High Sierra Topix

We did the clockwise loop up from O'Shaughnessy Dam to Vernon Lake. With a 20-40 chance of rain or thunderstorms forecasted throughout the trip, we were prepared to get a little wet. Fortunately for us - unfortunately for CA and the Sierra - the dark clouds and thunder in the distance both evenings passed us by. I was especially relieved, as we realized 11 miles in the wilderness that my hiking partner forgot our tent poles.

The drought conditions are a bit depressing. There was no water between the dam and Laurel Lake. The seasonal streams and the unnamed pond before Laurel Lake trail junction were bone-dry. Beehive was dry. And crossing Tiltill Valley was a cinch without all the water.

This is blue on the map. #DROUGHT

Storm clouds as we approach Vernon Lake

Above Tiltill

Rattlesnake in Tiltill Valley

Crossing Tiltill Valley

Hetch Hetchy from Rancheria Falls

A lizard friend

Thanks for coming back and taking the time to post this TR and pictures!

Valeofoakland wrote:

I was especially relieved, as we realized 11 miles in the wilderness that my hiking partner forgot our tent poles.

Fortunate that you were only going out for 2 nights, a longer several day trip and the both of you would have had a 22 mile day
but no mileage to show for it. Any wildflowers at all in Beehive area? Is the Vernon to Tiltill already dry, no water source either?

maverick wrote:Any wildflowers at all in Beehive area? Is the Vernon to Tiltill already dry, no water source either?

Wildflowers weren't fully out at Beehive. The Tiltill Creek was flowing - we stopped there for a nice long lunch and fill-up on Day 2.