TR: Tableland/Alta Meadow Loop - 08/14
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 6:40 pm
Finally getting around to sharing some trips. I was looking for a short trip (2 nights) with easy access to higher country and no crowds. This loop through Tableland in Sequoia NP fit the bill. Started from Wolverton and went clockwise:
Took the trail past the Watchtower and began the cross country portion near the Pear Lake ranger station. Spent the first night maybe a mile past the ranger station in complete solitude. The next day continued up to Tableland. Here is a view looking back on the enjoyable cross country route after gaining Tableland:
Upon climbing up to Tableland, I was surprised to see another soul. It turned out to be the gentleman who maintains http://sierrahiker.com/, and, who I think was surprised to see me. After chatting for a bit with this super-knowledgeable fellow, we parted ways. I strolled across Tableland to go sit on the Kings-Kaweah Divide and see what I could see. I'll only provide a picture of Tableland while heading that direction, and not the view from the Divide:
From the Divide, crossing back over Tableland, I picked out a route to Moose Lake. Standing on the shore of the lake creates an infinity pool-type effect, with the Mineral King area providing the backdrop. From articles I came across, apparently a celebrity got lost trying to find her way to Moose Lake about a decade ago.
From Moose Lake, my planned cross country route took me over to Alta Meadow. Apparently a maintained trail used to exist between these two areas, and I even found a report that a good use-trail was still in existence. However, my track record with "good use-trails" proved consistent, and I couldn't find it. Maybe it's just me...Anyway, the big deal is to go west from the lake. One definitely does not want to be drawn into heading south down Buck Canyon - which is reported impassable and is really gnarly-looking when viewed from the High Sierra Trail. Here is the point where I crossed over a little ridge, this point is south-south-west of Moose Lake:
Shortly after crossing that little ridge, Alta Meadow can be seen. I still had no luck finding a use-trail and probably took a more difficult route than necessary in an attempt not to lose too much elevation while traversing:
Spent the night at Alta Meadow, where I believe another party had camped as well. I had used up a lot of daylight enjoying Tableland and the Divide, which resulted in setting up camp as darkness fell. Easy trail walk out the next day.
Took the trail past the Watchtower and began the cross country portion near the Pear Lake ranger station. Spent the first night maybe a mile past the ranger station in complete solitude. The next day continued up to Tableland. Here is a view looking back on the enjoyable cross country route after gaining Tableland:
Upon climbing up to Tableland, I was surprised to see another soul. It turned out to be the gentleman who maintains http://sierrahiker.com/, and, who I think was surprised to see me. After chatting for a bit with this super-knowledgeable fellow, we parted ways. I strolled across Tableland to go sit on the Kings-Kaweah Divide and see what I could see. I'll only provide a picture of Tableland while heading that direction, and not the view from the Divide:
From the Divide, crossing back over Tableland, I picked out a route to Moose Lake. Standing on the shore of the lake creates an infinity pool-type effect, with the Mineral King area providing the backdrop. From articles I came across, apparently a celebrity got lost trying to find her way to Moose Lake about a decade ago.
From Moose Lake, my planned cross country route took me over to Alta Meadow. Apparently a maintained trail used to exist between these two areas, and I even found a report that a good use-trail was still in existence. However, my track record with "good use-trails" proved consistent, and I couldn't find it. Maybe it's just me...Anyway, the big deal is to go west from the lake. One definitely does not want to be drawn into heading south down Buck Canyon - which is reported impassable and is really gnarly-looking when viewed from the High Sierra Trail. Here is the point where I crossed over a little ridge, this point is south-south-west of Moose Lake:
Shortly after crossing that little ridge, Alta Meadow can be seen. I still had no luck finding a use-trail and probably took a more difficult route than necessary in an attempt not to lose too much elevation while traversing:
Spent the night at Alta Meadow, where I believe another party had camped as well. I had used up a lot of daylight enjoying Tableland and the Divide, which resulted in setting up camp as darkness fell. Easy trail walk out the next day.
