Kennedy Meadows -> Blackhawk -> >Granite Dome aug 23 - 24

[Willythedog]

Thinkin about a little overnighter this weekend. Its gonna be a super last minute decision if I go or not (ah, the joys of solo trips / being single )

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I know that usually you are "suppose" to go off trail from the tarn a little ways down Mosquito Pass but I heard of some info that I could save myself a couple miles by going up through Lunch Meadow. (the red line)

Q1: Anyone been through there?? Topo looks nice and easy. Was gonna go from Kennedy Meadows to Lunch Meadow, up Blackhawk Mountain, onto Granite Dome, and down to Ridge or Iceland Lakes (goldens?!) for the night. Nice and easy back out on Sunday.

Q2: Whats the parking situation at Kennedy Meadows? I tried calling, cant seem to get a hold of them, maybe their busy. I was probably gonna roll in real late at night or real early outside of their business hours. I believe you're suppose to pay for parking?? Does anyone know if theres a drop slot or something?

A: nice lady on the phone said to just leave a note sayin that I'll pay on the way out if I get in after they close. Also free parking a little ways up at a campground.

Trip Report will follow If i feel like not being a lazy sack this weekend. Thanks

[paul]

Kennedy Meadows has free Forest service trailhead parking next to the campground about a half mile or so before you reach the resort. I would park there and avoid any fees.
Haven't been up from lunch meadows to Blackhawk, but I expect that will be feasible. Have been all along that ridge from the other direction (starting at granite dome); very nice stroll, you do have to pay attention in a few spots to avoid some scrambly bits.

[balzaccom]

WE did a version of this trip--but we headed straight up the chute due east of Iceland Lake...the one that runs up from Summit Creek. That was pretty much a stroll in the park. And from there you should be able to get up on top of the ridge heading southeast from Ridge Lake...

WE have a trip report on our website, if you're interested.

[Big Ed]

So this is the Kennedy Meadows up by Sonora? Haven't been to that one, only heard about it.

[Willythedog]

So, decided to get off my lazy behind and head up to the mountains this past weekend. Drove up Friday late night, got started Sat morning. Never been through Kennedy Meadows but holy hell is there a lot of horse crap. "Climbed" (scrambled, waddled, straddled) my way up to Blackhawk Mountain and Granite Dome. Mileage I estimated around 27 miles over 2 days according to the topo thing i was using.

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Last heard that Relief Reservoir was murky because of a landslide (?) Well, it still is. Middle Fork Stan is muddy too.

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Along the trail lookin towards the lakes and Granite Dome area. Went all the way to Lunch Meadow and followed the path of least resistance towards Blackhawk Mountain.

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Starting up cross country. No horse crap, real solid footing, cant beat that. You might have to backtrack here and there if you get cliffed out but generally its easy going and you'd have no problem navigating.

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Blackhawk Mountain. Pretty benign looking peak. I was going to follow the ridge line and continue onto Granite Dome and down to Ridge Lake but it was getting a little late in the day and I didnt want to miss the evening bite. So i scrambled down to....

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"Hey that kinda looks like Ridge Lake (at 7:30pm)" was actually Lewis Lake. Whoops. Fishing for Brookies was decent. The sheer cliff face is rather impressive i'd say.

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Upper Lewis the next day on my way up to Granite Dome. Murky. Went up the east side (looking towards cliffs) and followed the drainage up. There was a shallow pool, maybe 6 inches deep, about 6' x 6' that had 8 trout. Decent size too. Just hanging out i suppose.

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The actual Ridge Lake. Saw a group that said fishing for Goldens were good. I just followed my nose on the way down. Only shady part i came across was the permanent snowfield to the east of Granite Dome. Icy. If I slipped i probably would have superman-ed my way down a few hundred feet. Just kind of skirted around it without any problems.

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Lookin down toward Long lake from Granite Dome summit

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Coming down from Lewis towards the trail. Got back to Kennedy Meadows, had a Sierra Nevada at the Saloon, headed back home.

[maverick]

Thanks Willy for coming back and posting this cool TR & pictures.

[Big Ed]

Nice pictures.

[justm]

nice pictures, but was hoping you made it to Black hawk lake with photos. Yes !!! Lots of horse **** !!

[justm]

Has anyone made it to Black Hawk lake ? If so, what route and any pictures ?

[Willythedog]

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I'm not quite sure if I remember correctly but is this blackhawk lake?? I think it is according to the progression of my camera roll. Getting here is the same as the other lakes, pick the path of least resistance and zig zag your way over there over solid granite, maybe southwest from the sheep camp area.