Re: Trip Advice: mid-May Sequoia 2 nights
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 4:00 pm
The bushwhack to Alta comment made me laugh. Pear Lake is above the tree line. Maybe you could tell a little bit more about your physical abilities to help us.
I would say the Pear Lake backpack is comparable to Mt. Sterling or Mt. LeConte in the Smokies. If you can do that, you will be fine on this trip. The off-trail hike up to see the Great Western Divide (you don't necessarily have to go to Alta) from Pear Lake is practically on a trail (that doesn't show up on maps) the whole way. Just head up and east around the north side of the lake until you see ~100 mountains. If you are in shape, it is at most a 4-5 hour RT hike from Pear Lake with no pack. Do some research online and ask the Pear Lake ranger about the route when you get there.
If you aren't capable of doing the tougher backpacks in the Smokies, I would car camp in Lodgepole or in one of the Roads End campgrounds and stick to day hikes.
I would say the Pear Lake backpack is comparable to Mt. Sterling or Mt. LeConte in the Smokies. If you can do that, you will be fine on this trip. The off-trail hike up to see the Great Western Divide (you don't necessarily have to go to Alta) from Pear Lake is practically on a trail (that doesn't show up on maps) the whole way. Just head up and east around the north side of the lake until you see ~100 mountains. If you are in shape, it is at most a 4-5 hour RT hike from Pear Lake with no pack. Do some research online and ask the Pear Lake ranger about the route when you get there.
If you aren't capable of doing the tougher backpacks in the Smokies, I would car camp in Lodgepole or in one of the Roads End campgrounds and stick to day hikes.