Planning for next year (already!)
Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:15 pm
Yes, I know its not even winter yet, but I'm already starting to think about plans for a trip next summer (first half of August) with my kids (they'll be 13). We really enjoyed our 6 day trip (really 4 days plus 2 half days) from Florence Lake to Evolution Basin and Davis Lakes this summer (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9921" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and are looking for another similar 40-60 mile loop with a couple of days off trail in the middle.
I've come up with two possibilities so far, but it would be great to get similar suggestions. Nothing harder than Class 2+, up to 10-12 miles per day on trail or half that off trail (though probably not averaging more than 10 on/5 off trail), solitude and high mountain scenery is nice, we don't fish. We're flexible on location, west side or east side, though being able to drive up early (from the Bay Area) and start on Day 1 is a bonus. The decision may partly be made by whether we will actually have 6-7 days available, given other commitments next summer, but I'd welcome any feedback on these two routes in SEKI.
Option 1 (easier I think(?) than this summer, 5 days): Marvin Pass to Sugarloaf (Day 1) to Ranger Meadow (Day 2) to Tablelands Lake 10559 (Day 3, via Big Bird Lake and Tableland Pass) to Crescent or Beville/Ranger Lake (Day 4) and out via Rowell Meadow (Day 5).
Option 2 (obviously harder but would welcome input on how much harder, 6-7 days): Courtright to Rae Lake (Day 1) to Goddard Canyon (Day 2, via Hell for Sure Pass) to Lake 10232 (Day 3, via Martha Lake and Reinstein Pass) to Cathedral Lake (Day 4, via Finger Col) to North Fork Kings (Day 5) and out (Day 6). We'd probably keep a day spare if the off trail takes longer than expected or if we got a late start on Day 1.
I've come up with two possibilities so far, but it would be great to get similar suggestions. Nothing harder than Class 2+, up to 10-12 miles per day on trail or half that off trail (though probably not averaging more than 10 on/5 off trail), solitude and high mountain scenery is nice, we don't fish. We're flexible on location, west side or east side, though being able to drive up early (from the Bay Area) and start on Day 1 is a bonus. The decision may partly be made by whether we will actually have 6-7 days available, given other commitments next summer, but I'd welcome any feedback on these two routes in SEKI.
Option 1 (easier I think(?) than this summer, 5 days): Marvin Pass to Sugarloaf (Day 1) to Ranger Meadow (Day 2) to Tablelands Lake 10559 (Day 3, via Big Bird Lake and Tableland Pass) to Crescent or Beville/Ranger Lake (Day 4) and out via Rowell Meadow (Day 5).
Option 2 (obviously harder but would welcome input on how much harder, 6-7 days): Courtright to Rae Lake (Day 1) to Goddard Canyon (Day 2, via Hell for Sure Pass) to Lake 10232 (Day 3, via Martha Lake and Reinstein Pass) to Cathedral Lake (Day 4, via Finger Col) to North Fork Kings (Day 5) and out (Day 6). We'd probably keep a day spare if the off trail takes longer than expected or if we got a late start on Day 1.