High Sierra Topix

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this page, it's a great resource! Thank you for all the info. I've seen some post on the big seki but I can't seem to find the specific answers that I'm looking for so I'd figured I'd start a new thread.

I'm wanting to hike the big seki loop in the beginning of September. I want to start it at Roads End, hike clockwise to kearsage and take a day off at Mt. Williams motel then complete the loop from there. My question is about permits. If I start at Roads End, what is the trail head called? Is it Copper Creek?

Also, I read that if you leave the trail you need another permit to get back on. Is this true? If so, does that mean that I need a permit for kearsage as well?

Thanks so much!

Copper Creek trail goes up to Volcanic Lakes. You would be taking either the Bubbs Creek trail or the trail to Paradise Valley (both ends of the Rae Lake Loop- the trail actually may all be called Rae Lake Loop trail).

You are supposed to get a new permit if you spend a night out.

Not exactly legal, but if you were to get a permit with two nights your last night before coming out to Onion Valley, (You are not absolutely required to camp where your permit says that second night) then you could come back in on the same permit. I am not saying this is legal, but logistically it may be your only option, given you will not have a car at the trailhead. If you can get to a ranger station for a new permit without much bother, that would be better. I assume you will be hitch hiking from Onion Valley?

Hi Jon,

Welcome to HST!

Is it Copper Creek?

Yes, you are correct, it is the Copper Creek Trail for the Big SEKI Loop.

Also, I read that if you leave the trail you need another permit to get back on. Is this true? If so, does that mean that I need a permit for kearsage as well?

You can stay outside of the park for a max of 24 hrs.

I guess I was thinking of another loop. Exactly what is the "Big SEKI loop" route?

We used to just figure out a route, connect trails and off-trail, and do it; no fancy route name applied. I guess all these "named" routes are a new trend.

It's from a thread over on Backpacking Light. Someone posted maps and named it. Now it's going to be just another bucket list thing for people to do... sigh. I still just figure out my own route, I guess I could give them all names and publish them, to draw in more people and make it A THING.

Cue the explanations of how people just don't have time to do all their own beta.... Yeah, I make time, because part of the satisfaction is in knowing I made the plans, did the research, and that's just the way it's always been done. I think just googling a thing and downloading GPS tracks is robbing people of the full experience.

But, yeah, that's just my opinion. Get off my lawn, or I'll throw my walker....

Well, I will jump up there on your soap box! I totally agree. I am pretty "old school" about this. The process of making your own route really gets the details in your brain, so when out there, you really stay oriented.

Established "routes" and guidebooks do have their place and have helped me in the past when I first move to a new backpacking area. I actually am a guidebook author - I simply label my routes as #1, 2, 3 etc and a word name that best describes the key destination. I purposely do not provide a GPS track and make the reader look at real maps. Nor do I call out one route as better than another - they simply all are appropriate for different people with different skill levels or time constraints.

+1 to AT and WD's posts. On one level I really appreciate all the information that's become available online in the the last few years (my wife jokes if you've seen all these photos of where you're going, than why go). On another level, I'm also rather "old school." That sense of discovery (no matter how small) is one of the joys.

Let's please keep within the perimeter of the OP's subject matter, which is the Big SEKI Loop.