of Vetteberget, we had the most picturesque view of Fjallbacka. Seventy meters below us lay the red roofs and white walls of this coastal town, which was bounded by rocky cliffs on three sides and the sea by the fourth, with the town's great church rising behind it. The scenery from this viewpoint had some satisfying balance: on one side, a rocky landscape and on the other, the sea.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUG4TXc1cserF4iTfI1Y3XSWxfrwCN6Jzmrqsq3nVl7Gv4ch0V9DK2-NDXHtsZyZh6-4VPOF4XqPDYdGnlZYEyvT8Ah3wM2YX2PyEvUlQKQ3kyCIJJI3iWkbMAXH5Yf93CSv9rCojy0Es18-iG8xm12UmmnBUsD68mDw00GOxED5uyCGi1bN5qVJy/s6000/Fjallbacka%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUG4TXc1cserF4iTfI1Y3XSWxfrwCN6Jzmrqsq3nVl7Gv4ch0V9DK2-NDXHtsZyZh6-4VPOF4XqPDYdGnlZYEyvT8Ah3wM2YX2PyEvUlQKQ3kyCIJJI3iWkbMAXH5Yf93CSv9rCojy0Es18-iG8xm12UmmnBUsD68mDw00GOxED5uyCGi1bN5qVJy/w640-h426/Fjallbacka%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjallbacka from Vetteberget</td></tr></tbody></table>I did this hike twice during my stay in Fjallbacka. The most straightforward return route from the summit is to retrace your steps down the Kungsklyftan, but an alternate route is to turn left and exit the south side of the Kungsklyftan. The trail ends on the residential street of Brandgatan; we followed Brandgatan downhill through the red-roofed houses until we came to Sodra Hamngatan by the water. We turned right onto waterfront road and followed it north along the base of Vetteberget until we returned to our lodging at Bryggan Fjallbacka.</div><div><br /></div><div>In high tourist season, perhaps this hike is busier and somewhat less pleasant. During our cold and windy May visit, we had these views more or less to ourselves even though the town was just a stone's throw away. We both found Fjallbacka and the Bohuslan Coast to be charming and the views from Vetteberget were surely among the best views that we found along the coast. Recommended if you visit this corner of Sweden.</div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-77974433502962686472023-01-25T20:53:00.001-08:002023-01-25T20:53:00.220-08:00Calero Bald Peaks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaj0OKSbNZCH6Pbb8IspZqZhQ2wpTUGM0Q8PZlH52SvzhNGtRrfe96JcRCwffoEDNL4GNPRybUIQe5ReDcP8phRzWY6gt651-eQPldDxmJrsXJ9qrbW3AgkPVlSg-ciT_yDPxwDaY4e9yi7tI0-7JwqK4FnlkJD6ZWUXcYfST_0XYptAkw2yl8Th7o=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaj0OKSbNZCH6Pbb8IspZqZhQ2wpTUGM0Q8PZlH52SvzhNGtRrfe96JcRCwffoEDNL4GNPRybUIQe5ReDcP8phRzWY6gt651-eQPldDxmJrsXJ9qrbW3AgkPVlSg-ciT_yDPxwDaY4e9yi7tI0-7JwqK4FnlkJD6ZWUXcYfST_0XYptAkw2yl8Th7o=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Toro and the Diablo Range from the Bald Peaks Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>10 miles loop, 2000 feet elevation gain <br />Difficulty: Moderate <br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no entrance fee required <br /><br />The Bald Peaks Loop in Calero County Park south of San Jose, California is an enjoyable though ordinary hike through grassy hills with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley. Calero County Park centers on water recreation on Calero Reservoir, which supplies water to Santa Clara County, but this enjoyable hike follows the ridge behind the reservoir for a nice day-long outing. This hike starts from the McKean Road entrance to the park and follows the Pena, Vallecito, and Canada del Oro Trails to the top of the ridge, then travels along a scenic stretch of the Bald Peaks Trail before returning to the trailhead via the Chisnantuck, Cottle, and Serpentine Trails. This hike is best in winter and spring when the grassy hillsides of the Bald Peaks are green, although the trail can get muddy after rain. Summer hiking here is typically dry, hot, and unpleasant. This loop is popular with mountain bikers as well as hikers. <br /><br />I hiked the Bald Peaks Loop in Calero County Park on a nice December day, after recent rains had renewed the green grasses of the hills. Calero County Park lies south of San Jose; I reached the McKean Road entrance by following US 101 south from San Jose to exit 373 for Bailey Road. I headed west on Bailey Road, following it into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains until Bailey Road ended at a junction with McKean Road. Here, I turned left and followed McKean Road south for just under a mile to the entrance to Calero County Park on the right side of the road. Turning right into Calero County Park, I parked at the large, open parking area across from the start of the Pena Trail. Although Calero County Park does charge an entrance fee at Calero Reservoir, there was no fee to park at this trailhead. <br /><br />I started the loop by crossing the road and taking the Pena Trail, a dirt road trace which was initially flat as it traveled through grassland until reaching a fork with the Figueroa Trail at 0.2 miles. I took the right fork at this junction to follow the Pena Trail up into some gently rolling hills, passing a small manmade pond shortly after the junction. The Pena Trail undulated with the hills until reaching a junction with the Los Cerritos Trail at 0.6 miles; here, the Pena Trail turned sharply and began ascending up an open, grassy ridge. This earliest stretch of the hike was quite muddy during my visit. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR_gy277KM6ewGCuTxWXA_hd6y2fD8u8IVxxtCgpr9qBqliQ5WoXFI3s8IihTaKycR7ASsS1Gm9-oqTtScWYdGNx1A0B1l5AooTaq47d6DxfmAhspP1VMxsrFDXKXGOTji72AefYaK08ISK1rG1NQtncVtRBh_hd6Y4zeh-MU4NsJkBMmvjUP6SeS6=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR_gy277KM6ewGCuTxWXA_hd6y2fD8u8IVxxtCgpr9qBqliQ5WoXFI3s8IihTaKycR7ASsS1Gm9-oqTtScWYdGNx1A0B1l5AooTaq47d6DxfmAhspP1VMxsrFDXKXGOTji72AefYaK08ISK1rG1NQtncVtRBh_hd6Y4zeh-MU4NsJkBMmvjUP6SeS6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pena Trail winds through grassy hills in Calero County Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I followed the Pena Trail along its steep ascent up the grassy ridge, with lovely views of Mount Hamilton and Coyote Valley quickly opening up behind me. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpcFhUxeXRuOFfb_b6UiB7JZGj9hQTEI-Tw_sQXLYbOuPtpSS37GV4pEG8evEA7iTE_vI86CTP2Ff2oPuysGANbHQSYRSARjr1HE9cGVC7oAZdAqGdjfdEVEnOcmnlXkYwKOF5-U1yOWegljXyQ6PHe1sEq6_l0jJ6p9LKv7ZhJLlSC3CA4o5I24qp=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpcFhUxeXRuOFfb_b6UiB7JZGj9hQTEI-Tw_sQXLYbOuPtpSS37GV4pEG8evEA7iTE_vI86CTP2Ff2oPuysGANbHQSYRSARjr1HE9cGVC7oAZdAqGdjfdEVEnOcmnlXkYwKOF5-U1yOWegljXyQ6PHe1sEq6_l0jJ6p9LKv7ZhJLlSC3CA4o5I24qp=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diablo Range views from the Pena Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>At 0.9 miles, I came to the junction with the Vallecito Trail; I went left at the junction and took the single-track Vallecito Trail, which descended down a grassy slope to the bottom of a valley and followed a stream through oak woodlands. This was a pretty if ordinary stretch of the hike, particularly nice because it was single track rather than the more common road traces in the Bay Area hills. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmGZasV1Ss3IkBwGb1wjFozdoMrWBRKS0kVa7nLCfJ6Z9dujx8Wb4iBuRXuhbA7hCEW_Fn3nv729OKigMDpXKMNc9JnLHac6HLp5SfY9TArnAM-WAsGj7z32eL0idnRuZXJ3f5KtHAMpm9mup_Rqu4qxCLMYh5E6ZAPsYxdKJG6Q4MYGMMm5fHQqAE=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmGZasV1Ss3IkBwGb1wjFozdoMrWBRKS0kVa7nLCfJ6Z9dujx8Wb4iBuRXuhbA7hCEW_Fn3nv729OKigMDpXKMNc9JnLHac6HLp5SfY9TArnAM-WAsGj7z32eL0idnRuZXJ3f5KtHAMpm9mup_Rqu4qxCLMYh5E6ZAPsYxdKJG6Q4MYGMMm5fHQqAE=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaks and grasslands on the Vallecito Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Vallecito Trail ended at a junction with the Figueroa Trail, a road trace, at one and a third miles into the hike. I turned left at this junction and followed the Figueroa Trail for a brief hundred meters to reach the junction with the Canada del Oro Trail. Here, I turned right and began to follow the Canada del Oro Trail uphill through oak forest. The Canada del Oro Trail was the first part of this hike’s most extended ascent, climbing 650 feet in just over a mile. The Canada del Oro Trail had no views as the trail was completely in the woods here; the steep incline made this a good and vigorous workout. I came to a fork in the Canada del Oro Trail at 2.2 miles, with the Canada del Oro cutoff trail heading to the left and the Canada del Oro Trail turning to the right. I stayed on the Canada del Oro Trail, heading right and enjoying a short reprieve from the ascent before a final uphill through the forest brought me to the top of an open ridge and the junction with the Bald Peaks Trail at 2.5 miles. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqysGmz66K5VS-M3ZYFHK-vW3jh8RX_qPs6gKGHnGjuLtRiioqBdruATfRzWgJumhlM9qoCrifEzgtrEdU_m6a7aw_5m4fV6gJXVEys12KVD4XMCFT2WKJfS9N3TrtJujDDHXAp-68_g_boul9uQOUD0cpjmuHtev3E7vWisHFIuAFRWSDHWUAX9FD=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqysGmz66K5VS-M3ZYFHK-vW3jh8RX_qPs6gKGHnGjuLtRiioqBdruATfRzWgJumhlM9qoCrifEzgtrEdU_m6a7aw_5m4fV6gJXVEys12KVD4XMCFT2WKJfS9N3TrtJujDDHXAp-68_g_boul9uQOUD0cpjmuHtev3E7vWisHFIuAFRWSDHWUAX9FD=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada del Oro Trail through the forest<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I began to follow the Bald Peaks Trail west (to the right) and the components of this ridge’s lovely views slowly started unfolding. First came views of Loma Prieta, the communications tower-topped summit that is the highest point in the Santa Cruz Mountains and was the epicenter of a 1989 earthquake that caused significant damage and fatalities in the Bay Area. The dirt road trace of the Bald Peaks Trail ran above a small basin holding a seasonal pond that made an interesting foreground to Loma Prieta’s tree-covered form in the distance. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwViUxz_tHwxOEttKFTKV1euDTc1B35-jxdLDH61IyCQ7EmBZrObma0ZoZI2xJlDXrsJOG88AwSVWlLsyom9HtYMlcgke0PslIaOjCF7pDfoj-xPrawpdHXdr8Oxt2b1tS9SG9Qxh9C_DAw3ECHcKMqms_dA8lrmU9c7yDc3RLCFC7NMbkZe2rhkgM=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwViUxz_tHwxOEttKFTKV1euDTc1B35-jxdLDH61IyCQ7EmBZrObma0ZoZI2xJlDXrsJOG88AwSVWlLsyom9HtYMlcgke0PslIaOjCF7pDfoj-xPrawpdHXdr8Oxt2b1tS9SG9Qxh9C_DAw3ECHcKMqms_dA8lrmU9c7yDc3RLCFC7NMbkZe2rhkgM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loma Prieta rises above a pond on the Bald Peaks Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Bald Peaks Trail continued the steep ascent that had started on the Canada del Oro Trail. The trail climbed through most openly meadows with a few scattered oaks, with improving views to the east of Mount Hamilton and Coyote Valley. At 3.1 miles, the trail reached a junction with the Needlegrass Trail coming up from the Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Immediately after this junction, the trail arrived atop a first high point along the Bald Peaks Trail. Views over the next hundred meters of the Bald Peaks Trail, which followed the crest of the grassy ridge, were wonderful. Loma Prieta and Mount Umunhum lay to the west, rising ahead of the Bald Peaks Trail; the view north into San Jose and Santa Clara Valley was unfortunately hampered by some low-level smog but I could see Black Mountain and the rest of the Santa Cruz Mountains marching up the Peninsula. Views to the south encompassed both the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range rising on either side of the unseen town of Gilroy. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8IiJi6Z9bbaCmnd4bsnIoE6Ioo3qopbmLlHFrdxSfe2nF1fXsbYrsDQ5iZvSg0x1B8gJLDD7jdzIw4UyoIwUUaIIoM07GAeYGeRJG2ZbrplsG2NSL5jndCJzkiIwH6KZjG54eQoF8GL3OMPQ5hbHj85j3l4YwGHTE1cjFUUEFlMh4TqFEpMoBlE6=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8IiJi6Z9bbaCmnd4bsnIoE6Ioo3qopbmLlHFrdxSfe2nF1fXsbYrsDQ5iZvSg0x1B8gJLDD7jdzIw4UyoIwUUaIIoM07GAeYGeRJG2ZbrplsG2NSL5jndCJzkiIwH6KZjG54eQoF8GL3OMPQ5hbHj85j3l4YwGHTE1cjFUUEFlMh4TqFEpMoBlE6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Umunhum and Black Mountain rising in front of the Bald Peaks ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail descended from this first high point, reaching a saddle at 3.5 miles where a cut in the hillside revealed some unusually red rock and soil. The Almaden Valley area and the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains around Mount Umunhum and Loma Prieta are known for their cinnabar-bearing bedrock. In fact, the nearby New Almaden mine was one of the earliest European-American mining operations in California, preceding the 1849 Gold Rush; decades of mining eventually caused severe contamination of the landscape here, with the Environmental Protection Agency declaring the former mine a Superfund site. Such contamination is not unusual for Santa Clara County, which at the moment has more active Superfund sites than any other county in the United States, most related to contaminants from early semiconductor manufacturing operations by Fairchild and HP. <br /><br />Leaving the saddle, I followed the Bald Peaks Trail through a short but steady ascent to the second high point of the hike. At a large clockwise turn in the trail, a social path led from the Bald Peaks Trail to the second high point. The views from this point were the most comprehensive of the hike. Looking to the southeast, I had lovely views of El Toro near Morgan Hill dwarfed by the Diablo Range, which led south from Mount Hamilton to a cluster of high peaks in the Hollister area. Loma Prieta stood high to the west and the hazy sprawl of San Jose lay to the north. It really was unfortunate that the day of my hike was so hazy: I’m sure this view would extend to Mission Peak and perhaps all the way to the San Francisco skyline and the North Bay mountains on a very clear day. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkxeV693cJmS2Zw8-KrZZBGlRMCsVIiyAn1RGGPMQVivVZPA3IMb9IYW9F2n8ZxyGkl3U6QL_UAeuECrACU55A1MLjS0lFPr51x3gv4rYEF-dNJqF33NADjkzY2GhG0uIRa-p3e6H0i7NvYmIx5i7-S3BsSA4wyBj5ilQTaDZkkmBm_BhrqQECasGM=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkxeV693cJmS2Zw8-KrZZBGlRMCsVIiyAn1RGGPMQVivVZPA3IMb9IYW9F2n8ZxyGkl3U6QL_UAeuECrACU55A1MLjS0lFPr51x3gv4rYEF-dNJqF33NADjkzY2GhG0uIRa-p3e6H0i7NvYmIx5i7-S3BsSA4wyBj5ilQTaDZkkmBm_BhrqQECasGM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald Peaks of Calero County Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Leaving the high point, the Bald Peaks Trail dropped slightly as it headed north and arrived at a junction with the Chisnantuck Trail at 3.8 miles. Here, the Bald Peaks Trail continued to the west, heading into the Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. I took the right fork for the Chisnantuck Trail, a single track trail that left the open, grassy ridge crest for the oak woodlands on the north slopes of the ridge. At the junction, there was a bench with a nice view of the San Jose skyline, which was a bit hazy on the day of my hike. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU1g6CA0gfEIdOyBnCJ5W3RMtaAxXx8INQExP2sljXT4w62j1PjwsT_IzSaBZGmEjvPOhBbGjqIgx_ZORJ4ZyoIjuTtAVu8ZRjzFrPKDuttOOB2DcM0hIsCR99-B9cMqcnzPIn8NCRb5oxoROSlnOHqig-XkCyEjykDNm18GVgcByszgwsnwgVQYKY=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU1g6CA0gfEIdOyBnCJ5W3RMtaAxXx8INQExP2sljXT4w62j1PjwsT_IzSaBZGmEjvPOhBbGjqIgx_ZORJ4ZyoIjuTtAVu8ZRjzFrPKDuttOOB2DcM0hIsCR99-B9cMqcnzPIn8NCRb5oxoROSlnOHqig-XkCyEjykDNm18GVgcByszgwsnwgVQYKY=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards downtown San Jose<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Departing from the bench, the Chisnantuck Trail largely stuck to the woods as it descended very gently over the next 2.5 miles. In fact, I found the grade of this trail excessively gentle- which was nice on my knees, but at times felt frustrating because a half mile or more of trail could easily have been shaved off here. In a few spots, the trail emerged into clearings with views towards Mount Hamilton and partial views of Calero Reservoir below. I met quite a few mountain bikers both ascending and descending this trail, so I listened carefully for fast bikers as this was a single track trail with some blind turns. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ4_Fd5_RUJ8qLPc2OTKWuAETa1SG0HIEc_6zDSzuflMfrQBlpLHdIeBqUapofEpoYdTxi2nHgVvQt_1COf4x5ws0hO9HxMfYhonk6_auLRWsT39JL_MTIK8Un1gzwjGxYs2XPl2JDOmQEJF9XL7h11b4ZvmYY6w1OPVPZMyO9L0Eyy_65pUrY7bag=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ4_Fd5_RUJ8qLPc2OTKWuAETa1SG0HIEc_6zDSzuflMfrQBlpLHdIeBqUapofEpoYdTxi2nHgVvQt_1COf4x5ws0hO9HxMfYhonk6_auLRWsT39JL_MTIK8Un1gzwjGxYs2XPl2JDOmQEJF9XL7h11b4ZvmYY6w1OPVPZMyO9L0Eyy_65pUrY7bag=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Hamilton<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeFHF28t_3o3QRpbQBMSeTu5TO6YHSRwza-AlUykcGY3Xf0j3c-fhfDPKfcOJdOmKszcukgkGaG1BTL1-JcYTWGtmecdYlDXwWILgaaqM7YrgCPMx3J3jZlo66qzq8WNY5w0di050ndckz07K6y_JtnzyhSugNnpWXH0OqmpWfSYFP28748w4sQxtB=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeFHF28t_3o3QRpbQBMSeTu5TO6YHSRwza-AlUykcGY3Xf0j3c-fhfDPKfcOJdOmKszcukgkGaG1BTL1-JcYTWGtmecdYlDXwWILgaaqM7YrgCPMx3J3jZlo66qzq8WNY5w0di050ndckz07K6y_JtnzyhSugNnpWXH0OqmpWfSYFP28748w4sQxtB=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassy oak woodlands on the Chisnantuck Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>At 6.3 miles, the Chisnantuck Trail emerged into a meadow and intersected with the Cottle Trail shortly afterwards at the Cottle Rest Site, where there was water for horses. The Cottle Trail was a former road trace that followed Cherry Canyon Creek down a canyon towards Calero Reservoir. The Cottle Trail was surprisingly steep, with grades far harsher than anything I encountered on the Chisnantuck Trail as it dropped downhill to the side of the creek, which was flowing nicely during my December visit. <br /><br />The Cottle Trail emerged into a large clearing and intersected with the Lisa Killough and Oak Cove Trails at 7.3 miles into the hike. I turned right onto the Oak Cove Trail at this intersection; just a hundred meters later, I came to a second junction where the Serpentine Loop Trail split off to the right from the Oak Cove Trail. Here, I once again took the right fork, leaving the much longer Oak Cove Trail for the Serpentine Loop Trail, which returns to the parking lot in a shorter distance. The Serpentine Loop Trail immediately began an uphill ascent, which was broken just two hundred meters in when the two branches of the Serpentine Loop split. I took the left fork, which stayed a little lower but offered some views over Calero Reservoir. <br /><br />The Serpentine Loop Trail was very muddy, a situation made worse by the cows that had trampled over many parts of the trail. After an initial stretch of uphill through the oak woods, the trail leveled out as it headed east. I came to the Calero Bat Inn at 7.9 miles: this was one of the park’s most unusual features, a small tower designed specifically to provide a daytime shelter for these nocturnal creatures.<br /><br />Continuing along the Serpentine Loop, I came to a more open stretch of the trail at 8.2 miles, where I caught a couple of rare glimpses of the Calero Reservoir, along with views of the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and of Mount Umunhum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNfxkxYI1v3HSwmy9ghf2nhd4PtM8G0EZosMNSxYv2InAa5AOiUl5sm6G5pdJzmvegBt7dYRH3k2ouR9_-RO_uVKBz8bNixxUyCU7b8IrBWWe5tT7zk80rvpJm6iEMr659Pd-C9Pt7mGvc3UtzuiqBvRr9xw4kF5rRxecTHTdGPM1oOREUsghSlViA=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNfxkxYI1v3HSwmy9ghf2nhd4PtM8G0EZosMNSxYv2InAa5AOiUl5sm6G5pdJzmvegBt7dYRH3k2ouR9_-RO_uVKBz8bNixxUyCU7b8IrBWWe5tT7zk80rvpJm6iEMr659Pd-C9Pt7mGvc3UtzuiqBvRr9xw4kF5rRxecTHTdGPM1oOREUsghSlViA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calero Reservoir from the Serpentine Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmEuopCr9Y5n7GMj3YRJcgohSRCOvF7LaOF4KUJ1oHoDJS-KRvKCG-zQChGjdpLTDmh9yPSt7YklRxAvzbtaVXY7rdZT35UYOVFn8iLH3vQT1xc11yngtgf54e5m5CGv6cU2_LNEsr8SY1XE6rKOp1NfrxyppWwQLxLFpY_pf4JWW11K5mT7cWqRa3=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmEuopCr9Y5n7GMj3YRJcgohSRCOvF7LaOF4KUJ1oHoDJS-KRvKCG-zQChGjdpLTDmh9yPSt7YklRxAvzbtaVXY7rdZT35UYOVFn8iLH3vQT1xc11yngtgf54e5m5CGv6cU2_LNEsr8SY1XE6rKOp1NfrxyppWwQLxLFpY_pf4JWW11K5mT7cWqRa3=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy Serpentine Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 8.6 miles, I came to a four-way junction where the Figueroa Trail, the other branch of the Serpentine Loop, and the Pena Trail intersected. Here, I took the left fork for the Pena Trail to return to the trailhead. The Pena Trail began a short but steep climb from the intersection, crossing a grassy ridge and delivering views behind me of Mount Umunhum and Loma Prieta rising over the rolling hills of Calero County Park. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipsE6h_dwnMlkAAj02W4t_GkwfM5bIMY9IyOsjhJDdPF0GTDCrPA5sZF1EwREXFTUfdZlA5EoT6TBmYhVmeGPjGuLHPs-2CA62ONCxZT4aoxgJzjpqMShp5grcH2jkQ-KTVMGEIfA3vQq7Y8SPyiMgllGjRv7o_JywiiulaEJS6Z-HhwOK27T2RFLV=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipsE6h_dwnMlkAAj02W4t_GkwfM5bIMY9IyOsjhJDdPF0GTDCrPA5sZF1EwREXFTUfdZlA5EoT6TBmYhVmeGPjGuLHPs-2CA62ONCxZT4aoxgJzjpqMShp5grcH2jkQ-KTVMGEIfA3vQq7Y8SPyiMgllGjRv7o_JywiiulaEJS6Z-HhwOK27T2RFLV=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Umunhum rises over the pastoral landscape of the Serpentine Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I passed a water tank and the junction with the Los Cerritos Trail at 8.9 miles; I stayed on the Pena Trail, which now began a steep and constant descent down a ridge. At just over 9 miles, the Pena Trail passed the fork for the Vallecito Trail that I had taken that morning to start the loop. I finished up the hike by following the Pena Trail downhill to the trailhead.<br /></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-32742877681701286872023-01-18T11:03:00.000-08:002023-01-18T11:03:00.217-08:00Mount Diablo North Peak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BkUvwIYEEQ/YEFXUDb_LVI/AAAAAAAAgWU/hb4RyaiQXwofrP4pfBoffSjrCSqvCFDMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BkUvwIYEEQ/YEFXUDb_LVI/AAAAAAAAgWU/hb4RyaiQXwofrP4pfBoffSjrCSqvCFDMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View into Livermore Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>4 miles round trip, 1200 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<div>Access: Paved but windy road to trailhead, Mount Diablo State Park entrance fee required</div><div><br /></div><div>North Peak is the oft-overlooked shorter sibling to the well-loved and ever-popular main summit of California's Mount Diablo, the iconic double-peaked mountain visible from much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Real estate agents in nearby Walnut Creek once promoted a false claim that Mount Diablo had the largest viewshed of any point on Earth after Kilimanjaro, but the fact that those claims were even somewhat believable gives you an idea of the sweeping panorama from the mountain. While a road leads to an observation tower crowning the main peak of Mount Diablo, 3557-foot tall North Peak is accessible only by hiking and is thus far quieter; although the summit experience at North Peak can be somewhat marred by the extensive collection of telecommunications equipment at the summit, the lovely panoramic views still make this an enjoyable hike. This hike is best in winter and spring, when there is less air pollution and the grassy slopes of Diablo are green.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked North Peak on a clear February weekday, when the weekend crowds that descend on Mount Diablo State Park were absent. The trailhead can be accessed by either the North Gate or South Gate Roads into Mount Diablo State Park, which come from Walnut Creek and Danville, respectively. I arrived from Danville: I left I-680 at exit 39 and followed Diablo Road to the northeast, making a right turn after 0.7 miles to stay on Diablo Road. I followed Diablo Road for another 2 miles and then turned left at the junction for the Mount Diablo State Park Road; signs just before the junction indicated a turn for Mount Diablo State Park and the Athenian School. I followed this narrow paved road through a tony neighborhood before the increasingly windy road entered Mount Diablo State Park; I passed the entrance kiosk and then after 7 miles of driving from the turn on Diablo Road I came to a junction with North Gate and Summit Roads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turning right at the junction onto Summit Road, I followed Summit Road uphill for another 3.5 miles to a sharp, eastern-facing switchback just below the summit, where there were wide gravel pullouts on either side of the road. This unsigned parking area is the start of the hike to North Peak. New expanded bike lanes have eaten into some of the parking, but there's still room for ten cars or so to park. If you struggle to park here, you can continue uphill on Summit Road, park in the large lot near the summit of Mount Diablo, and follow the Summit Trail back to the this trailhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving from the eastern edge of the switchback on Summit Road, the North Peak Trail led east across the open and grassy south slopes of Mount Diablo. On the very clear day of my hike, the views were absolutely expansive here: closer by, the rolling green grassy hills of Morgan Territory lay below, with the suburbs and shopping malls of the Tri-Valley beyond that and the Diablo Range peaks at Sunol and Ohlone Wildernesses rising beyond Livermore and Pleasanton. To the east, I could see clear across the Central Valley to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBiEcQ_xzsQ/YEFXWAk44wI/AAAAAAAAgWY/7U8hMcFAo3UB1L4dP__KHe6y6yeqf-kpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBiEcQ_xzsQ/YEFXWAk44wI/AAAAAAAAgWY/7U8hMcFAo3UB1L4dP__KHe6y6yeqf-kpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Peak Trail wrapping around Mount Diablo</td></tr></tbody></table>I followed the North Peak Trail gradually downhill as it wrapped around the south side of Mount Diablo's main peak. At one-third of a mile, the trail came to the southeast ridge of the mountain, a rocky spine leading towards the summit that featured the Devil's Pulpit, an enormous outcrop. Beyond the Devil's Pulpit, I could see all the way to the stone observation tower built atop Mount Diablo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp_47UKNSdM/YEFXYMW1NcI/AAAAAAAAgWg/lg4HbfygbzcnQTul4rtmX_UcukIqRWJWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp_47UKNSdM/YEFXYMW1NcI/AAAAAAAAgWg/lg4HbfygbzcnQTul4rtmX_UcukIqRWJWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Pulpit and the observation tower atop the main summit of Diablo</td></tr></tbody></table>The southeast ridge also offered sweeping views to the south and west, including some of the best views of San Francisco Bay on this hike. Much of the bay itself was visible, its waters glimmering in the sunlight. The Santa Cruz Mountains rose behind the Bay, with peaks such as Montara Mountain, Black Mountain, and Mount Umunhum clearly distinguishable.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSyJtBnArXc/YEFXXbSkwXI/AAAAAAAAgWc/wynBwlXXfH4cqgFM8giu5CdEwiYgbidDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSyJtBnArXc/YEFXXbSkwXI/AAAAAAAAgWc/wynBwlXXfH4cqgFM8giu5CdEwiYgbidDACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains</td></tr></tbody></table>As the trail turned the corner around the southwest ridge, I found a great view of North Peak. From here, the trail ahead was clear: I could see the North Peak Fire Road that I would later follow running up the ridge of North Peak until eventually reaching the cluster of communications towers at the summit. Beyond North Peak, the watery veins of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta snaked across the Central Valley and even further back were snowy Sierra Nevada peaks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBMHOLlPVUQ/YEFXZeyXYtI/AAAAAAAAgWk/aeHaCmfV0VEXBCh_b7DsqMihh2e-amqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBMHOLlPVUQ/YEFXZeyXYtI/AAAAAAAAgWk/aeHaCmfV0VEXBCh_b7DsqMihh2e-amqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Peak across Prospectors Gap</td></tr></tbody></table>After coming around the southwest ridge, the trail descended via a pair of short switchbacks and then entered a forest. Over the next two-thirds of a mile, the trail descended constantly, with more limited views; the final stretch of descent down to Prospectors Gap was quite steep.<br /><div><br /></div><div>One mile from the trailhead and after about 500 feet of descent, the North Peak Trail arrived at Prospectors Gap, a saddle between the main summit and North Peak. Here, the trail crossed Prospectors Gap Fire Road, which led downhill on either side of the ridge; across the road, I connected onto the North Peak Fire Road, which led uphill along a ridge towards the summit.<div><br /></div><div>The North Peak Fire Road was very aggressive in its initial ascent up from Prospectors Gap, with some sections that were quite steep. The first half mile of ascent along the fire road generally stuck to the southern side of the ridge and provided more views out west and south to the main summit and the Tri-Valley. At 1.5 miles, the trail crossed over to the forested north side of the ridge, where the trail flattened out and provided some temporary respite; however, at 1.7 miles, the trail became extremely steep as it tackled the final push to the summit of North Peak. This stretch of the fire road was actually quite tricky to negotiate: gravel covering the fire road made the trail surface loose and slippery and the angle of the ascent was high enough that I was struggling to get traction with my boots. When this short hundred-meter stretch ended, I found myself arriving at the broad-sloped summit area, reaching the base of the telecommunications towers atop the peak at just over 1.8 miles.</div><div><br />The presence of so many towers on the summit certainly detracted from the scenery to a degree; the summit itself was best for views west towards Mount Diablo's main summit and towards the Tri-Valley. Pleasanton Ridge and Mission Peak rose at the far end of the Tri-Valley area, with Loma Prieta's distant but high peak visible behind them. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oob_NLbz2Ik/YEFXaxoXC6I/AAAAAAAAgWs/OUM-lMfh0p4jI2EOB9KS0kY85guCIbClwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oob_NLbz2Ik/YEFXaxoXC6I/AAAAAAAAgWs/OUM-lMfh0p4jI2EOB9KS0kY85guCIbClwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to the main summit of Mount Diablo</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPVncKvFYV0/YEFXas4sLpI/AAAAAAAAgWo/CAtxnHGSasAjEi9Oj4xwHBwL-C5XzpvXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPVncKvFYV0/YEFXas4sLpI/AAAAAAAAgWo/CAtxnHGSasAjEi9Oj4xwHBwL-C5XzpvXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Tri-Valley, with Mission Peak and Loma Prieta in the distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The most enjoyable part of the Mount Diablo North Peak view, however, was found from a small knoll to the northeast of the high point. I followed the fire road counterclockwise around the communications towers and found a social path leading towards a low prominent point along the north ridge. The path died out upon reaching a rockier section of this ridge; there were plenty of rocks here where hikers can relax and enjoy the views to the north and the east.</div><div><br /></div><div>What lovely views! The Central Valley lay below me, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta clearly visible beyond the suburbs of Antioch. The Shiloh Wind Farm- a 500 MW project- was spread out across the delta, which is a wetland of extraordinary ecological diversity. Beyond the Central Valley rose the snowy Sierra. I could clearly make out Pyramid Peak near Lake Tahoe and could see a less distinguishable snowy mass stretching south towards Yosemite National Park. The isolated hills of the Sutter Buttes were visible in the middle of the valley to the north, with the snow-capped and rounded form of Lassen Peak, the southernmost of the Cascade volcanoes, just barely visible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suisun Bay lay beyond the nearby suburbs of Concord; a patch of oil refineries dotted the shoreline near the Carquinez Strait. The open pit of the Clayton Quarry is clearly visible, a mountain being deconstructed to make concrete in our cities. Mount St. Helena, Cobb Mountain, and even distant Snow Mountain rose to the north in the Coast Ranges. San Pablo Bay was visible in the distance, with Mount Tam's distinctive profile clearly visible. At the very edge of the view, I could see past the Oakland hills to the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and a flotilla of cargo ships waiting to be unloaded at the Bay's many ports.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TQssO6V67Y/YEFXbj2hzZI/AAAAAAAAgWw/oU_BZlLOtsMSTdwfFsWG3Llj_z7-MfOVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TQssO6V67Y/YEFXbj2hzZI/AAAAAAAAgWw/oU_BZlLOtsMSTdwfFsWG3Llj_z7-MfOVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the Suisun and San Pablo Bays</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b66bSDnJRME/YEFXcSLhyxI/AAAAAAAAgW0/cnodWii4vjQ9Ji4iGyQQPy1JnE3w40tUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b66bSDnJRME/YEFXcSLhyxI/AAAAAAAAgW0/cnodWii4vjQ9Ji4iGyQQPy1JnE3w40tUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Central Valley and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXM7f9aAlso/YEFXT6jFdII/AAAAAAAAgWM/VoRoRwPtL5oO_dI2Xhz6ia_V8oxVWnaYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXM7f9aAlso/YEFXT6jFdII/AAAAAAAAgWM/VoRoRwPtL5oO_dI2Xhz6ia_V8oxVWnaYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francisco skyline rises behind the Oakland hills<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUKyp_SaqGY/YEFXT5Zk_HI/AAAAAAAAgWQ/TRNwoD5NFMUJ7JuHNjfQH8_7FnA6qc8NACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/North%2BPeak%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUKyp_SaqGY/YEFXT5Zk_HI/AAAAAAAAgWQ/TRNwoD5NFMUJ7JuHNjfQH8_7FnA6qc8NACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/North%2BPeak%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Sierra Nevada rises over Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The view was sweeping enough that for a moment I could imagine that it could be the second largest viewshed in the world, as pamphlets in the mid-20th century claimed. This, of course, was hogwash invented to sell houses in Walnut Creek- Mount Diablo's viewshed is ultimately not even the second largest in California. Still, this was a grand panorama and I was glad to enjoy it all by myself on my hike. Weekends bring far more visitors to this park, so come early or come on a weekday to enjoy the views from Diablo's sibling peak.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-54949501933859833232023-01-11T15:30:00.001-08:002023-01-11T15:30:00.222-08:00Corduroy Hills Loop<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBqDrjRaQw1L2sauXpqaa6cONRkZIcSzrIxdVURxEhuwHdVWIJ4wD2MoZZ-PZUQLr1ndi45R2eZsrIWkoBOnLfiGJo6KnVScF3AOlBdTNTy1pfJe4AFHaehJF3j41P2l8hEBQh4sjQvae1EdvaM_8gJQnOiayIQs2JpByAClzPtYRZNPkw4Eewqcn=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBqDrjRaQw1L2sauXpqaa6cONRkZIcSzrIxdVURxEhuwHdVWIJ4wD2MoZZ-PZUQLr1ndi45R2eZsrIWkoBOnLfiGJo6KnVScF3AOlBdTNTy1pfJe4AFHaehJF3j41P2l8hEBQh4sjQvae1EdvaM_8gJQnOiayIQs2JpByAClzPtYRZNPkw4Eewqcn=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Corduory Hills of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>8 miles loop, 2050 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Moderate<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, limited parking, no entrance fee required<br /><br />To Eugene O’Neill- the playwright who became the first American recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, who once lived on a farm here in Danville, California- the green grass-covered forms of the Diablo Range in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness were the “Corduroy Hills.” This poetic name is a delightful descriptor of these lovely hills, which are a lush green during winter and spring months and provide enjoyable hiking through grasslands, chaparral, and oak forest with great views of the mountains east of the San Francisco Bay. The hike described here is a loop in the hills directly above O’Neill’s residence, with a lovely ridge walk along Las Trampas Ridge that hits three low summits, grazing cows, and plenty of views of stately Mount Diablo. Winter and spring are the best times to visit, as the hills here are less pleasant during the hot summer months when the sun is overbearing and the grass is brown. The trails in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness can be a little muddy following rainstorms in winter and spring. <br /><br />The Corduroy Hills Loop can be accessed from several different trailheads; I will describe an approach using the Ringtail Cat Trail from the Ringtail Cat Staging Area on Hemme Ave, although it is also possible to connect with this loop from roadside parking along Camille Ave for a hike of similar distance and difficulty. <br /><br />I hiked the Corduroy Hills Loop on a lovely and sunny December Saturday, after the first few major rainstorms of the season had already refreshed the greenness of the grass. To reach the trailhead, I took I-680 out to Danville, exiting onto El Cerro Blvd; I headed west on El Cerro Blvd to its junction with Danville Blvd and then followed Danville Blvd north for 1.5 miles to the stoplight with Hemme Road. I turned left onto Hemme Road and drove to the cul-de-sac at the end of the road. There is a small parking lot run by the East Bay Municipal Parks District at the end of Hemme Road that is signed as the Ringtail Cat Staging Area; unfortunately, the lot is quite small and accommodates less than 10 cars. For the moment, street parking along Hemme Road is legal, although I wonder how long the very clearly affluent residents of this subdivision will tolerate the flux of weekend hikers here. <br /><br />From the parking lot, I followed the Ringtail Cat Trail into the forest along an unnamed creek; while this creek is likely dry for most of the year, there was some low flow during my December visit. The environs around the creek were lush and shaded and the trail was flat. About 200 meters or so into the hike, the trail passed an old pump next to the stream. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2i1yNEPorNi5aMshSAXHexfseX18turw0dSg9529bSDt0NGbRibRuV5Wn5m0A9CvarJo-kdJ99hjPP1OsdDErs9IAvYTPAFC8OTHEpJmhP_X9ZrwaLHe-WB97PV2xIz6zvmZns1sRzUQr7ZgxYfBEyrzHCxduNavjZuUVIkgUd25Hi-IZw0rkDwtZ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2i1yNEPorNi5aMshSAXHexfseX18turw0dSg9529bSDt0NGbRibRuV5Wn5m0A9CvarJo-kdJ99hjPP1OsdDErs9IAvYTPAFC8OTHEpJmhP_X9ZrwaLHe-WB97PV2xIz6zvmZns1sRzUQr7ZgxYfBEyrzHCxduNavjZuUVIkgUd25Hi-IZw0rkDwtZ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old pump<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A third of a mile in, the Ringtail Cat Trail intersected with a trail coming from South Ave. Here, the Ringtail Cat Trail turned sharply to the left and began to climb above the stream. A gradual initial ascent lifted the trail out of the shaded streamside environs onto a grassy ridge with a canopy of oaks; at this point, the Ringtail Cat Trail became substantially steeper as it ascended along the ridge. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir5pu-ObVijR5jq3McLCPkjQFTuyLLUwv09MQI-Ar-r7DmIeJuGHke_LFYhTMxKELFkdL8Vy8ms2bD-0P_yZxQ_IbmxLFRcHjn8Wx3lalo9jAiMO1z-PGquRkcf9xfeME0hSuIJHP0w4M0z6IAzDo6KrNGaAiuB4bYbOr6H3TwSdcyaF09jg1oGvbf=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir5pu-ObVijR5jq3McLCPkjQFTuyLLUwv09MQI-Ar-r7DmIeJuGHke_LFYhTMxKELFkdL8Vy8ms2bD-0P_yZxQ_IbmxLFRcHjn8Wx3lalo9jAiMO1z-PGquRkcf9xfeME0hSuIJHP0w4M0z6IAzDo6KrNGaAiuB4bYbOr6H3TwSdcyaF09jg1oGvbf=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaks along the Ringtail Cat Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2/3 mile into the hike, the Ringtail Cat Trail passed a blocked-off side trail leading to the left. Shortly after, the trail left the forest of oaks and broke out into an open, grassy hillside. As the trail continued ascending through two switchbacks up this gorgeously green slope, views of Mount Diablo emerged. As I climbed higher and followed the trail onto the crest of a ridge, more views of Walnut Creek to the north and the Tri-Valley to the south opened up. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLyLd_pBEAlKxFEdgLuAqr1io6S2V7CVBwuP40T16cUmUYdwAWjYy6pGlv2uuGCiMglrPI1WrE2ukaufGU1p2dHoIdrHpPfELmn5quvX_TfV8T-x5BBH6VEjJwh0aNJ-6y2ZqoHZbbVyauK6CpmVBOLByaQRw18nK7Ty1AspUvf0Lc5I0SqRPQRJL1=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLyLd_pBEAlKxFEdgLuAqr1io6S2V7CVBwuP40T16cUmUYdwAWjYy6pGlv2uuGCiMglrPI1WrE2ukaufGU1p2dHoIdrHpPfELmn5quvX_TfV8T-x5BBH6VEjJwh0aNJ-6y2ZqoHZbbVyauK6CpmVBOLByaQRw18nK7Ty1AspUvf0Lc5I0SqRPQRJL1=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Diablo above the grasslands along the Ringtail Cat Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVfAKju-EQKQaWPKcQN2La5F-GMu6PgSAffmOK0k7SxQjO_tKbqPUjnrPw7CN5itF5TBwOpnmmkEd0f25FA3zbOgf_ZbaTiPI3lY6IukxjFEbNThSOgUfOtQALBGjdG_5oeNdRb3KCRWpKM_8HaJRb9o7afbgp5EJoKwXSvLy3CZ4P86AMghrRJOp=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVfAKju-EQKQaWPKcQN2La5F-GMu6PgSAffmOK0k7SxQjO_tKbqPUjnrPw7CN5itF5TBwOpnmmkEd0f25FA3zbOgf_ZbaTiPI3lY6IukxjFEbNThSOgUfOtQALBGjdG_5oeNdRb3KCRWpKM_8HaJRb9o7afbgp5EJoKwXSvLy3CZ4P86AMghrRJOp=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaks and grassland of the Ringtail Cat Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir8ZJ27ZK1UKHFly9LeVyX5lMU7k34so-N01GhWbvFhvlSr0ve-6w_4SyGCyUnOTGJeKn6v87r5p7NxhQagLduCtvwO85Vf7l_U93FDGtwGE9W4P80x5M1cnx_L40LnH135o3Kx-Rg4O6pd_6POiLk2litpu8XfG8eIZEDqiB7MlE9ZTpOuYijQEir=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir8ZJ27ZK1UKHFly9LeVyX5lMU7k34so-N01GhWbvFhvlSr0ve-6w_4SyGCyUnOTGJeKn6v87r5p7NxhQagLduCtvwO85Vf7l_U93FDGtwGE9W4P80x5M1cnx_L40LnH135o3Kx-Rg4O6pd_6POiLk2litpu8XfG8eIZEDqiB7MlE9ZTpOuYijQEir=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the Tri-Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At one mile from the trailhead, the Ringtail Cat Trail ended at a junction with the Madrone Trail. The two directions of the loop split apart here: I chose to hike the loop clockwise, taking the left fork first to handle the steep climb up to Eagle Peak earlier and leave the gentler descent from Las Trampas Peak for the return. This fork of the Madrone Trail- actually a road trace- initially stayed out in the open, providing some more lovely views of the Tri-Valley while passing by a number of stately oaks, but the trail soon (appropriately!) entered a madrone forest and began a steady descent in the woods until emerging on a grassy ridge and intersecting with the Corduroy Hills Trail at 1.5 miles. The Madrone Trail led straight ahead from here down to the Camille Ave trailhead, while a sharp right turn put me on the Corduroy Hills Trail. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw8Mat2NsK4UaUziomyhly0VxMode9_g1GVayp34vgIILHJ7E-OXSYnjRM7wgtHRPFpa7iBdF2BSBJP827OtJoo3EClR0H0kaprXRIuyJn8-P3ZF2uyXv_44aBpW6bSZ4kqX7bpwU_uttJUInUuLLyEiJDftRDGorECQjvTdhDfpSxsSNVJ05-IH6H=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw8Mat2NsK4UaUziomyhly0VxMode9_g1GVayp34vgIILHJ7E-OXSYnjRM7wgtHRPFpa7iBdF2BSBJP827OtJoo3EClR0H0kaprXRIuyJn8-P3ZF2uyXv_44aBpW6bSZ4kqX7bpwU_uttJUInUuLLyEiJDftRDGorECQjvTdhDfpSxsSNVJ05-IH6H=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madrone Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Corduroy Hills Trail immediately embarked on a steep and aggressive uphill climb, following a steep road trace uphill through open, grassy slopes with improving views of the Tri-Valley and the luminously green grasslands in the distance. At 1.8 miles, the road trace ended at a small landing, splitting in two to make a small loop (both forks of the loop lead to the next section of trail). From the landing, there were spectacularly open views to the east that encompassed everything from Walnut Creek through Mount Diablo down to the Tri-Valley. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVR5HgmSXLp9IrY9ae7lu9LFVBXD9SzN99UWHQwNOT4qwfhjsUIUxzP3zO--B5_fE2QyiEjeOVKaRby_8BcY89Y1Mv4uKLczbJ0YkV6Y9NqTDT6iq1o92qrcNretEwSO1MbbMbtXzayotIxzeGV1qRjoP8FJbuV_RMD_ySSvRqaxGak1xIEa1uYU44=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVR5HgmSXLp9IrY9ae7lu9LFVBXD9SzN99UWHQwNOT4qwfhjsUIUxzP3zO--B5_fE2QyiEjeOVKaRby_8BcY89Y1Mv4uKLczbJ0YkV6Y9NqTDT6iq1o92qrcNretEwSO1MbbMbtXzayotIxzeGV1qRjoP8FJbuV_RMD_ySSvRqaxGak1xIEa1uYU44=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incomparably verdant grasslands of Las Trampas<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Corduroy Hills Trail transitioned to a narrow single-track trail as it left the landing, continuing to follow the ridge. Here, the grasslands of the lower ridge transitioned to grassy oak woodlands. Over the next 0.8 miles, the trail followed the ridge, with frequent openings that provided many lovely views of Mount Diablo and the nearby chaparral-covered ridges. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6KbTbLfgCtGVrMRZccT5HIys0So6rtOFxTgFb0uowJInHPBCCZPNkRD12IqV9uEl2qBqCvzyYriuD4nt6QuhNvXf7PPrqXdq6mh0OWjsl7FG2Gv_E4SzdC3uS6f0WX4qexIbVVhFQwyI1PnxoBFPjimFe74MMuVatB1m-wliewJnNCrY3m-yT9uuC=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6KbTbLfgCtGVrMRZccT5HIys0So6rtOFxTgFb0uowJInHPBCCZPNkRD12IqV9uEl2qBqCvzyYriuD4nt6QuhNvXf7PPrqXdq6mh0OWjsl7FG2Gv_E4SzdC3uS6f0WX4qexIbVVhFQwyI1PnxoBFPjimFe74MMuVatB1m-wliewJnNCrY3m-yT9uuC=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Danville from Eagle Peak<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.6 miles, I came to an unmarked spur splitting off to the left from the Corduroy Hills Trail that followed the ridge to the summit of Eagle Peak. I took this short, fifty-meter detour to enjoy the views from the summit, where there was a nice bench from which I could enjoy the views. Mount Diablo rose high across San Ramon Valley and the sprawl of Dublin and Livermore filled the rest of the Tri-Valley to the south. The barn at Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site was clearly visible in the middle of a grassy field, an idyllic reminder of this landscape’s inspiration on the playwright who wrote A Long Day’s Journey into Night and The Iceman Cometh. <br /><br />Returning to the Corduroy Hills Trail, I came upon a series of outcrops along the ridge of Eagle Peak that opened up new and lovely views over Bollinger Canyon and across to Las Trampas and Rocky Ridges. Soon after, the trail left the crest of the ridge and descended steeply to a grassy saddle between Eagle Peak and Las Trampas Ridge before climbing steeply up the other side, passing through a narrow hiker gate to join up with the Las Trampas Ridge Trail at 2.8 miles. The southwestern side of Eagle Peak was surprisingly rocky, which added interest to the otherwise chaparral-dominated scenery here. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv32YYFR9syMYOpFM4lVPikrc8Yc4PoyIJ9OiU74wuBumSZRNdzWV7PpjrUUIHZiJ9nDQE04WdddCS1g1QuNno7Y_-tFy7A7gEcznKIk3iY2nuUOm-LTp8zb5iVmacT_iyvh8-pA2LWU_oFiCfxfC3_zmc5LHvrdWAvqZc9Y95jtaRGNlQmkelTOMj=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv32YYFR9syMYOpFM4lVPikrc8Yc4PoyIJ9OiU74wuBumSZRNdzWV7PpjrUUIHZiJ9nDQE04WdddCS1g1QuNno7Y_-tFy7A7gEcznKIk3iY2nuUOm-LTp8zb5iVmacT_iyvh8-pA2LWU_oFiCfxfC3_zmc5LHvrdWAvqZc9Y95jtaRGNlQmkelTOMj=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Rocky Ridge from Eagle Peak<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At the junction with the Las Trampas Ridge Trail, I turned right and followed the trail to the northwest to continue my clockwise loop. The vegetation along the crest of Las Trampas Ridge alternated between brush and oak woodlands over the next mile. I passed Vail Peak and two junctions with the Bollinger Canyon Trail as I followed the undulating ridge, from which I had superb views of Bollinger Canyon and the rest of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Most notable was an open ridgetop walk starting at 3.3 miles, from which I enjoyed amazing views of the Diablo Range all around me. I was even able to spot Mount Tam and the tall conifers on a distant ridge in Redwood Regional Park near Oakland. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhHO9CcoWVy_xb3POG8rwWcr5QFol8kws6zL4jRhXyHOrUPLnoQ149CD5-aANo_iXRo4Lxn_swVzQF9ZtAAfqihxzgrxff43f1zu0m6kKSZinnSgKNJYDGB_QAlX3ev2AmlA-JYA0Q632z1ZR3UKcMki2IBnyKRW4eRinfYg_4PcnjtP3KMFMLemFq=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhHO9CcoWVy_xb3POG8rwWcr5QFol8kws6zL4jRhXyHOrUPLnoQ149CD5-aANo_iXRo4Lxn_swVzQF9ZtAAfqihxzgrxff43f1zu0m6kKSZinnSgKNJYDGB_QAlX3ev2AmlA-JYA0Q632z1ZR3UKcMki2IBnyKRW4eRinfYg_4PcnjtP3KMFMLemFq=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Las Trampas Ridge and Bollinger Canyon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail dropped through another saddle and then ascended again to reach a cattle gate just below the high point of Las Trampas Peak at 3.8 miles. Immediately after crossing the gate, an unmarked social path led uphill and to the left through a grassy slope to the top of Las Trampas Peak. I checked out this short detour, which brought me to the high point of the hike. Las Trampas Peak had nice views down the grassy north slope of the mountain towards Walnut Creek and Suisun Bay; I could spot notable mountains north of the Bay from here, most notably the multi-humped peak of Mount St. Helena. More unique was the view to the west: I could see part of the San Francisco Bay, with the Santa Cruz Mountains rising behind it. While not a remarkable panoramic view, this was still an enjoyable spot to stop. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpA1wHVVCS6s4Z6GnsTAkEdjfUukeEyKi9RPDmXnofJoj_mTl5bE06iVF33oz-SMKR_2_ehuhzsmeFXWcGYiOwmrihrpMKXYAFP3FPjkwzArBKi8izDAjCqWwntgchYkGDrYLEGGK92p9QQb-Wxc6SFz-b6FCjvgwaNZOzyxn5yJcCM_hmceW18dwG=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpA1wHVVCS6s4Z6GnsTAkEdjfUukeEyKi9RPDmXnofJoj_mTl5bE06iVF33oz-SMKR_2_ehuhzsmeFXWcGYiOwmrihrpMKXYAFP3FPjkwzArBKi8izDAjCqWwntgchYkGDrYLEGGK92p9QQb-Wxc6SFz-b6FCjvgwaNZOzyxn5yJcCM_hmceW18dwG=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, and the redwoods of the Oakland hills<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Returning to the Las Trampas Ridge Trail, I followed the trail down a broad, grassy slope. On this side of the cattle gate, the chaparral of Las Trampas Ridge had been replaced by grasslands, the vegetation here kept trim by the grazing cows. Several cows were scattered across the slope, taking in their daily views of Walnut Creek and its surrounding hills. The trail wrapped around a ridge and passed two unmarked splits in the road trace; the second of these splits was potentially confusing, as the clearer path made a sharp turn to the left even though the actual Las Trampas Trail continued straight. After crossing another cattle gate at 4.5 miles, I continued descending through the meadows until the trail reentered the oak woodlands and arrived at its junction with the Madrone Trail in a small clearing at 5 miles. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCS9nU8bzUK70mSRNVL7DyFW9_6STNCk_Ym1fuDNrlfUNIktFCZdhikISdsggcRc1J3kp-W0SCnQprWtlED0fpOOqYT26dlMBTwmQQN-yx6pUbioTuQTReZ8QwMGXbFj5ZcMOrwVVdxExIkNJa5OzQdLVetalpvKrJbT9PiMP_UX_ri--X2ecw8wK=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCS9nU8bzUK70mSRNVL7DyFW9_6STNCk_Ym1fuDNrlfUNIktFCZdhikISdsggcRc1J3kp-W0SCnQprWtlED0fpOOqYT26dlMBTwmQQN-yx6pUbioTuQTReZ8QwMGXbFj5ZcMOrwVVdxExIkNJa5OzQdLVetalpvKrJbT9PiMP_UX_ri--X2ecw8wK=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Las Trampas Peak down towards Walnut Creek and Suisun Bay<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFfEw5Ex8rPn2SJnDHQ41sqej_nJBTVMyg0AIScpNkmG1SVlXLit6TAAQeylA4HAxhsbBpek2loMZPPsMyOOAwdq2UP1MiUVkSkOOzTEqhumxtQu2Qdd6dtahDXMZg_uSc7PxIq4pD1If49Mfd78ooJtW5TCRMTvT_DG9jVjehlKk4WXT24OnYVWX3=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFfEw5Ex8rPn2SJnDHQ41sqej_nJBTVMyg0AIScpNkmG1SVlXLit6TAAQeylA4HAxhsbBpek2loMZPPsMyOOAwdq2UP1MiUVkSkOOzTEqhumxtQu2Qdd6dtahDXMZg_uSc7PxIq4pD1If49Mfd78ooJtW5TCRMTvT_DG9jVjehlKk4WXT24OnYVWX3=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows grazing the green hills of Las Trampas<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>During my visit, two cows had made a temporary resting spot out of the junction of the Las Trampas Ridge and Madrone Trails, spreading plenty of their poop around the area. Making my way around them, I took the right fork of the Madrone Trail. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJt-6oExVaVuR8PU1_TzGsvKsMQoAimUsLUampfi-xCE8IBy5p2NcUHUsnUFDM3Wk7iJTpAM7trcZVEs39lYkqPd3L5MEtoAKVxcgqnbsyzyScgVUcXpzjiKSCOeKDa-XEZOktE6BOwlLxwc9C_AT7sdzBBvRB_prqGRJA7Ykgi_n7St-q9Oacn1U-=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJt-6oExVaVuR8PU1_TzGsvKsMQoAimUsLUampfi-xCE8IBy5p2NcUHUsnUFDM3Wk7iJTpAM7trcZVEs39lYkqPd3L5MEtoAKVxcgqnbsyzyScgVUcXpzjiKSCOeKDa-XEZOktE6BOwlLxwc9C_AT7sdzBBvRB_prqGRJA7Ykgi_n7St-q9Oacn1U-=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows munching and pooping on the Madrone Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Madrone Trail continued the long descent from Las Trampas Peak, sticking mainly to oak woodlands but at one point emerging onto a ridgeline clearing with some more views of Mount Diablo and the Tri-Valley. Making a broad left turn, the Madrone Trail descended until bottoming out at a creek crossing at 5.9 miles. An undulating mile of hiking through the forest after the creek crossing brought me back to the open meadow and the junction with the Ringtail Cat Trail at 7 miles where I had started the loop earlier in the day. A final descent along the Ringtail Cat Trail closed out the hike. <div><br /></div><div>The Corduroy Hills and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness are already well-loved, but still receive fewer visitors than Mission Peak or Mount Diablo or other overcrowded East Bay destinations. The hiking is just as enjoyable and the views are sweeping, if not quite equivalent to those from taller Bay Area summits. On a nice December Saturday, I saw close to a hundred other hikers on the trail on an all-day hike, although the far reaches of the loop near Eagle Peak and Las Trampas Peak were pretty quiet.</div></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-51759272365840423082023-01-04T16:00:00.065-08:002023-01-04T16:00:00.221-08:00Las Trampas Rocky Ridge<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38nfAY7_BGlfNGbrP2m7LrK8N6FqxQ1BL8PaqJg0iv-mFxd2TL4h4woZNwXT55MsMk78-ad5QSH3Ucysg-uAkY8iMxUzplRa7cANOvYMYNJ0ZSZLdLCRS7aZ93mfMTdQBRuXdRyvdWPIknPsBJ862-SgqRM0W7Ibh07DUqv3LwBlzfCafJV7A--AJ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38nfAY7_BGlfNGbrP2m7LrK8N6FqxQ1BL8PaqJg0iv-mFxd2TL4h4woZNwXT55MsMk78-ad5QSH3Ucysg-uAkY8iMxUzplRa7cANOvYMYNJ0ZSZLdLCRS7aZ93mfMTdQBRuXdRyvdWPIknPsBJ862-SgqRM0W7Ibh07DUqv3LwBlzfCafJV7A--AJ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Ridge and the Diablo Range<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>5 miles loop, 1100 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, no entrance fee required <br /><br />Sweeping views of the Oakland Hills, San Francisco Bay, and Mount Diablo make Rocky Ridge the premier hike of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. In fact, short of the most well-known peaks in the Bay Area- such as Mount Diablo, Mission Peak, and Mount Tam- I found that Rocky Ridge had some of the best views in the Bay, its panoramas incorporating the grassy hills of East Bay, the calm waters of the Bay itself, and just about every major peak in the region. This hike is especially nice in winter and spring, when the surrounding ridges and hills are a vibrant green; an additional plus is that this hike, although still popular, sees fewer hikers than Mission Peak or Mount Diablo. <br /><br />I hiked Rocky Ridge on a sunny but hazy winter day. The trailhead at Bollinger Canyon Staging Area can be reached from either I-580 in Hayward or I-680 in San Ramon; coming from the Bay, I hopped off I-580 at exit 37 for Grove Way and Crow Canyon Road. I followed Crow Canyon Road north for eight miles through Crow Canyon and over the mountains, turning left onto Bollinger Canyon Road at the first stop light after the steep descent towards San Ramon started. I then followed Bollinger Canyon Road north to the end of the road in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness: there was a main parking lot with room for about 40 cars, with parking alongside the road leading to the lot and a secondary lot with room for another 50 cars about a quarter mile back down the road. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is a fairly popular hiking destination, so expect the main lot to fill on weekends. There was a pit toilet at the trailhead. <br /><br />Three trails left from the Bollinger Canyon Staging Area: the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail and the Rocky Ridge Trail started from a gate on the north side of the lot, while the Elderberry Trail left from the south side of the lot. I started out the hike on the Rocky Ridge View Trail and would return later in the day on the Elderberry Trail. <br /><br />The Rocky Ridge View Trail was a paved road (no vehicles allowed) that led steeply uphill from the staging area directly towards the crest of Rocky Ridge; it was ironic to be walking up a paved road in a “regional wilderness.” Climbing 700 feet in three-quarters of a mile, the trail, which was almost completely out in open, grassy slopes, was a good workout. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrH0vZTLKZ1F3RmJu_IJRyj_4a8N6IWTVGpqmu5jvntnYvFFIZVV7-zRZC2jEeH5Sq2F7yYdNRQUPYYojvQj16GoZBdW9N3QCyJmGe9On_byfzW9LkMhIpzIIHH5D9y4nNFhDPC2w1p5z7y14bAaCkjsmiaLjIx1Q02OiGXe_B-egD-moedmUhpxd=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrH0vZTLKZ1F3RmJu_IJRyj_4a8N6IWTVGpqmu5jvntnYvFFIZVV7-zRZC2jEeH5Sq2F7yYdNRQUPYYojvQj16GoZBdW9N3QCyJmGe9On_byfzW9LkMhIpzIIHH5D9y4nNFhDPC2w1p5z7y14bAaCkjsmiaLjIx1Q02OiGXe_B-egD-moedmUhpxd=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paved Rocky Ridge View Trail leading towards the ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Views initially encompassed just Las Trampas Ridge, Bollinger Canyon, and nearby cows grazing the grassy hillsides, but about halfway through this initial ascent Mount Diablo began poking out behind Las Trampas Ridge. Soon, views to the north began improving, too, and by the time the Rocky Ridge View Trail reached a gate about 200 vertical feet below the communications towers on the crest of Rocky Ridge, I could see as far as Mount St. Helena to the north. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCuyxi3SV0SUDeyFWW6Lc7gC73ezGuGlRlW05WlPP7SBIivtwZmgjfGswDeaV35o_De-RzhpK6SGuIkzO-Jf_9dZycK5-YCBFWxrYtUqheBN8oilBM9_NCKrUrUn7nyPZIY2lX86xz-z0ErUdzg-fKUn21tnU2FhzVCDGJuRmOMezI0IhLchfBLMH=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCuyxi3SV0SUDeyFWW6Lc7gC73ezGuGlRlW05WlPP7SBIivtwZmgjfGswDeaV35o_De-RzhpK6SGuIkzO-Jf_9dZycK5-YCBFWxrYtUqheBN8oilBM9_NCKrUrUn7nyPZIY2lX86xz-z0ErUdzg-fKUn21tnU2FhzVCDGJuRmOMezI0IhLchfBLMH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Trampas Ridge and Mount Diablo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 0.75 miles, the paved Rocky Ridge View Trail reached a gate that prohibited further entry. The land beyond the gate is administered by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and is only accessible by permit; the Rocky Ridge View Trail split from the paved road here and over the next quarter mile, it was a pleasant dirt trail leading gently up along the hillside until it reached the crest of Rocky Ridge, just over one mile into the hike. The trail skipped visiting the transmission towers at the top of Rocky Ridge, as those are on EBMUD land; however, there would still be plenty of good views from along the ridge.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNUSpT5ikiJVTgHw2W5KmLMr9jZ1jym-U0KYKYEJuN8k6bCXf_oV60CTB8RdeR6_LY2CCGW9avBl58xFA2JSmcWuguDjcBJrDmmybnPfnI5TFY0gvM3sdlvA9f8cUA7oIDddgC7pGr42RLA4yftoBrzVqul-ihmxl81OezAm17vMi6pEam4QtXbuCc=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNUSpT5ikiJVTgHw2W5KmLMr9jZ1jym-U0KYKYEJuN8k6bCXf_oV60CTB8RdeR6_LY2CCGW9avBl58xFA2JSmcWuguDjcBJrDmmybnPfnI5TFY0gvM3sdlvA9f8cUA7oIDddgC7pGr42RLA4yftoBrzVqul-ihmxl81OezAm17vMi6pEam4QtXbuCc=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount St. Helena and Las Trampas Peak<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Over the next 1.6 miles, the Rocky Ridge View Trail followed the undulating crest of Rocky Ridge, offering astonishing views over much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Looking west, I was able to see most of San Francisco Bay at many points along the trail, with the Santa Cruz Mountains rising across the Bay. Loma Prieta, Black Mountain, Montara Mountain, and the Sutro Tower were particularly notable landmarks across the Bay; unfortunately, a layer of haze closer to the Bay prevented me from seeing much detail in the San Francisco skyline. Mount Tam was often visible north of the city, the body of the ridge itself blocked many of the views to the north between Mount Tam and Mount St. Helena. Mount Diablo and Las Trampas Ridge made up the heart of the view to the east, while the hazy Tri-Valley to the south was bound by more peaks of the Diablo Range on its far end. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpWW1B6ZknApRz7lQpHUML293ERc4EHIhk20wBfCQEK6lxo8gnDwW-0m5ThpxTS7Q2ns_5oiSZVn2E-6hK8tYwfR5FfJdL8O14HEBAzZoQD7Ibfkq6AEaEE86gZ_GOiT-0rBdMxi5MZkVo9ahlA9g85Yh713C-8k5LUf639t6wXeliOArnLoinTbbw=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpWW1B6ZknApRz7lQpHUML293ERc4EHIhk20wBfCQEK6lxo8gnDwW-0m5ThpxTS7Q2ns_5oiSZVn2E-6hK8tYwfR5FfJdL8O14HEBAzZoQD7Ibfkq6AEaEE86gZ_GOiT-0rBdMxi5MZkVo9ahlA9g85Yh713C-8k5LUf639t6wXeliOArnLoinTbbw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazy Diablo Range views<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnNeQ1IofpvRURHKczVeKPyahUEYXEax1L0fpw_o5E3QLDHC9LhUXo657fsrIVS5PlY-vuz3PANQcNhIt2g-Qo04D3pzWpDUCJrZzRukMZhG2sZWOAru7Z2gHJCKLDo9IMv71zJ3orPfOzsMC_m3dagzlaArRO4zi3MGOMyuh1QYRav48U5BEMXs1X=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnNeQ1IofpvRURHKczVeKPyahUEYXEax1L0fpw_o5E3QLDHC9LhUXo657fsrIVS5PlY-vuz3PANQcNhIt2g-Qo04D3pzWpDUCJrZzRukMZhG2sZWOAru7Z2gHJCKLDo9IMv71zJ3orPfOzsMC_m3dagzlaArRO4zi3MGOMyuh1QYRav48U5BEMXs1X=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Diablo rises over Bollinger Canyon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Despite its name, the crest of Rocky Ridge is largely grassy, with just minor rocky outcroppings. However, those existing outcrops were worthy of a closer look: the underlying geological formation of Rocky Ridge consists of Cenozoic marine sandstones of the Briones Formation. These sandstones are chock full of fossilized shellfish: take a closer look at any of the rocks along the ridge and you’re sure to spot these densely packed fossils. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Rn9bnAINz18wDsUT6QeLWxkM6fbYYMXRkaMrLwnc9TFSWMRi7HRc5fjcUkErNtTn5urM5AGk2n6YysexgX6X9u9PCQSGTFUP4xOf7E6VrUo84AiO3XR_Bv62IgqzT9oRr8uxzzKMinWCO75BAkzWwA972ewFrT1zLgGh8SdKW4_OeiqpmgdNRl8N=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Rn9bnAINz18wDsUT6QeLWxkM6fbYYMXRkaMrLwnc9TFSWMRi7HRc5fjcUkErNtTn5urM5AGk2n6YysexgX6X9u9PCQSGTFUP4xOf7E6VrUo84AiO3XR_Bv62IgqzT9oRr8uxzzKMinWCO75BAkzWwA972ewFrT1zLgGh8SdKW4_OeiqpmgdNRl8N=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossilized shells in the Briones sandstone<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The trail wandered along the ridge and passed intersections with the Rocky Ridge Loop Trail and the Sycamore Trail around 1.6 miles and then passed a junction with the Cuesta Trail at 2 miles; at each fork in the trail, I stayed on the Rocky Ridge View Trail, which kept me along the top of the ridge, hiking past cows munching on the ridge’s plentiful grasses. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_OWN9FghJ9WAsG_S4GxHBSnXw_fceFuiB22GVyC65l7bnw_U4d4o4W4jNE0MGDSgcO7SL4tv_14Wy4Nz8_Evb4gLSsQx7D-5gTScZ2IFVX-rtRkWUn8D4F40HZZb_2qnPXPJwHqEZNDw-HuCqeAWxGqMSx5VIg55wtw5ikrXVW-khyT9CBRjqhy_=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_OWN9FghJ9WAsG_S4GxHBSnXw_fceFuiB22GVyC65l7bnw_U4d4o4W4jNE0MGDSgcO7SL4tv_14Wy4Nz8_Evb4gLSsQx7D-5gTScZ2IFVX-rtRkWUn8D4F40HZZb_2qnPXPJwHqEZNDw-HuCqeAWxGqMSx5VIg55wtw5ikrXVW-khyT9CBRjqhy_=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle grazing on Rocky Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>At 2.4 miles from the trailhead, I passed a junction with the Devil’s Hole Trail and then came to a glorious viewpoint on the ridge at the start of an extended descent along the trail. From this position on the ridge, I had a wonderful south-facing view. Rocky Ridge’s grassy crest faded away as it led to the south from here, with the many peaks of the Diablo Range rising beyond. Mission Peak and Mount Hamilton were among the well-known peaks visible from here; I also marveled over the many layers of rolling green hills below me that stretched down towards the Castro Valley area, separating Rocky Ridge from the suburbs of East Bay.</div><div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqt8TVSOthkxaG5nC9c7ucd_ciOlxnzH_1X3gwvNqItnyLjQ-XlyVxRkGo52iafqyvRD_GoXCHxJaniKahqkpPMy2jMDE8E5mOQ4PYkl6U08imoLJk-5UccVkwpqq5YNJCv0LGORZCKTzGoWFCv6QDGlrOinfMt3voQbXz1AOwmJp2epTPqMwCyAiI=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqt8TVSOthkxaG5nC9c7ucd_ciOlxnzH_1X3gwvNqItnyLjQ-XlyVxRkGo52iafqyvRD_GoXCHxJaniKahqkpPMy2jMDE8E5mOQ4PYkl6U08imoLJk-5UccVkwpqq5YNJCv0LGORZCKTzGoWFCv6QDGlrOinfMt3voQbXz1AOwmJp2epTPqMwCyAiI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south along the Diablo Range from Rocky Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvkB-SnJ5RUg2oeF-rFkxjYymJO-9ofHHGdWip_avF4g-QCSPEfbwUM0yWp8e6ZmaKNmfb2q-jYJ3_y_fDWqe2TYZZS58iWBKmEV81uWPGZDdtWrrYvw2NS3BFx_wTHZGq__p5suniaoB80NlSyRy061FxkEYTVkUeFwyG-DisIqJV8_CbYO--AhFH=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvkB-SnJ5RUg2oeF-rFkxjYymJO-9ofHHGdWip_avF4g-QCSPEfbwUM0yWp8e6ZmaKNmfb2q-jYJ3_y_fDWqe2TYZZS58iWBKmEV81uWPGZDdtWrrYvw2NS3BFx_wTHZGq__p5suniaoB80NlSyRy061FxkEYTVkUeFwyG-DisIqJV8_CbYO--AhFH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oakland Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Leaving this lovely viewpoint, the Rocky Ridge Trail descended more steeply, dropping 200 feet over the next third of a mile until the trail made a sharp turn to the left, leaving the ridge and turning into the Elderberry Trail at 2.8 miles. A bench at this sharp turn provided a nice spot to stop and enjoy the ridgetop views a final time. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2XDr0Fdxt4_eBzfehGEhBjDEQzufvyisjN693H2JsWzP9OkozKXHRq_RRX5tQkWbXrFI405UiSrWvKS80YZMUr51rz78jLq5w4qpCAsVgDLzacTrQK-uuLcDOtUkK1a6b2DNdQJyJLwr-imF5zjsxpTT5CrSUsDwo3EWZbRhN0DkFoycuZxiqssEb=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2XDr0Fdxt4_eBzfehGEhBjDEQzufvyisjN693H2JsWzP9OkozKXHRq_RRX5tQkWbXrFI405UiSrWvKS80YZMUr51rz78jLq5w4qpCAsVgDLzacTrQK-uuLcDOtUkK1a6b2DNdQJyJLwr-imF5zjsxpTT5CrSUsDwo3EWZbRhN0DkFoycuZxiqssEb=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at Rocky Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Elderberry Trail descended steeply as it left Rocky Ridge, dropping quickly into oak woodlands as it headed north. Over the 1.7 miles of trail back to bottom of Bollinger Canyon, the Elderberry Trail generally stayed in the woods, although it broke out into some grassy stretches at times for limited views of Rocky Ridge above, Las Trampas Ridge across Bollinger Canyon, and the top of Mount Diablo on some occasions. At 3.4 miles into the hike, the descent along the Elderberry Trail leveled out a bit and the trail undulated over a series of small gulches; at 4.2 miles, the trail began to descend steeply again, with the downhill ending when the Elderberry Trail arrived at the bottom of Bollinger Canyon at 4.6 miles. Parts of the trail were quite muddy, even two weeks after the most recent rains; frequent use by grazing cows had turned stretches of the trail into muddy nightmares. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyr_t5907ji4msQF_EjWnVEqyh9_XGz01aVhWhSvuKqTDW7Uy8YNO8bTHL9iFepYAD26_FfteiY6ETRg-mSRj5c5jglc2PMs5YgJ8kRWTWNEJ1NfflZvY385BciYlip2cLelschqf2cMpNZ-U-CTHWJKZx_v690VmRElM4Oe6iXaOUGvVihzAEgC7P=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyr_t5907ji4msQF_EjWnVEqyh9_XGz01aVhWhSvuKqTDW7Uy8YNO8bTHL9iFepYAD26_FfteiY6ETRg-mSRj5c5jglc2PMs5YgJ8kRWTWNEJ1NfflZvY385BciYlip2cLelschqf2cMpNZ-U-CTHWJKZx_v690VmRElM4Oe6iXaOUGvVihzAEgC7P=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bollinger Canyon and the Tri-Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At the corral at the bottom of Bollinger Canyon, the Elderberry Trail intersected another dirt road; the right fork led towards the corral camp staging area while the left fork traveled up the canyon towards the staging area where I had parked. I followed the left fork for a final 0.4 miles along the floor of the canyon, traveling through alternating grasslands and oak woodlands with the gentlest of uphill inclines until I closed the loop at the parking lot. <br /><br />While the paved portion of the Rocky Ridge View Trail has little to recommend about it, the view-packed traverse along the top of Rocky Ridge makes this hike one of the better outings in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hiker traffic was moderate; I saw over 50 hikers in about three hours, although everyone was spread out and I was able to have many of the nice viewpoints along the ridge to myself. Pick a clear day when the hills are green to enjoy the views on Rocky Ridge in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.<br /></div>Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-4083736678921356472022-12-28T19:46:00.001-08:002022-12-28T19:46:00.240-08:00Los Vaqueros Vista Grande<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPlI8V39l8rw2vVCQnstkwlRPUiLSY8f_NTBvx006UsMw82V9FX384SlElr4-rKQ-ae3WaOZNmOcTT_Cs0LnnDMbObM_nUzVW1i7eMIZTaGdCUvE6j80ORcFSDVKrTb220XEzgGI9FxSzkjRi-mfTulHASUBKBelzgKnzdb-NnQJaI8xmJasXCch_I=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPlI8V39l8rw2vVCQnstkwlRPUiLSY8f_NTBvx006UsMw82V9FX384SlElr4-rKQ-ae3WaOZNmOcTT_Cs0LnnDMbObM_nUzVW1i7eMIZTaGdCUvE6j80ORcFSDVKrTb220XEzgGI9FxSzkjRi-mfTulHASUBKBelzgKnzdb-NnQJaI8xmJasXCch_I=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brushy Peaks and windmills rise over Los Vaqueros Reservoir<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>5 miles loop, 1200 feet elevation gain<br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate<br />Access: Paved road to trailhead, Los Vaqueros Watershed entry fee required <br /><br />The Vista Grande Trail in the Los Vaqueros Watershed in California’s Contra Costa County lives up to its name, delivering lovely views of Los Vaqueros Reservoir and the rolling hills on the eastern edge of the Diablo Range. Los Vaqueros Reservoir is a fairly recent addition to the network of reservoirs in the Bay Area, its dam completed in 1998 to provide water to the Bay Area’s rapidly expanding outer suburbs, including Walnut Creek, Concord, Livermore, and Antioch. A loop consisting of the Eagle Ridge and Vista Grande Trails is perhaps the best way to appreciate this man-made lake, which is set amongst grassy, oak-dotted hills under the shadow of the Altamont Pass windfarm. The scenery along this loop hike is lovely, but this is a surprisingly quiet trail; don’t let the entry fee to the watershed deter you from visiting. Winter and spring are the prettiest times to visit, when the grassy hills are green; check the watershed’s website before you come to make sure trails are open. <br /><br />This hike consists of a loop starting at the visitor center below Los Vaqueros Dam: starting by following the Walnut Trail along the road to the start of the Eagle Ridge Trail, the loop then follows the Eagle Ridge Trail steeply uphill and then along a long, scenic ridge, then follows the Vista Grande Trail down a separate ridge, finally returning via the Los Vaqueros Trail to the dam and then following a paved road back to the parking lot. <br /><br />I hiked the hills of Los Vaqueros on a lovely if slightly chilly December day, when plentiful rains that winter had already turned the hills of the Diablo Range bright green. The Vista Grande Loop is accessed from the watershed’s northern entrance, which is not far from the city of Antioch; hikers from the Central Valley will find approaching from Antioch the easiest. As I was coming from the Bay, my route was a bit more complicated: I followed I-580 east out to Livermore and left the freeway at the Vasco Road exit. I followed Vasco Road north across the Diablo Range until coming to the first stoplight in the Central Valley: here, I turned left onto Camino Diablo. I followed Camino Diablo for 2 miles to its four-way stop intersection with Walnut Blvd, where I turned left and followed Walnut Blvd past the entrance kiosk to the end of the road at the large parking lot and visitor center below the dam. There are pit toilets near the parking lot; I’m unsure if there are nicer bathrooms in the visitor center as it was closed during my visit. At the time of my visit, Los Vaqueros Watershed charged a $6 entry fee or $4 for local ratepayers in eastern Contra Costa County. <br /><br />The initial half mile opening stretch of this hike from the visitor center to the base of the Eagle Ridge Trail was somewhat confusing. Walking down to the bottom of the hill at the parking lot, I started looking for a trail heading north from the pit toilet- poor signage here made it unclear whether the Walnut Trail, which park maps showed running parallel to Walnut Blvd, was a paved path slightly upslope from the road, a grassy path separated from the road by a barbed wire fence, or just the wide shoulder of Walnut Blvd itself. After trying out each of these options for a short distance, I decided to just follow the road shoulder as the most obvious route; it later became clear, though, that the grassy route on the other side of the fence was the formal Walnut Trail. <br /><br />After following Walnut Blvd north for a half mile, I came to a gated dirt road on the left (west) side of Walnut Blvd. There’s no parking at this gate, so unfortunately hikers interested in just hiking the Eagle Ridge Trail should still park at the visitor center at the end of the road. I went through the gate here and came to a multi-way trail junction. The wide road-trace of the Mariposa Canyon Trail headed up a gulch from here, while the Walnut Trail led parallel to Walnut Blvd on either side; I took the right fork for the Walnut Trail to head north. After just a few meters along the Walnut Trail, I came to a second junction for the Eagle Ridge Trail, which split off to the left. I hopped onto the Eagle Ridge Trail, a wide and somewhat muddy road trace which immediately began a steep ascent up its namesake ridge. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjurHbP-kFFozFXyvHWcQ3FfVG1RYIidK2E6V-Ex6pZVx1eDt7MsqFAZpP-caGM_Ko2Phm_GQjg_1xSPxCJbklr45bYtRFVsbuWX_Imdmd7P2RYnmJIeN2Rw5uavHPKkc5rChSSueOSBdCl66IFOZ1g6U3uaoFygFqWxxA7p70o-bqMNwdlz7K2oMb7=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjurHbP-kFFozFXyvHWcQ3FfVG1RYIidK2E6V-Ex6pZVx1eDt7MsqFAZpP-caGM_Ko2Phm_GQjg_1xSPxCJbklr45bYtRFVsbuWX_Imdmd7P2RYnmJIeN2Rw5uavHPKkc5rChSSueOSBdCl66IFOZ1g6U3uaoFygFqWxxA7p70o-bqMNwdlz7K2oMb7=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows grazing in the green foothills of the Diablo Range<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Eagle Ridge Trail was very direct and steep in its initial ascent, climbing 500 feet in about a half mile before leveling out on the crest of the ridge. The trail was completely out in the open, providing ever improving views as I climbed uphill. A viewshed initially confined to the nearby rolling hills with grazing cows soon widened to include the Central Valley, higher peaks in the Diablo Range, and the wind farm at Altamont Pass to the south. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz3oXGTKR3URW5EVbbXJ346W_MZb5RnDohj8xzq96X6-EedBIM_3V3mxil0DrMv58VKkrTgvN8ECbxhLo_3Sb_SxA7b7StBqOdclugtTm6fuiATUm2XljuxDa3sSDe48WFx0lwfaDIznuNx3P8VzPt2sTvprR9iMciv9cYGLFzsPnWlH2KyQlekbTI=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz3oXGTKR3URW5EVbbXJ346W_MZb5RnDohj8xzq96X6-EedBIM_3V3mxil0DrMv58VKkrTgvN8ECbxhLo_3Sb_SxA7b7StBqOdclugtTm6fuiATUm2XljuxDa3sSDe48WFx0lwfaDIznuNx3P8VzPt2sTvprR9iMciv9cYGLFzsPnWlH2KyQlekbTI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of the grassy rounded hills of the Diablo Range from Eagle Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At one mile, the trail flattened it a bit as it reached the top of Eagle Ridge. Over the next two miles, the trail followed the ridgeline of Eagle Ridge, ascending gradually along this open, grassy crest. There were lovely views of Mariposa Canyon below and the hills that I would hike through ahead. As I passed under a set of power lines and continued hiking along Eagle Ridge, the views continuously evolved and improved. Soon I could see out to the suburban sprawl of Brentwood and the Montezuma Hills wind farm, which dotted the green expanse of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Clouds above the Central Valley obscured views of the Sierra Nevada across the valley, but on rare clear winter days it should be possible to see directly across the Valley from Eagle Ridge to the snowcapped peaks from Tahoe to Yosemite. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9PDYYm153ZkuDyeIBx2Ep_4RUOvjv6DP49TuuwibUlU4sb3p8Zy6pyqHdFCv7UB3poyG4vosaffZWmmqpwMFyuDuyXTAjsNgMumcJ614NrmohfqGoxj-_smrNyHcac_nfpDzqhkecnvey_EQyTlL1jgJJn6GIg3oQCmPaMuZ1VTtp0arqZpCGrC6s=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9PDYYm153ZkuDyeIBx2Ep_4RUOvjv6DP49TuuwibUlU4sb3p8Zy6pyqHdFCv7UB3poyG4vosaffZWmmqpwMFyuDuyXTAjsNgMumcJ614NrmohfqGoxj-_smrNyHcac_nfpDzqhkecnvey_EQyTlL1jgJJn6GIg3oQCmPaMuZ1VTtp0arqZpCGrC6s=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up Mariposa Canyon from Eagle Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOkP4q2y04rR5qGdY5ZBRQoCeMOieyPRFxUd4bLwABn_fQJXxOrJJxaAuZFNW7H-ASze_IHqURU2vlkIwCZuCCuGypeNxFEVFJ-WhFh97zsngloTRvPyPiGMI9YEZ1bUaUMuEYb8wB743zyeNNyTemzX01Y8Q16Y4XGQOc5JV_T0l6H-Ek1dJSWIZ6=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOkP4q2y04rR5qGdY5ZBRQoCeMOieyPRFxUd4bLwABn_fQJXxOrJJxaAuZFNW7H-ASze_IHqURU2vlkIwCZuCCuGypeNxFEVFJ-WhFh97zsngloTRvPyPiGMI9YEZ1bUaUMuEYb8wB743zyeNNyTemzX01Y8Q16Y4XGQOc5JV_T0l6H-Ek1dJSWIZ6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brentwood, Central Valley, and the Montezuma Hills wind farm<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.5 miles, the trail began to ascend a bit more aggressively again, reaching the high point on Eagle Ridge at 2.8 miles from the trailhead. The views from the high point on Eagle Ridge were lovely: Mariposa Canyon lay below, with Vista Grande Ridge just across the valley. The many layers of ridges of the Diablo Range lay beyond that. Twin-peaked Mount Diablo itself, its rugged and majestic form contrasting sharply with the gentle, rolling hills of Los Vaqueros, rose to the west. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsrDg8noguCz62p7GLnlValSl7dFib2CPwgDa0Qy-gDMYkzlMUyAvgvfLtlQPIZu-BcrRdJs-VC1ZfcmAh9SmxGCl0mxyqvdAkO_OvNp_LpaB6_huW7vW_5vOr6NUX-cDBm4NxoMo42rdE7oKCt0hMHG8MrUEdT4WClf3EKSjw_eZCvaIAqcDhPShD=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsrDg8noguCz62p7GLnlValSl7dFib2CPwgDa0Qy-gDMYkzlMUyAvgvfLtlQPIZu-BcrRdJs-VC1ZfcmAh9SmxGCl0mxyqvdAkO_OvNp_LpaB6_huW7vW_5vOr6NUX-cDBm4NxoMo42rdE7oKCt0hMHG8MrUEdT4WClf3EKSjw_eZCvaIAqcDhPShD=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diablo Range views from Eagle Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWIcwaIacHKSy72i2YmN6OvqEF0qdNh1eGNKd057VlXSq3dZaUup1yh5P2--srfH5W2mdH4VEBT0lto0qfWyK8QnpS8SAmgGfjBd8BO3g-Hnaj2NMeu_mxFWnpqWJ_izKIVcZ9_cMdaJfIJhDH8qXA78t6hk3VYSOU7iUpXKejazgWrLGR4r1NHMvA=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWIcwaIacHKSy72i2YmN6OvqEF0qdNh1eGNKd057VlXSq3dZaUup1yh5P2--srfH5W2mdH4VEBT0lto0qfWyK8QnpS8SAmgGfjBd8BO3g-Hnaj2NMeu_mxFWnpqWJ_izKIVcZ9_cMdaJfIJhDH8qXA78t6hk3VYSOU7iUpXKejazgWrLGR4r1NHMvA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Diablo from the high point along Eagle Ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Leaving the high point, the Eagle Ridge Trail began a gentle descent and reached a junction at a saddle at 3.2 miles, marked by an emergency call box. Here, the Eagle Ridge Trail headed off to the right. The Vista Grande Trail lay straight ahead: this was the path that I took forward. <br /><br />The Vista Grande Trail- also a road trace- had a well-maintained gravel tread that was much more pleasant to hike on that the muddier Eagle Ridge Trail. Leaving the junction, the trail made a short ascend to gain the crest of Vista Grande Ridge. Arriving atop the ridge, I found a splendid panorama of Los Vaqueros Reservoir nestled amidst green, gently rolling hills. Brushy Peak rose on the other side of the lake, surrounded by an armada of wind turbines. Rounded hills, beautifully backlit by the late afternoon sun, rose from the grassy plains of Round Valley below, and Mount Diablo’s twin peaks stood magnificently to the west. Los Vaqueros- “the cowboys”- is named after the Rancho Canada de los Vaqueros, a Mexican land grant that covered the hilly region that is today beneath the surface of the reservoir. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVg4Ce6bNqdbbqBtP-l4_StbzEcOg5T8JriHMHeN0cW6Ru3SMgeBx6aHbszEai9dtpkGHH0bcD0DokrtBNNbzZTuxzS9-lMlatNkcE2mDeAgemMuq3GKkz-zIgC3On2V9KrfV3d5hgtTMm7Hbrn0yala8EeOjrvYAiAbnQYgWWQ7e3d8NmxYBtBS0C=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVg4Ce6bNqdbbqBtP-l4_StbzEcOg5T8JriHMHeN0cW6Ru3SMgeBx6aHbszEai9dtpkGHH0bcD0DokrtBNNbzZTuxzS9-lMlatNkcE2mDeAgemMuq3GKkz-zIgC3On2V9KrfV3d5hgtTMm7Hbrn0yala8EeOjrvYAiAbnQYgWWQ7e3d8NmxYBtBS0C=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to Eagle Ridge and the Central Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGv59O0ma-aM8qI9qAR_fKTlxedMmvkCahxtjIGVnYewN43pK6fCVa1yPCyB8KfdCSBZNI9kUjhzmGBw9EUcs72RrGz4uSb8mVWtiXMLpBKQ8WqEYczcoIhGJEyFKt19pbEfnMGOKNeTV_p5UjOTCNDXNbwBsVFLJp-BS1J5f189t1o1Fu4cfxwhUp=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGv59O0ma-aM8qI9qAR_fKTlxedMmvkCahxtjIGVnYewN43pK6fCVa1yPCyB8KfdCSBZNI9kUjhzmGBw9EUcs72RrGz4uSb8mVWtiXMLpBKQ8WqEYczcoIhGJEyFKt19pbEfnMGOKNeTV_p5UjOTCNDXNbwBsVFLJp-BS1J5f189t1o1Fu4cfxwhUp=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Vaqueros Reservoir, with Brushy Peak and the Altamont Pass wind farm in the distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I hiked along the Vista Grande Trail for the next mile, following the top of the ridge and passing a junction with the Mariposa Canyon Trail at a saddle at 3.8 miles. A fence confined the trail to the top of the ridge; it’s good to stay on trail and follow the rules here as Los Vaqueros is the drinking water supply for Contra Costa County! The trail transitioned from gravel back to dirt after the junction with the Mariposa Canyon Trail, ascending from the saddle to reach the highest point of the hike at 4.2 miles. This unnamed high point along Vista Grande Ridge provided what were surely the grandest views of the hike: all of Los Vaqueros Reservoir was visible below, with the green hills of the Diablo Range running to the northwest and southeast of where I stood. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRP40U5xBUsN4uBs7cE1Zxir9uRmOZGRLeGkBMJLH7GFAe99YGc1uLBHqMY3Ox6ZGNGk3WOhflkyL_2jBN1YnbXwgo_BWZyNPUSakb5gb51_EpkHx82fdCvzQuSMpG55LK4bQHymA55dR1D2KBruSeRhE4JOdBqlUzJwzmdiyxucJeB_9hF4pYKodu=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRP40U5xBUsN4uBs7cE1Zxir9uRmOZGRLeGkBMJLH7GFAe99YGc1uLBHqMY3Ox6ZGNGk3WOhflkyL_2jBN1YnbXwgo_BWZyNPUSakb5gb51_EpkHx82fdCvzQuSMpG55LK4bQHymA55dR1D2KBruSeRhE4JOdBqlUzJwzmdiyxucJeB_9hF4pYKodu=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shining grassy hills in Round Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWBrAz9_dOF5eyHbTjgvIgGYTYhpPx5jNTyFK0XsU-Z8pKyA0Wgi_kTP6eKOLRjE1pP-RHk_Y76En697mQHL8sFG0p9OgCcDV_bkXAqq1xBoM8zcPhA12i0FJKamsOuPwns_Y9RDOYJMz_LeJIU7qWggM9FJvcYtSueTYzgvirGs2keg2ogMyinTeO=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWBrAz9_dOF5eyHbTjgvIgGYTYhpPx5jNTyFK0XsU-Z8pKyA0Wgi_kTP6eKOLRjE1pP-RHk_Y76En697mQHL8sFG0p9OgCcDV_bkXAqq1xBoM8zcPhA12i0FJKamsOuPwns_Y9RDOYJMz_LeJIU7qWggM9FJvcYtSueTYzgvirGs2keg2ogMyinTeO=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Diablo viewed from the high point of the Vista Grande Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Vista Grande Trail began an extremely steep descent as it left the high point, following the ridge to the southeast towards the reservoir. Shortly after leaving the high point, the Crest Trail branched off to the left; while the Crest Trail also leads back to the parking area, I stayed on the Vista Grande Trail, which stayed on the ridge and continued providing marvelous views of the reservoir. The trail passed through a gate afterwards and reached a junction with the Los Vaqueros Trail at 4.7 miles. The views were stunning throughout this descent, especially the lovely views of Brushy Peak rising above the field of wind turbines that form part of the Altamont Pass Wind Farm. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaU92gnM2HZMz-r9C9ddLOPNjsi07iwJd48xIq4yU3PSsBzoCs1jHwLeF9IzK8ujn3vvKQqvTZmYiuq5WC86ho4mI2_bE_pk85edd9lVcRQdg0CjpChz38UhpZ1mcXG7kz4jnVyTZgv4YRDHRtGPvNrcXTJt2nSOhcsHr9hfsL3Op6UqCk4h5c0FYA=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaU92gnM2HZMz-r9C9ddLOPNjsi07iwJd48xIq4yU3PSsBzoCs1jHwLeF9IzK8ujn3vvKQqvTZmYiuq5WC86ho4mI2_bE_pk85edd9lVcRQdg0CjpChz38UhpZ1mcXG7kz4jnVyTZgv4YRDHRtGPvNrcXTJt2nSOhcsHr9hfsL3Op6UqCk4h5c0FYA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the Vista Grande Trail down to Los Vaqueros Reservoir<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At the junction with the Los Vaqueros Trail, I took the left fork, which followed a turn in the ridge and continued a very steep descent towards the dam. This stretch of the hike was very scenic but also very muddy after recent rains, so by the time I reached the dam at 5.1 miles my boots were coated in mud. I enjoyed some final views of the reservoir from the observation deck on the west end of the dam, then descended a staircase down to the road up to the dam and followed the road downhill for a third of a mile back to the visitor center where I had parked. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFx2jFlGZa8YnElsw1uHjAnfbJhrvmnB2ZhohsOC7fzzgv5JjV0zPBAbDkZkDeE0b2AwscX_w8yCQBgTbVA9U7FS1c_EHzzFYlTSgpNA3pyIvtyL-4mISoN1xp4xhhhcK4gqMNrYqD5bR-_PHSGL7GVkH78a7Px9H1iKtgykmBVevqICUqszGieKWZ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFx2jFlGZa8YnElsw1uHjAnfbJhrvmnB2ZhohsOC7fzzgv5JjV0zPBAbDkZkDeE0b2AwscX_w8yCQBgTbVA9U7FS1c_EHzzFYlTSgpNA3pyIvtyL-4mISoN1xp4xhhhcK4gqMNrYqD5bR-_PHSGL7GVkH78a7Px9H1iKtgykmBVevqICUqszGieKWZ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brushy Peak and the Altamont Pass windmills<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Los Vaqueros Dam was completed in 1998, forming the reservoir where there had once been a valley amidst the Diablo Range hills. The earthen dam has already been raised once, in 2012, to expand its capacity; there are proposals now to raise the dam further to meet the growing water demand of the expanding Contra Costa County suburbs. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1_Tvo_j3YRW5oCyhGMcnalAALe5ktywu-nuw9hZiVd2O7QpL6pfBOuI3pZb3Kq7zK594uhXjsE135ReJ2h2sZ-5dDbEIPHvN8uU10di3b9-h32tycWuU6aVdZNH8qs_4vF8T2sNAZ0HJkCoWq0ja-tAYX4afERIxzjrLYH3RcFagn4-aAgCdXSvIH=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1_Tvo_j3YRW5oCyhGMcnalAALe5ktywu-nuw9hZiVd2O7QpL6pfBOuI3pZb3Kq7zK594uhXjsE135ReJ2h2sZ-5dDbEIPHvN8uU10di3b9-h32tycWuU6aVdZNH8qs_4vF8T2sNAZ0HJkCoWq0ja-tAYX4afERIxzjrLYH3RcFagn4-aAgCdXSvIH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Vaqueros Dam<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I saw just one group of hikers on my entire day of hiking- and this was on a federal holiday! Los Vaqueros has not been fully discovered by Bay Area hikers yet, but it is a charming landscape with lovely trails. While not unique enough to warrant a visit from out-of-state visitors, I do recommend this hike for locals looking to branch out from the more crowded parks of the Bay Area.<br />Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3147716289244430266.post-71958162046516635252022-12-21T14:00:00.024-08:002022-12-21T14:00:00.219-08:00Antler Point<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLxwfJ-ZxH1Vy7zyaseF2unQTXrvI57hABu4rq5LFo52XX_nLec1PPGf1L79DHPZ8P-eJjwBtb6334sfMkQiwDjl6HPfyK-nJH8WColYiixTbTsmqe6vvkWWNlR3W4Mt5i8gWOFRXK7O7IE71_RMzeGLWYtscP-pYgKwfMerm6SZhF4ZPKN6oRikr=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLxwfJ-ZxH1Vy7zyaseF2unQTXrvI57hABu4rq5LFo52XX_nLec1PPGf1L79DHPZ8P-eJjwBtb6334sfMkQiwDjl6HPfyK-nJH8WColYiixTbTsmqe6vvkWWNlR3W4Mt5i8gWOFRXK7O7IE71_RMzeGLWYtscP-pYgKwfMerm6SZhF4ZPKN6oRikr=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Halls Valley from the Canada de Pala Trail</td></tr></tbody></table>9 miles round trip, 1300 feet elevation gain <br />Difficulty: Easy-moderate <br />Access: Paved but windy road to trailhead, no fee required <br /><br />The miles of grassy ridges in Santa Clara County’s Joseph D. Grant County Park culminate in the rounded summit of Antler Point, a nearly 3000-foot-high summit that delivers panoramic views of the southern end of California’s San Francisco Bay Area. Although the Twin Gates Trailhead is just minutes from California’s second largest urban agglomeration, the hike to Antler Point has a remote feel as it’s bordered by the oak woods and grasslands of Halls Valley to the west and mighty Mount Hamilton to the east. The open ridgeline walk along the Canada de Pala and Pala Seca Trails to reach Antler Point from the Twin Gates Trailhead is spectacular along the entire course of the hike and best of all, this hike is far quieter than the loved-to-death parks at Mission Peak and Rancho San Antonio. The trail is completely out in the open, making it a nicer hike in the cooler months and a poor fit for hot, dry summer days. <br /><br />There are two approaches to Antler Point: one is to hike up from the Grant Lake and connect with the Canada de Pala Trail, while the second is to start at the Twin Gates Trailhead and follow the Canada de Pala Trail along a ridgeline for most of the way. I chose to hike to Antler Point from the Twin Gates Trailhead, as the ridgeline route provides sweeping panoramas over the complete course of the hike and has slightly less elevation gain. <br /><br />I hiked to Antler Point on a sunny late December day, after a recent storm had dropped a dusting of snow atop Mount Hamilton. From San Jose, I took Alum Rock Ave (Highway 130) east into the Diablo Range. Highway 130 became extremely windy as it entered the mountains but straightened out as it entered Halls Valley. After passing the main entrance to Grant County Park, the road became extremely windy again; just over 3 miles past the park entrance, the road came to a saddle and the Twin Gates Trailhead lay on the left (north) side of the road here. There was a small parking lot here with room for about 10 cars and a porta-potty; the $6 Grant County Park entrance fee is not collected at this trailhead. <br /><br />I passed through a gate to get started on the Canada de Pala Trail, a wide dirt road trace that ascended past an initial grove of oaks onto the grassy crest of a ridge. The trail ascended steadily over the first __ miles along the top of the ridge, passing underneath a set of power lines and passing by a junction with the Yerba Buena Trail at 0.5 miles. Views quickly opened up, with lovely southerly and westerly panoramas covering Halls Valley and the distant Gabilan and Santa Lucia Ranges. El Toro, a small but distinctive peak near Morgan Hill, was easily recognizable from here. Mount Tam made its only appearance of the hike here, appearing far to the north; on the day of my hike, the Bay itself was shrouded in fog all morning even though the higher elevations were clear, so I had a lovely view of Mount Tam rising above a sea of fog. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaBT8iNm6EFdZc9LA3fOWVxeYuTjEuFuvaUf79wdlH7S61KBuV9jqre5yp4hYM_zjoz2M4qQ7kvivAb1DcFpthlldIOQL5rJKc8JZK78aFWZUiiHYYO7DjP2_0wA89h3Lc6aN2Zt3Uah2NRLnx2PdqZSfZrfF7E9aalAzps-kOY5-ECzJyLvEo7zCR=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaBT8iNm6EFdZc9LA3fOWVxeYuTjEuFuvaUf79wdlH7S61KBuV9jqre5yp4hYM_zjoz2M4qQ7kvivAb1DcFpthlldIOQL5rJKc8JZK78aFWZUiiHYYO7DjP2_0wA89h3Lc6aN2Zt3Uah2NRLnx2PdqZSfZrfF7E9aalAzps-kOY5-ECzJyLvEo7zCR=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over the hills of Grant Park, Mount Tam in the distance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6gC2LOAnAxgM5CvTQGVluPL11tZAQ1Z1IlTGcglhL5P8gwxrOWbYoshy2ygn3BbXVQ1lYCsFZczhrMoreTEo9f1PDkTphuJtv4vUMLjUCpsgG06PAVg2WZHdvBaUb3YLnCWQSaYJPRgm6d5FtXvQA9RRUb6MCkIRX_CdOvWuzMmbU7Xur91spIkno=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6gC2LOAnAxgM5CvTQGVluPL11tZAQ1Z1IlTGcglhL5P8gwxrOWbYoshy2ygn3BbXVQ1lYCsFZczhrMoreTEo9f1PDkTphuJtv4vUMLjUCpsgG06PAVg2WZHdvBaUb3YLnCWQSaYJPRgm6d5FtXvQA9RRUb6MCkIRX_CdOvWuzMmbU7Xur91spIkno=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Lucia Range from Canada de Pala Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Mount Hamilton soon came into view to the east, rising on the other side of Smith Creek’s canyon. Stormy and cold weather during the days preceding my hike had dusted Mount Hamilton’s summit in snow; the mountain’s fresh white coat matched the domes of the Lick Observatory that cap its summit. Mount Hamilton is the tallest mountain on the southern end of the Bay, reaching 4265 feet, so it receives snow more often than any other South Bay peak. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigzPGnwS07gRCg563puwDPfCZcKTdli3bQt5ZVGWLiS8CUEKZ-sIhB73JXT0Yrbw8-9rmr7vM7uezOoUR2YNv7PZi6LPWDJtT_7IizJVZVtHfg12F8vTajWsz0ApGe5ouFKeifCHrWll8YcrEsrRvS_zB2_8nXt8S3mfQCxAlIDpevo-t06Tiv3hoN=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigzPGnwS07gRCg563puwDPfCZcKTdli3bQt5ZVGWLiS8CUEKZ-sIhB73JXT0Yrbw8-9rmr7vM7uezOoUR2YNv7PZi6LPWDJtT_7IizJVZVtHfg12F8vTajWsz0ApGe5ouFKeifCHrWll8YcrEsrRvS_zB2_8nXt8S3mfQCxAlIDpevo-t06Tiv3hoN=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lick Observatory atop snowy Mount Hamilton<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 0.7 miles, the Canada de Pala Trail leveled out as it arrived on the crest of the ridge. The trail undulated with the ups and downs of the ridge over the next mile, with lovely views throughout. The trail stayed to the left of an initial high point along the ridge, passing a small pond to the left; benches placed every mile or so along the trail made for nice stopping points to enjoy the views. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8oKXDSrpgZR9yx4KFB--ewKTBQWxW6dfkJAgTxFeab-vigS3Y-UdYkf3eCCXd-2DDH7jOY9z6iWtJiHsOu6fEDxszHD98tZ5R_SUrkZYUIG51bkLPQ5Y2XA3fwJNCNDI5LFgebhZCh3tpQbFYvYxU2rvTGt4ilciyGxKNHEKh3UD5XKRGsV9gA679=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8oKXDSrpgZR9yx4KFB--ewKTBQWxW6dfkJAgTxFeab-vigS3Y-UdYkf3eCCXd-2DDH7jOY9z6iWtJiHsOu6fEDxszHD98tZ5R_SUrkZYUIG51bkLPQ5Y2XA3fwJNCNDI5LFgebhZCh3tpQbFYvYxU2rvTGt4ilciyGxKNHEKh3UD5XKRGsV9gA679=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ridge along the Canada de Pala Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After a long stint on the ridge, the Canada de Pala Trail descended towards a saddle, passing a junction with Los Huecos Trail at 1.8 miles. At 2.2 miles, the trail passed a junction with the Halls Valley Trail coming up from the Grant Lake from the left and shortly afterward arrived at the low point along the ridge. From here, the trail followed the ridge as it began rising towards Antler Point to the north, starting the most sustained ascent of the hike with over 400 feet of elevation gain over the next mile. Views down into Halls Valley were especially scenic in this section, with Grant Lake visible beneath the grassy hills bounding the valley to the west and pretty oak woodlands covering the north-facing aspects of the tributary ridges. I was very taken by the wildness of this view, which was accentuated by a bobcat crossing the trail in front of me. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwB9IqucXS6zZRtbOfdYkr4Y7b5JZm5Uut1jOJayLDwadg1r3DlYDQHKn0DUPQCKnrQgHlzRNF8mhCU392bf4mwk-KIDVpeklDkOarDBwGT1wxTY9gnH-zMvZ7I0yiYE861xkKv8lBMyXNhCOCz2MxJmcrOnx1N51SaBxokEdDfEEp3pUR2spCTuMx=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwB9IqucXS6zZRtbOfdYkr4Y7b5JZm5Uut1jOJayLDwadg1r3DlYDQHKn0DUPQCKnrQgHlzRNF8mhCU392bf4mwk-KIDVpeklDkOarDBwGT1wxTY9gnH-zMvZ7I0yiYE861xkKv8lBMyXNhCOCz2MxJmcrOnx1N51SaBxokEdDfEEp3pUR2spCTuMx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobcat in the ridgetop grasslands<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At 2.7 miles into the hike, I came to a junction where the Canada de Pala Trail split from the Pala Seca Trail. Here, the Canada de Pala Trail headed off to the left and departed from its ridgetop perch; the Pala Seca Trail took over the ridgetop route instead, branching off to the right. I took the Pala Seca Trail, which made a sustained ascent over the next half mile to reach the undulating crest of the ridge at 3.2 miles. As we emerged onto this crest, we could see Antler Point rising at the far end of the grassy ridge. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZfVN7R4ka7jIVA2fgJ5hc6MG_Vm63ZaaqVNS4A-Shdtgba6CWO0QAS93HoLWFbnZFGWH7e2GgGxcxsxGMV_Nx8n2WROVDU9sylMSl-Wz61thMV9__Ot9xe8cIG2OaKJtz4g4VolPYetcm2me7AP51X98l_2fUEtnLnCKplT_EpHQRofbS5fTeeoGb=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZfVN7R4ka7jIVA2fgJ5hc6MG_Vm63ZaaqVNS4A-Shdtgba6CWO0QAS93HoLWFbnZFGWH7e2GgGxcxsxGMV_Nx8n2WROVDU9sylMSl-Wz61thMV9__Ot9xe8cIG2OaKJtz4g4VolPYetcm2me7AP51X98l_2fUEtnLnCKplT_EpHQRofbS5fTeeoGb=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pala Seca Trail winds through grasslands towards Antler Point<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I followed the Pala Seca Trail along the flat top of the grassy ridge, enjoying some views of Mount Hamilton, Smith Creek’s deep canyon, and the many layers of ridges of the Diablo Range to the east. At 4 miles from the trailhead, the Antler Point Trail branched off to the right from the Pala Seca Trail next to a bench with a view of San Jose. Here, the dirt road hiking ended: the Antler Point Trail was a single-track path traveling through tall grass. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0u4mi6P5Psoe8XASxDbtj-zZxnroK1kqZ2Omfttjr_ApgCLmfg7s6kCOpSLhadUlgewFNM7Qd5X_pQDHSEDnbPYpqVUNl3crlfM1QzyzRDCaUYVJxxSYhODRAy9DLA7e26SMtTxXRdCDPs4TNEDh0nfQQADj2NlNudmOBrTOwdHH0x421EYzGRKj=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0u4mi6P5Psoe8XASxDbtj-zZxnroK1kqZ2Omfttjr_ApgCLmfg7s6kCOpSLhadUlgewFNM7Qd5X_pQDHSEDnbPYpqVUNl3crlfM1QzyzRDCaUYVJxxSYhODRAy9DLA7e26SMtTxXRdCDPs4TNEDh0nfQQADj2NlNudmOBrTOwdHH0x421EYzGRKj=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Jose in a shroud of haze<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I followed the Antler Point Trail for a final 0.4 miles to the end of the ridge, arriving at Antler Point itself at just under 4.5 miles from the trailhead. The end of the trail here was not actually at the highest point on the ridge, a 2999-foot local maxima that lay just to the east; however, this slightly lower peak rose like the prow of a ship above Santa Clara Valley and thus provided the best views. From the summit, I could see the skyline of downtown San Jose, the long strip of San Jose International Airport, and San Francisco Bay itself to the north; the Santa Cruz Mountains, including Loma Prieta, Mount Umunhum, and Black Mountain, rose on the other side of the valley, forming the western bound of a valley that has driven a global technological revolution over the past half-century. The views south along the grassy ridges that I had hiked along to get to Antler Point was lovely as well, the afternoon light turning the mix of green and grey vegetation into a silvery sheen. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKw9Vi8s3mA1I0j4O2RPYSmyv7tCd5x30_Tr3dAKbqqllJX6yreayNc4vMuGKZqmiKG_AdNA6NZo8AHvIhK3XCXxgkZyS4viiyxGAig305IdYLTMlm-hQX4zmcvB6BOYj1dNc4eoJPHZl1Ou_xEublWqjTWvzccUkaf2HdDdx5TnJxfpB1CLNwiZFa=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKw9Vi8s3mA1I0j4O2RPYSmyv7tCd5x30_Tr3dAKbqqllJX6yreayNc4vMuGKZqmiKG_AdNA6NZo8AHvIhK3XCXxgkZyS4viiyxGAig305IdYLTMlm-hQX4zmcvB6BOYj1dNc4eoJPHZl1Ou_xEublWqjTWvzccUkaf2HdDdx5TnJxfpB1CLNwiZFa=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Toro and Fremont Peak to the south<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBwz53NXTfGCFfbLyCOS2j1aeYxqgfSr47AAdqvibqUCgdX_nocn1c3_vTpF0HWUbdkoQeqHIJzuMeTGV0wQn8dsGvwKtDaKnin_9_ITtwdj4r4zPcjg5at0rk0cMMgQBgRW4n1B2wfL3G8W7VWDOjusRgB-lZ7nlzsX-zHJ3UYT_5Y7z7uasqtQJ=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBwz53NXTfGCFfbLyCOS2j1aeYxqgfSr47AAdqvibqUCgdX_nocn1c3_vTpF0HWUbdkoQeqHIJzuMeTGV0wQn8dsGvwKtDaKnin_9_ITtwdj4r4zPcjg5at0rk0cMMgQBgRW4n1B2wfL3G8W7VWDOjusRgB-lZ7nlzsX-zHJ3UYT_5Y7z7uasqtQJ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling grassy ridges of Grant County Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHjykw8zuDJZTWyZiZz-aZYrDHAXmRac4pcXqpxpQ2NGTov-s2QopDlXpjK8avKTtu-SWsKPk_4NNcgRrFnFZmcKhhHt70h72ct-yi0_JA4ChpCWDJP_7C4uBgY_nmkkwBBmuVI-zIDqW43QordY-hfT9Si8Wguac1KdQQCPolaIjpdklhOecQ_5b7=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHjykw8zuDJZTWyZiZz-aZYrDHAXmRac4pcXqpxpQ2NGTov-s2QopDlXpjK8avKTtu-SWsKPk_4NNcgRrFnFZmcKhhHt70h72ct-yi0_JA4ChpCWDJP_7C4uBgY_nmkkwBBmuVI-zIDqW43QordY-hfT9Si8Wguac1KdQQCPolaIjpdklhOecQ_5b7=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pala Seca Trail in the shadow of Mount Hamilton<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0T8AdJcRA8Bv_zKK0I3gXkCNERaRwJxzWRcLlmAopF_qUxU47RVwZtkdVujQDOT2XmVueZQiIeADcj51oW7EPmAEFC7m49A3jttvytncaXh-jIvCIhgaLwB9H6oyn7kkOdBIqjCROY0kiVVPcJbMe_1WuefIO6h_QinE1ZvKrpZKtcIl1hs4dRlvs=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0T8AdJcRA8Bv_zKK0I3gXkCNERaRwJxzWRcLlmAopF_qUxU47RVwZtkdVujQDOT2XmVueZQiIeADcj51oW7EPmAEFC7m49A3jttvytncaXh-jIvCIhgaLwB9H6oyn7kkOdBIqjCROY0kiVVPcJbMe_1WuefIO6h_QinE1ZvKrpZKtcIl1hs4dRlvs=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains from Antler Point<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After eating a light lunch and enjoying the views, I retraced my steps to the trailhead. Except for the area directly around the Twin Gates Trailhead, I saw just five other hikers all day on this trail, so this is a far quieter hike than some of the too-well-loved hikes that are a bit closer to the Bay Area. The road to get to Twin Gates is a bit twisty, but otherwise there’s little reason for Bay Area hikers looking for a quiet and scenic outing to skip the hike to Antler Point. Bring water, avoid hot days, and hike during winter or spring when the hills are greener.Chuhernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18299187765218736474noreply@blogger.com0