High Sierra Topix

No wonder your daypack was heavy. A DLSR and video? I noticed the waterfall shots were caught using digital zoom. There's a certain look to digital zooming.

@Turtleggjp

I only wish I descended with a day pack! One member of our party must of been carrying ~ 60 lbs and he was pretty close to chucking his pack off the side of mountain after slipping for the 10th time on the leaves on the switchbacks.

We did see a bear in that same area as you. Likewise were ambushed by mosquitoes as well.

I keep reminding myself to write my TR of Tehipite but its always on the back burner. Thanks again for the photos, they bring back great memories.

Gabe

I've always carried a video camera along with my DSLR. However, my previous video camera was a Canon HF100, which is about the size of a can of soda. And no, that's not why my daypack was so heavy. I only put them in there when crossing Crown Creek (which is why I had to make more than 1 trip across). I normally carry the cameras over my shoulders, so I'm able to shoot quickly whenever I want. I feel a little like Rambo suiting up every time I strap everything on after a break where I've taken everything off.

@turtleggjp
LOL, I can see the Rambo in that scenario.

@'gabe&mel'
I know the 60lb feeling going down that path. For a short time, it was 80lbs (carrying a pack on my back and the other in one hand).

Thanks for the detailed write up and especially the pictures of the trail conditions on the way down. I've always wanted to do this hike. Glad to hear it wasn't a Well of Souls-style snake pit.

@'Captain Slappy'
I've always been curious about what the trail looks like too. I'm happy to be able to provide some visuals for others to be able to see. It's one of those things where you want to encourage others to visit the area, but if you encourage too many people to go down there, then you can potentially lose the feeling of solitude when you get there.

Matt

It's one of those things where you want to encourage others to visit the area, but if you encourage too many people to go down there, then you can potentially lose the feeling of solitude when you get there.

To remote, just like Ionian Basin, Kaweah Basin, and even Dumbbell Basin, there are certain areas most folks are not going to go, majority of backpackers never leave the trails. Some areas have seen more usage because the SHR, but beyond that, there should not be to much worry that you will ever have crowds in these remote parts of the Sierra.

Well Matt, I'm star-struck. What a bold trip and what a great report.

Awesome report! Thanks for posting -- it was a pleasure to read.

Mike

I went in and out of Tehipite Valley from Crown Valley TH about 1999-2000, then went through on a trip from Roads End to Courtright Reservoir on 09. The climb out of the valley was a long slow one each time, Hay Meadow being the first water I came to. It was like an Oasis, I had been low on water and taking only small sips for some time. I would take a long break there, and fill up on water. Haven't camped there though. Saw a bear right at the park boundary the last time, it saw me and took off in a cloud of dust.