It's a bit off topic, but this is such knowledgeable group that I would like to ask anyway. I've been going on a week backpack in the Sierras every summer for the past ten years with my (now) 29 year old son. We have been starting at trail heads close to or over 9,000 feet and going over passes 11,000 to 12,000 feet. My 62 year old body would like to hike at lower elevation, so I am looking for a 30 to 50 mile hike that would mostly be below 10,000 feet. I'd like to stay in the Sierras since I know the summer weather patterns and how to pack for it. We are going end of August. Any favorites? A loop is desirable but not necessary....
Hi Tony, there's a nice backpack loop in the Yosemite high country that fits that description. It's just under 50 miles and mostly in the 9,000 ft. range. There are 3 or 4 areas where you go up and over little passes at 10-10,500 but nothing too strenuous. If you have the "Backpacking California" book it's called the "Kerrick Canyon and Matterhorn Canyon Loop". Some very nice vistas and an area of the Sierra that doesn't see as much traffic as further south. Email me if you want a quick topo, I have it saved from a while back.
It would probably be crowded, but the Thousand Is. Lake to Minaret lake loop is probably around 30 miles and only goes above 10k at Cecile Lake. It also traverses some amazingly beautiful country. The climb up to Cecile from Iceberg lake is a bit of a bitch, though. It is the only hard part.
Harley's idea is excellent. I've spent a lot of time in that country, climbing mostly--it's a real gem.
Lake Ediza is a must. You will pass it on the way to Cecile Lake. If you don't feel like heading up to Cecile and down to Minaret Lake, from Ediza you can head down to Shadow Lake and on down Shadow Creek to the San Joaquin River and then up to Agnew Meadows.
Just a note: There is a cross-country route from Thousand Island Lake to Ediza. It's not too bad, and passes very near the impressive East Face of Banner Peak. There is an astounding view of the Minarets from the Nydiver Lakes, which is on the route I just mentioned.
Second note: Given the amount of snow we've had this year, the High Country, especially above Lake Ediza, will have lots of snow and may be very difficult. Therefore, you may want to plan your trip for later in the summer--August will probably be best --but take a lot of bug juice!.
I have twice done a backpack that is ia loop trip Chilnualna Lake, Buena Vista Lake, Royal Arch Lake, Johnson Lake, Crescent Lake and Grouse Lake. It is just south of Glacier Point Road and you can start from several trailheads. It is about 30 miles and the highest elevation is 9500 feet. It is hike #27 in the Falcon Press Hiking Yosemite Book by Suzanne Swedo (2000 edition) or hike #86 in Jeffrey Schaffer's Yosemite National Park (1989 edition). Scenic Lakes that you can camp at every night.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've actually done the hike to Matterhorn Canyon several times. Camping by the stream in the meadow is one of my favorite places in the Sierras. Likewise, have done the Thousand Island Lake loop which is lovely, but I think it would be too crowded for our tastes. I realize now that I should have asked in my original post for suggestions for hikes using western slope trailheads as starting points. I've done some limited hiking in the Emigrant Wilderness (Gianelli Cabin to Wire Lakes) and would love to do some more really low altitude Sierra hiking!! Any western slope suggestions??
This isn't a loop...Go to Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon. Take the trail (south) along the river to Junction Meadows and then hang a left on the Bubbs Creek Trail. Go as high as you like. You can either head up toward Center basin, or toward Forester Pass. The country is gorgeous!
I have heard that the trail into the high country from Mineral King is less crowded. I haven't done it, but the country should be superb.
Honestly, Tony, I don't think you'll find a route in the Sierra that is not crowded during the peak summer season unless you map out a cross country route that gets you away from the main trails.
Have you considered the South Warner Wilderness area in Modoc/Lassen Counties? Trails range from 7,000-9,000 feet. There is a ridgeline trail from North to South and you can make a loop if you go over the edge on the Owl Creek Trail. Owl Creek trail is pretty strenuous up and down and over ridges. I know it is not the Sierras, but it is a miniature Sierra formation, gradual slope up the West side and drop off into the abyss ont he East. You could probably get a 30 mile loop out of it if you wanted, and definitely off the beaten path. The only downside is grazing is allowed, but the cattle are in the valleys and the Summit Trail should be fairly clear of them. Just a thought.
Discussion
7 repliesLake Ediza is a must. You will pass it on the way to Cecile Lake. If you don't feel like heading up to Cecile and down to Minaret Lake, from Ediza you can head down to Shadow Lake and on down Shadow Creek to the San Joaquin River and then up to Agnew Meadows.
Just a note: There is a cross-country route from Thousand Island Lake to Ediza. It's not too bad, and passes very near the impressive East Face of Banner Peak. There is an astounding view of the Minarets from the Nydiver Lakes, which is on the route I just mentioned.
Second note: Given the amount of snow we've had this year, the High Country, especially above Lake Ediza, will have lots of snow and may be very difficult. Therefore, you may want to plan your trip for later in the summer--August will probably be best --but take a lot of bug juice!.
--P
Sandy
Berkeley, CA
Natural History Wanderings
http://picasaweb.google.com/sandysteinman
I have heard that the trail into the high country from Mineral King is less crowded. I haven't done it, but the country should be superb.
Honestly, Tony, I don't think you'll find a route in the Sierra that is not crowded during the peak summer season unless you map out a cross country route that gets you away from the main trails.
Have fun whereever you decide to go!
--P
Have you considered the South Warner Wilderness area in Modoc/Lassen Counties? Trails range from 7,000-9,000 feet. There is a ridgeline trail from North to South and you can make a loop if you go over the edge on the Owl Creek Trail. Owl Creek trail is pretty strenuous up and down and over ridges. I know it is not the Sierras, but it is a miniature Sierra formation, gradual slope up the West side and drop off into the abyss ont he East. You could probably get a 30 mile loop out of it if you wanted, and definitely off the beaten path. The only downside is grazing is allowed, but the cattle are in the valleys and the Summit Trail should be fairly clear of them. Just a thought.