High Sierra Topix

You could pick a basin that could be accessed from the east or west. I can think of a few spots that could fit the bill.

I am also looking forward to backpacking in winter and spring. San Moteo, joshua tree, DV, Mojave, tons of cool places between lake havisu and lake meade...My only real backpacking trip this year was a Yosemite North Rim trip in April so I am dying to get out soonish....any of the above choices will do.

If you want a quick access place (easily reached in one day), with relative solitude,
then Lake 11026 in Pioneer Basin fits the bill. It has all the requirements from fishing,
climbing, and photography.

For a multifaceted basin that is about equal hiking time from E or W there is Bear Basin. It's rather centrally located and has all the bells and whistles including many fishing and peak bagging options.

While I appreciate the desire for a bunch of great people wanting to get together in the backcountry I have always had a problem with large groups. I think choosing a remote location works great as not many people regardless of what they intend will actually make it. As an individual, encountering a large group in Bear Basin would just seem wrong to me and I would hate to do so at the end of a long day with little ability to move on. That is why I keep my groups small and in locations where others would expect to find company. I remember once when Tehipte Tom and I spent the night at a small lake with over 20 boy scouts camped near us (we had already spent one night when the scouts showed up) even if they hadn't been young and boisterous the shear number was disturbing.

I would think a front country location would be much more appropriate for a large HST gathering. Just my pov.

Mike

I would think a front country location would be much more appropriate for a large HST gathering. Just my pov

Also my pov.

missing the point a bit on an HST gathering. Pick a pass through spot that no one has to be at for the whole time. You might meet people; you might not depending on itineraries. Just not one with a 2 day haul before you can fish!

20 scouts would be a lot to handle unless you have an spare rod/reel to let some of them try fishing!!!! under 16 requires no license. Teaching that is always fun.

oldranger wrote: As an individual, encountering a large group in Bear Basin would just seem wrong to me and I would hate to do so at the end of a long day with little ability to move on.

Yes, this is a good point. Few of us would be very happy with a big group dropping in on us at some remote place, or staggering to a remote destination and finding a tent city there. I too was in the latter situation once, although it was not as deep into the backcountry as Bear Basin. I still remember cresting out and being shocked by the sight of a veritable walk in campground.

The only large group activities I do are in front country campgrounds. I was supposing there would be a small group.

A compromise between backpacking and camping would be something like Point Reyes sites at Wildcat - the group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and it's hike-in only. Of course, not in the Sierra...

Campsites in the Edison or Courtright area would afford us with day hiking opportunities and ample space to gather the rest of the time.

Too early to make a schedule yet. I have a tentative trip to North Cascades/Pasayten in the formative stages next summer. Other than that nothing is tickling my wanderlust and too many life changes in the next year to really make any firm commitments.

My wife and I are planning our next big life event for Friday May 1st 2015 -- becoming Post Employment Recreation and Leisure Specialists, with side jobs as a Third Generation Progeny Indulgement Managers (*) and free lance trail evaluators. With lots of fishing, camping, paddling, and mountain biking thrown in just to keep ourselves busy. A couple of family weddings to schedule around. Goodbye tension, hello pension.

(*)(translation: retired, and in charge of spoiling the grandkids)

maverick wrote:If you want a quick access place (easily reached in one day), with relative solitude, then Lake 11026 in Pioneer Basin fits the bill. It has all the requirements from fishing,
climbing, and photography.

Yeah thought about that too Maverick. Quite excellent choice except at 11 miles from Mosquito Flat with a total up down vertical of 4900 feet, it is not easy for one day out and back for those carrying even average loads.