For those of you considering a nice place to hike in the Sierra range take a look at this recent post from the Big Pine Lakes region. The view literally took my breath away. The hiker/photographer said snow was not an issue on the trails.
Yeah that's Temple Crag and what I think is Second Lake. Very pretty spot but pretty well photographed since Rowell photographed it. Popular with climbers as you can imagine.
In reviewing other sites I think you are right about that this is Second Lake which is 4.8 miles and a 2250' gain from the North Fork TH. It looks like it would be doable as a long day hike. But of course catching Golden hour would be difficult. Hiking in the dark would most likely be required. Although it still looks appealing to me during normal daytime hours. Mid morning to mid afternoon wouldn't be too bad.
I haven't seen Galen's shots of the area. But I still wouldn't mind seeing it for myself.
I saw you mentioned LLV in your other post. I've day hiked that region before and it is pretty easy access comparatively speaking. Although I don't find it quite as compelling as these harder to reach locations. I guess it's a no pain no gain kinda thing for me up there.
That is Second Lake, and that is, indeed, Temple Crag. Third Lake, which is stunningly beautiful, is almost directly below the sunlit buttress. I have been to both places a couple of times.
Yes, you take the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail. It is very advisable to do the hike very early in the day; preferrably a pre-dawn start. There is a section between First and Second Falls that traverses a brush field on a South facing slope--the heat there can be intense; especially in Summer.
"I haven't seen Galen's shots of the area. But I still wouldn't mind seeing it for myself."
The place is sublime.
Another worthwhile hike in the same area is to head up the South Fork of Big Pine Creek toward Brainard Lake. Again, start early. The headwall is quite steep, but the trail is good, so be ready for some pain. Once on top, the views of Eagle Peak and Clyde Peak are simply astounding!
Like LLV, these trails are high. It would be advisable to camp for a night in Big Pine Canyon, before heading up. Also, like all the other East Side canyons, this area is very popular. If you can, try to go during the week.
This trail tends to be snow free earlier than most in the area, so I don't doubt that it's easy sailing all the way to at least 2nd lake by now. I hiked out of Onion Valley 2 weeks ago, and while the exposed areas were dry, north facing slopes still carried deep packed snow. The absence of north facing slopes along this hike makes it a great early season choice. TC is a sight to behold at both sunrise and sunset so I'd highly recommend a backpack (I've done it as a very tiring day hike also).
Thanks for the tips Anish and Preston. How hard do you think it would be to get an overnight permit this late in the game? Is that something that has to obtained much earlier in the season?
I can imagine even though its only 4.8 miles its a grind with a 2250' gain to the lake and high altitude. It would be nice to stay the night once there.
"How hard do you think it would be to get an overnight permit this late in the game? Is that something that has to obtained much earlier in the season?"
Difficult to say. My only thought would be to give the Inyo NF (White Mounain Ranger District) in Bishop a call. Getting a permit for midweek will be easier.
This area is pretty magical given the towering Temple Crag and Palisade crest, and especially the emerald green color of the water form the glacier melt. Its a fairly popular area with climbers given its proximity to the trailhead, the nearby Palisade Glacier, and all the relatively close but nice climbing.
For more photos from this fella's trips, see http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5210
I will second Steve's comment about the hike in. Plan more time than you think necessary. I have been there in both summer and late fall, three or four times. The trail kicked my butt every time. Just something wierd about it. In the summer it was blazing hot, in November it was colder than my cross country ski trip in the White Mountains. For me, it was easier to hike to Iceberg Lake at the base of Whitney's East Face than to get to Third and Fourth Lake in the Palisades. However, the Palisades area does have some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierras.
Wow, good to know guys. I know everyone hikes at a different pace and that depends much on conditioning, pack weight, weather, season, etc... In general terms though how long would you estimate the hike to Second Lake is at 4.8 miles and 2250' gain? I am thinking between 1-2 MPH which equates to anywhere from 2.5-5 hours.
Roland, I'm surprised to hear it seemed tougher than Iceburg Lake which is quite a bit further. More like 7 miles one way I think, but probably less climbing.
Derek, you said, "Roland, I'm surprised to hear it seemed tougher than Iceburg Lake which is quite a bit further. More like 7 miles one way I think, but probably less climbing. "
The Iceberg Lake Roland is referring to is at the base of the East Face of Mount Whitney at an elevation of about 12,800. The approach from Whitney Portal is via the N. Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and the elevation gain is over 4,000 feet. I have done it four times, and it is a b***h.
I believe you may be thinking about the Iceberg Lake in the Minarets (which I have done on several occassions), It is much, much easier than either Big Pine Creek or the N. Fork of LP Creek.
Roland's advice is good. Plan for more time than you think you will need; the hike up to Third Lake and beyond is not trivial.
Discussion
11 replieshttp://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/915824
Derek
In reviewing other sites I think you are right about that this is Second Lake which is 4.8 miles and a 2250' gain from the North Fork TH. It looks like it would be doable as a long day hike. But of course catching Golden hour would be difficult. Hiking in the dark would most likely be required. Although it still looks appealing to me during normal daytime hours. Mid morning to mid afternoon wouldn't be too bad.
I haven't seen Galen's shots of the area. But I still wouldn't mind seeing it for myself.
I saw you mentioned LLV in your other post. I've day hiked that region before and it is pretty easy access comparatively speaking. Although I don't find it quite as compelling as these harder to reach locations. I guess it's a no pain no gain kinda thing for me up there.
Derek
Yes, you take the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail. It is very advisable to do the hike very early in the day; preferrably a pre-dawn start. There is a section between First and Second Falls that traverses a brush field on a South facing slope--the heat there can be intense; especially in Summer.
"I haven't seen Galen's shots of the area. But I still wouldn't mind seeing it for myself."
The place is sublime.
Another worthwhile hike in the same area is to head up the South Fork of Big Pine Creek toward Brainard Lake. Again, start early. The headwall is quite steep, but the trail is good, so be ready for some pain. Once on top, the views of Eagle Peak and Clyde Peak are simply astounding!
Like LLV, these trails are high. It would be advisable to camp for a night in Big Pine Canyon, before heading up. Also, like all the other East Side canyons, this area is very popular. If you can, try to go during the week.
Enjoy!
--P
Anish
I can imagine even though its only 4.8 miles its a grind with a 2250' gain to the lake and high altitude. It would be nice to stay the night once there.
Derek
Difficult to say. My only thought would be to give the Inyo NF (White Mounain Ranger District) in Bishop a call. Getting a permit for midweek will be easier.
--P
For more photos from this fella's trips, see
http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5210
You really should check out the Mountain Light Gallery if you're looking for spots to inspire you. Vern Clevenger's Galllery in Mammoth too.
Roland, I'm surprised to hear it seemed tougher than Iceburg Lake which is quite a bit further. More like 7 miles one way I think, but probably less climbing.
Derek
The Iceberg Lake Roland is referring to is at the base of the East Face of Mount Whitney at an elevation of about 12,800. The approach from Whitney Portal is via the N. Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and the elevation gain is over 4,000 feet. I have done it four times, and it is a b***h.
I believe you may be thinking about the Iceberg Lake in the Minarets (which I have done on several occassions), It is much, much easier than either Big Pine Creek or the N. Fork of LP Creek.
Roland's advice is good. Plan for more time than you think you will need; the hike up to Third Lake and beyond is not trivial.
--P