All Photos From This hike | Watch the HD video of my Sierra hike on Youtube. Expect steal-your-breath scenery around basically every bend. In the pictures you see my tent is ideal for a 1 person or a small 2 person tent. A Wag Bag (portable, plastic-bag toilet for #2) is mandatory between Crabtree Ranger Station and Whitney Portal and must be carried out The answer is YES – and the most popular of these routes is the North Lake – South Lake Loop. May 1, 2018. Kelle and I stayed up a little bit after sunset to watch the Milky Way rise above us. #4 - Kearsarge Pass Trail to Kearsarge Lakes. You continue a ways until you make it to the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and mountain lakes. Our 40-mile route will be largely on-trail, with one day of cross-country hiking. Crampons are recommended in the winter. Chocolate Lakes Loop John Muir Wilderness: July 20, 2015. The Big SEKI Loop can be accessed from either side of the Sierra and is among the biggest loops in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It covers 650,000 acres. 3 John Muir Trail Backpacking Trips. Lillian Lake loop is rightly the most popular backpacking destination in the wilderness, offering multiple lakes nestled into the granite ridgeline that forms a barrier with the park. Try it sometime. Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day … The lake sits at almost 10,500′ and is rather small, but it makes a perfect base camp for exploration of the numerous surrounding lakes and peaks in the area. But I loved it. It is a loop around Lake Tahoe, ... taking you through Northern Yosemite, Emigrant Wilderness, and the surreal Mokelumne Wilderness. Wilderness Backpacking I am a Japanese female who came to the U.S. for the research opportunity as a scientist. The John Muir Trail is one of the most classic trails in the world and what better way to experience it than with “The Best Outfitter On Earth!” On this classic week long backpacking trip we’ll navigate the accessible Rae Lakes Loop through the wilderness of King’s Canyon National Park. ... taking you through Northern Yosemite, Emigrant Wilderness, and the surreal Mokelumne Wilderness. John Muir Wilderness hard (227) Length: 10 mi • Est. There is no shade for the first 3/4 of the trail. A 4th of July escape from Yosemite crowds deep in the high alpine lake lands of Sierra & Inyo National Forests Echo Col Loop (John Muir Wilderness) 6/12-Aug-2012 The big trip this year was a backpack through the Evolution Basin region in California’s John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Looking to hike a shorter section of the John Muir Trail? Mosquitos by the streams were intense. The trails rising popularity has strained the traditional methods that hikers use to access the JMT. Today's trailhead is but a five-minute drive from the cabin of companions Gary and Sharon, and David from down south is with us as well. Posted by 1 year ago. North Lake to South Lake, a 54-mile loop through some of Kings Canyon National Park's most spectacular terrain; Pioneer Basin, John Muir Wilderness Seven remote lakes spread across a high alpine basin; Sixty Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park Rugged hike over … Blue Lake is located at about 10,400 ft. and is very scenic. We crossed a creek that does not have a bridge so we had to tread some swift moving water that was thigh high. Wilderness visitors need to practice a high degree of self-reliance and responsibility for their own safety. Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop This multi-day trek incorporates sections of John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail to visit a series of stunning Sierra lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. North Lake to Hutchinson Meadow. The traditional loop is about 29 miles, but I added a few bonus peaks and side trips for a grand total of 41.5 miles and 11.5k feet of climbing. 6 3 9 1 1936. For two of them it would be their first trip. The trail from this point, all the way to Blue Lake consists of short sections of straight trail sandwiched between repetitive series of switchbacks. Yes, we did sleep in that particular spot. As you make your way North, the ground beneath you begins to change. Don’t stop where you first see the lake. No, definitely not. John Muir Wilderness is a protected area in California. #6 - Mount Muir via the Mount Whitney Trail, From the Sabrina Basin trailhead, follow the trail around the south shore of Lake Sabrina. The Thousand Island Loop Trail really is a perfect little sampler for backpacking the Sierras. We brought my best friend, Josie, to Idaho with us when I was in high school and she predictably fell immediately in love with it. Check out our 7-day John Muir Trail Hike from Mammoth Lakes, Ca to Yosemite Valley, through the high-country of Yosemite National Park. You can apply for this on your wilderness permit application. Swift as in, my dog tried to swim across 10-15 feet and was turned sideways and couldn’t swim upstream or out so we had to grab her before something bad happened. Along the John Muir Trail. For those who have backpacked the famous John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful and memorable spots along the trail. I selected the Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness for a few reasons. It is a loop around Lake Tahoe, the biggest alpine lake in the country. Backpacking Mineral king loop. I am a huge fan of leading lines and inserting the human element, in this case, three of them add scale of how massive these peaks were and how tiny we are. Add Your Photos. This loop which includes Second Lake and Temple Crag is known to fill summer quotas early in the season. Day 2 attempt up Mt. The farther and higher we went, the better the views got. Was it the best choice? The John Muir Wilderness is approachable from both sides of the Sierra Nevada. ... My daughter and I just finished a 6 day loop, ... where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. West Bi…, CA. The problem is, this classification was written by colonizers and erasers of indigenous history. The route to the Backpackers’ Campground is located … The John Muir Wilderness stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra. Frigid is an understatement. There were a few streams to fill up on water so fill up when you have the chance. The Day I … Peeler Lake is in the Hoover Wilderness of the eastern Sierras near Bridgeport, California. Wilderness Backpacking I am a Japanese female who came to the U.S. for the research opportunity as a scientist. – John Muir, Scribner’s Monthly, March 1879 The John Muir Wilderness has long been a profound source of inspiration for those fortunate enough to visit. The views at the end (and even on the way there) are INCREDIBLE. 10 Day Sierra Loop Hike – Kings Canyon NP & John Muir Wilderness – Aug 2016. The view across the Ansel Adams Wilderness from Lady Lake, stretching over to the Ritter Range and south to the John Muir Wilderness. The boulder field right before reaching Finger Lake was tough. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/john-muir-wilderness/backpacking Follow these steps to get a wilderness … This is a backpacking trip in which everyone carries their own gear and a share of the group gear and supplies. Please note that the road leading to the trail head is closed adding 1 mile to the hike. Close. Saturday August 27th, 2016. Whitney, so we have listed all of these hikes in a similar fashion. Humans have long inhabited these areas, before the Spanish or the Pilgrims infiltrated these lands, long before it was called New Mexico. Along the way were dozens of photo opportunities. The John Muir Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1964. In Yosemite National Park, the trail stretches from Tuolumne meadows in the north to Yosemite Valley in the south. May 1, 2018. The trail that begins at First Falls in the shade of Jeffrey Pine and Aspen. Apr 22, 2017 near Big Pine, CA. It was away from the other sites and this was the only spot that was flat, level, and just big enough to handle our tent. The end poles hung off the edge of the tent but Kelle, Joose, and myself were all able to sleep there. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. 5 h 37 m Bishop Pass Trail is one of the most popular routes in the Eastern Sierras that offers great views of beautiful alpine lakes and can be done as a day hike or backpacking trip, depending on the extent of your trip. Kings Canyon National Park & John Muir Wilderness 10 Day Loop Hike Starting From Florence Lake. In my free time, I go hiking, backpacking, XC skiing. Does anyone know of a 50-60 mile backpacking loop in the John Muir or Ansel Adams wildernesses south of Yosemite? We will loop down the Piute Creek drainage, head up French Canyon and then back over to Humphreys Basin. The trail crosses Yosemite N.P., Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Eastern side of the Sierra Mountains on Highway 395 to Rock Creek; Long Lake in Little Lakes Valley; over the ridge east to Mills Lake. Those trees grow between 9800-11000 feet and are up to 4000 years old. Permits to start on this trail are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. Take note of the waterfall above the back of Lake Sabrina. After Kearsarge Pass you have entered Kings Canyon National Park, which is not dog friendly. Think topaz-blue lakes and dew-kissed wildflower meadows, all cradled by John Muir’s … ... John Muir Trail Journal Day11 I did 211 mile (340 km) John Muir Trail thru-hike in July, 2014, by myself. The weather might not cooperate with our venture, however. Im looking to take a trip out there this May/June. It was a picture perfect morning to start the day. There is something about jumping in a near freezing lake then the body takes over and goes into survival mode. 25 miles 2,110 feet: 37.682,-119.086: 254: Minaret Falls Plan Ahead for Safety. You could hike from one end to the other or break it up into smaller backpacking trips. The northern terminus starts in Yosemite National Park and at the southern end lies near Mt. Kelle soaked in the views while in the tent as I ran around hopping and skipping boulders chasing the sunrise. “ Finger lake is an unknown gem that gets over looked because of its popular neighbor, the Seven Lakes Loop trail. Duck Lake Trail in the John Muir Wilderness is a popular trail that consists of alpine lakes, mountain views, wildflowers and a decent climb for a […] Read More. The most ideal sites will be at the beginning of the lake. John Muir Trail Section 5: Onion Valley to Whitney Portal. ... Wilderness permit required for overnight stay. It’s the most comparable alternative to the John Muir Trail due to its similar length and impressive scenery, which rivals much of the JMT. The scenery is spectacular. One small miscalculated step and you could be smashed by one of the boulders or tumble down the field. #10 - Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake via North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail, First Falls and Second Falls Trail to Third Lake, Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake via North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail. As the trail reaches the back of the lake, it ascends up a large draw. A side trail loops to Black Lake, offering views of glaciers and the Sierra Crest before rejoining the main trail near Fourth Lake. http://parchersresort.net/bluelake.htm, #9 - First Falls and Second Falls Trail to Third Lake. The increased number of JMT hikers has made it difficult for non-JMT hikers to get wilderness permits for other trails … There are excellent picnic areas at the outlet of the lake and along the back of the lake toward the inlet. I do extensive research looking for stunning yet relatively unknown places to go. Along the John Muir Trail. Started on Saturday 1am but didn’t get to the trail camp until 12pm. EVOLUTION VALLEY – GODDARD CANYON LOOP. PICS. We woke up to a glass like reflection over the lake. Mar 27, 2016 - Explore Elizabeth Downard's board "rae lakes loop backpacking", followed by 118 people on Pinterest. The John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite National Park and travels 210 miles along the High Sierra mountain range through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and King's Canyon National Park, culminating at the highest peak in continental United States - … Elevation gain - 3170 feet within 5 miles, Wilderness Permits are required for overnight camping. I would recommend taking off your shoes and socks to cross. It started out easy enough, having driven to Florence Lake and parking only feet from the boat ramp. This was the most difficult and dangerous back country / cross country hiking trek I have ever done. Our plan was to road trip out from Oakland to Big Pine via Tioga Pass, with various stops en route to three days of backpacking in the John Muir Wilderness, capping it off with a different set of stops on the drive home. 6 Backpacking Alternatives to the John Muir Trail. Ansel Adams / John Muir Wilderness 50-60 mile backpacking loop. It is easier to navigate and the lake itself is worth exploring or camping at. First forged by John Muir himself while making his way from Florida to Kentucky, the John Muir Trail is still adventurous in the modern day. Photos of John Muir Wilderness - 170. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Yosemite Valley Backpackers’ Campground is conveniently located close to the Mirror Lake Trailhead and to two overnight parking lots. NOTE: If you are planning to stay overnight, you need to get an overnight wilderness permit, please find more information here: If you head right then you head towards Seven Lakes Loop trail. July, 2016. Bring bug spray! Over the last several years, Yosemite National Park has noted a significant increase in demand for permits to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT). Backpacking Blue Lake in John Muir Wilderness Vanessa Temblador Adventure , Backpacking Adventure , Backpacking , camping , featured , … Archived. Th John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 211 mile stretch of trail running north/south in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. We came up one way where the rocks were very loose and then we went back down a different way (pictured above) that lead us towards Brainerd Lake. Backpacking Finger Lake | John Muir Wilderness Finger lake is an unknown gem that gets over looked because of its popular neighbor, the Seven Lakes Loop trail. The John Muir Trail is one of the most classic backpacking trails in the world. Mind you, this hike is not a walk in the park but the reward of witnessing this small and narrow turquoise blue lake, palisades ridge towering over the lake, and view middle palisade glacier, is well worth the struggle. As we’ve hiked further and further south on the JMT, our average altitude has […] The trail winds up into the forest and flattens out as the trail approaches the lake. Please note that the road leading to this trailhead is currently closed (06/16/2020). To get to the camp, either drive or take the shuttle to North Pines campground. I ended up jumping in and getting out immediately. We were rewarded with Ancient Bristlecone Trees throughout the hike which was awesome. Much of these switchbacks are forested but those that are not provide an excellent vista looking back toward Lake Sabrina. Below is one possible itinerary for this loop - though many other variations are possible. While this is a good uphill hump, the view is what will take your breath away. Dingleberry Lake is one of many high Sierra lakes located in the John Muir Wilderness about 20 miles south west of Bishop California. 3 2 23. No wind at all. https://www.recreation.gov/ Most visitors, however, enter from the east at various points along highway 395, from the town of Mammoth at the north end down to Whitney Portal above Lone Pine at the south end. Note: the road to this trailhead is subject to closures seasonally. WILDERNESS PERMITS The cat-hole method is mandatory as is hauling out all toilet paper. North Lake to South Lake Loop 55.0 mi 88.5 km • 9,037' Up 2754.56 m Up • 8,492' Down 2588.45 m Down. If you know me well, I like my solitude and go where its not busy. See the sidebar for public transportation options. I felt energized for the rest of the day. The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles north/south along the high Sierra Nevada peaks. As the trail climbs past the chain of Big Pine Lakes there are many opportunities to observe the affects of glacial activity, such as cirques, glaciated granite and glacial erratic. The walk from the nearest parking lot adds about 3 miles total. Ranging from 28 miles to 65 miles, these 5 section hikes will give you a taste of all you can experience on the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra. Then a short hike until you see the sign as you enter the John Muir Wilderness. This summer I decide to plan a trip to take four of my best girlfriends backpacking. It is the only spot that is flat however not the most ideal spot. A day hike from the Mosquito Flat trailhead through the Little lakes valley to Morgan Pass. Whitney) but it is the high point of the Pacific Crest Trail. Most JMT hikers travel North, starting in Yosemite Valley, and heading South, ending at Mt. This loop which includes Second Lake and Temple Crag is known to fill summer quotas early in the season. Backpacking Finger Lake | John Muir Wilderness Finger lake is an unknown gem that gets over looked because of its popular neighbor, the Seven Lakes Loop trail. The wilderness contains 589.5 miles (948.7 km) of hiking trails, including the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, which run through the wilderness from north to south. … This is my first Eastern Sierra trek of the season. Our 23-day backpack is a wilderness experience like none other, navigating the rugged spine of California’s High Sierra. PICS. See more ideas about backpacking, lake, kings canyon. Location – Sierra-Nevada Mountains, CA From 2011 to 2015, there has been a 100% increase in JMT permits requested. For our finale in the eastern Sierras for the season, we decided on backpacking Peeler Lake Loop. The Hell For Sure Challenge traverses John Muir Wilderness backpacking 40 miles with on- and off-trail scrambles to 12,000' peaks along the LeConte Divide High water at stream crossings can be a problem in May and early June. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain. But is there a way to get to Evolution Valley on just a one-week backpacking adventure? Miles Hiked – 6.8. There is a case for wilderness in the American West, which is defined in the Oxford dictionary as "an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region." 1. John Muir Trail General Description. Take notice of the wildflowers and spectacular view of the Sierra crest. Going to the popular First through Seventh Lakes up the canyon north of Mount Sill, this trail also offers views of Temple Crag and the Palisade Glacier. This part of the Sierra is renowned for its high mountain passes, its many lakes, and its endless granite basins. From our starting point at North Lake, we climb to the pass and cross into the high country on our first day. I put my feet in up to my shins and I was presented with an incredible painful feeling from how cold it was. At Road’s End Trailhead, set off on the Rae Lakes Loop, renowned as one of the most beautiful backpacking routes in the Sierra. Final Thoughts On Hiking The Thousand Island Loop Trail. Wilderness permit required for overnight use. Take some photos, eat some lunch, fish a little, and then retrace your steps back to the Sabrina Basin Trailhead. Originally the JMT didn’t connect to Honey Creek Loop, but after it was extended in 2014, it made the route complete and hikers can now make their way across both (which are technically part of the larger Sheltowee National Recreation Trail). The trip was partly on trail (the John Muir Trail (JMT)) and partly cross-country. pretty crazy huh? RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. ... John Muir Trail Journal Day13 I did 211 mile (340 km) John Muir Trail thru-hike in July, 2014, by myself. South FORK LAKE(my base camp) My backpacking trip into the John Muir Wilderness was my first in 20 years, and only made possible because I lost 60 pounds through the Veterans Administration MOVE pr… The loop is 41.4 miles long, and climbs from 5035' (1535m) at the trailhead to 11,978' (3651m) at Glen Pass. If you know me well, I like my solitude and go where its not busy. Finger Lake is one of those places. This loop which includes Second Lake and Temple Crag is known to fill summer quotas early in the season. Bring a lot of water. 6 Backpacking Alternatives to the John Muir Trail. In my free time, I go hiking, backpacking, XC skiing. It is a moderately strenuous hike, not due of the elevation gain, but because of being above 10000ft. (This does not apply if you're hiking the John Muir Trail only within Yosemite.) Most JMT hikers travel North, starting in Yosemite Valley, and heading South, ending at Mt. Do's & Don'ts for Backpacking California's Epic John Muir Wilderness. This large, grand, austere mountain lake is close enough for a day hike from Mammoth Lakes, but far enough that it still offers solitude to those who want it. JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS. ... Just a few dozen miles shorter than the JMT, the TRT is a worthy alternative. Please note that parking at the trailhead is extremely limited. July 16, 2020. Ranging from 28 miles to 65 miles, these 5 section hikes will give you a taste of all you can experience on the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra. Pictured above is my friend Stephen sending it. It is about a quarter of a mile of 45 degree field of boulders that range from 20 inches in diameter to 3-5 feet in diameter. The Silver Divide runs west of, and slightly lower than, the main Sierra Crest. The John Muir Wilderness is the second most-visited wilderness in the United States, and quota are required for overnight use on virtually all trailheads. The best spots are further up the tail. The trail starts from the Mosquito flat trail head, located at the end of Rock Creek Road, about 10 miles from Hwy 395. Note This is the first of 3 planned section hikes to hike the entire John Muir Trail over 3 years. Even Joose was enjoying the views before we ate breakfast, broke camp, and met up with Stephen and his buddy before we started our trek back down the trail to eat some pizza back in town. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in John Muir Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Little lakes valley hike is a beautiful day hike in the eastern sierra that takes you through scenic lakes formed by snow melt. Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! John Muir Trail: A Donohue Pass exit quota is in effect for John Muir Trail hikers exiting Yosemite over Donohue Pass. This hike starts off slightly uphill for quite a ways until you start rounding some corners and eventually you'll make it to a waterfall. This trail-head is called Big Pine South Fork Trail and starts out along an open valley that starts to narrow in as you get closer and higher in altitude. The Trip Located between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks, but just as stunning, the brilliant Silver Divide in the John Muir Wilderness provides a perfect destination for backpackers seeking an amazing alpine adventure. You can park at Rock Creek Pack Station, which is approximately one mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead. The lower portions of the trail are exposed to the sun so this is a good early morning hike. Whitney, so we have listed all of these hikes in a similar fashion. The trail starts at Big Pine Creek Trail head and then tails to the left towards Finger Lake. Inyo National Forest John Muir Wilderness Backpacking trip Permit: Convict Creek JM04 Permit station: Mammoth Lake Welcome Center - You need to call 1- … Although the John Muir Wilderness portion of this trail is dog friendly. ... Just a few dozen miles shorter than the JMT, the TRT is a worthy alternative. After we settled down and find our campsites, it was time to take a dip in the frigid glacier fed lake. The trailhead is at an elevation of 10000+ft, so acclimatization at high altitudes will definitely help. There is no actual route as you navigate through the field however you are able to find paths from previous hikers. Pictured above is from the top of a point that overlooked the valley that leads into Lone Pine, California where we started our hike. It was a beautiful sight to see while the temperature outside was mild and bearable. If you are on this hike, take the longer way near Brainerd Lake. A crazy sensation was sent throughout my body that I can not explain. The trail goes across sage and Manzanita covered slopes to enter the wilderness boundary near Second Falls. This Hoover Wilderness borders the Yosemite National Park … Tagged: camping, hiking, hiking with dogs, backpacking, backcountry, wilderness, john muir, rei, half dome, 2 plus, palisades, middle palisade, glaicer, turquoise lake, lake, water, solitude, bishop, second lake, temple crag, 7 lakes loop, outdoors, adventure, hike, sony, camera, a7riii, a7r3, zeiss, 16-35mm, sunrise, sunset, Backpacking Finger Lake | John Muir Wilderness, Lion slide Falls | Swimming Hole Adventure, Backpacking Minaret Lake | In the Shadows of the Minarets. Little, and the Sierra Crest ascends up a large draw have bridge! Outlet of the Lake, Kings Canyon National Parks my Sierra hike on Youtube scenic! And skipping boulders chasing the sunrise the HD video of my best girlfriends.! We decided on backpacking Peeler Lake loop a crazy sensation was sent throughout my body that can... 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