Favorite trailhead

If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further!
User avatar
dave54
Founding Member
Posts: 1327
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:24 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: where the Sierras, Cascades, and Great Basin meet.

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by dave54 »

People still use trailheads???

:confused:
=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~
Log off and get outdoors!
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
User avatar
oleander
Topix Expert
Posts: 480
Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2010 10:15 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by oleander »

Favorite might be Agnew Meadows, for where it can get you in short order.

But the one I've probably done the most is Wrights Lake into Desolation Wilderness. It is not really among my favorite trailheads if thinking about the whole Sierra, but Wrights (and nearby Horsetail Falls) are among the best when one seeks a weekender trip that can get you into good granite in fewer than 3.5 hours from the Bay Area.

- Elizabeth
User avatar
SweetSierra
Topix Regular
Posts: 303
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 12:23 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by SweetSierra »

oleander wrote:Favorite might be Agnew Meadows, for where it can get you in short order.

But the one I've probably done the most is Wrights Lake into Desolation Wilderness. It is not really among my favorite trailheads if thinking about the whole Sierra, but Wrights (and nearby Horsetail Falls) are among the best when one seeks a weekender trip that can get you into good granite in fewer than 3.5 hours from the Bay Area.

- Elizabeth
This is how I feel about the Cottonwood Pass trailhead. It's one of my favorites because of the number of trips I've done there and how much I enjoyed those trips. That trailhead was also one of the quickest to get to from Ventura County when I lived there.
User avatar
Fly Guy Dave
Topix Expert
Posts: 580
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:27 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Contact:

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by Fly Guy Dave »

Rodriguez Flat TH. :)
"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." --The Dude (Jeff Lebowski)

Some pics of native salmonids: http://flyguydave.wordpress.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
oldranger
Topix Addict
Posts: 2861
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Bend, Oregon

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by oldranger »

Most used has been Tuolumne meadows and that has been my favorite the past few years for a really wimpy reason: can sleep in a bed at Tuolumne meadows lodge and have pack already to go except for food in storage box. So simply add Bearicade and we are ready to go in the am. I also like Agnew meadows because I can hit the TH in the Afternoon via shuttle after driving down from Oregon then hike up the river trail a couple of miles and make camp and then be ready the next AM for the up hill slog to my next destination.

Mike
Mike

Who can't do everything he used to and what he can do takes a hell of a lot longer!
User avatar
iHartMK
Topix Regular
Posts: 117
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:43 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Visalia,California

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by iHartMK »

Mineral King for the many places you can get to and high elevation start.
Living On Kaweah Time
User avatar
toejam
Topix Acquainted
Posts: 81
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:47 am
Experience: N/A
Location: Pismo!

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by toejam »

NIRA Campground (San Rafael Wilderness) - only 1.5 hours from my house.

But since this is a High Sierra topic, Mineral King - really high, lots of options, and no problems getting a permit.
User avatar
TehipiteTom
Founding Member
Posts: 953
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:42 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by TehipiteTom »

Another vote for Road's End here. There's just such a wealth of destinations from there, and if you go up Copper Creek or Sphinx Creek you can get solitude quickly (but not easily).

My other favorite trailhead area (not one specific trailhead, but several) is the Edison/Florence complex. Again, lots of great destinations from there. Tons of people go up the John Muir Freeway from Florence, but it's not hard to get off there and find a place away from the crowds--say, Mount Shinn Lake & Red Rock Basin, for example.

I've never gone out of Tuolumne Meadows, and it wouldn't be among my favorite trailheads in any case because it's too popular. More of a hassle to get a permit, and much harder to find solitude.
User avatar
Wandering Daisy
Topix Docent
Posts: 6634
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:19 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Fair Oaks CA (Sacramento area)
Contact:

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by Wandering Daisy »

I do not have "favorite" trailheads. I am just happy that there are so many to choose from. I even like Taboose! I have never had a "bad" experience with permitting, in fact, the rangers have been very flexible and helpful. And I simply do not expect solitude the first few miles. I do a lot out of Yosemite Valley and really get a kick out of the tourists! I can leave the trail anytime to get solitude when I want it.

I do have a few less liked ones. I am not too fond of driving to Edison or Florence Lake. I really hate that road! I am a timid driver and have been honked at and given the finger many times. And I am not that fond of the required shuttle service to Devils Post Pile trailheads. It eats up a lot of time. And paying $$ to park at Twin Lakes is annoying.
User avatar
balzaccom
Topix Addict
Posts: 2951
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:22 pm
Experience: N/A

Re: Favorite trailhead

Post by balzaccom »

I'm with you Daisy---those are three areas that I think I choose less often because the hassles you've identified.

And we like exploring a different trailhead--not only because you get to meet new rangers staff...but I think that each trailhead has a kind of unique culture, and it's fun to see those.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot], giantbrookie, hochoa93 and 29 guests