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Roads End to Sphinx Creek/Lakes to Mount Brewer

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 8:51 pm
by KathyW
I did a nice 4-day backpacking trip starting from Roads End (Cedar Grove) in King's Canyon. The first day (6/30/07) I backpacked to the Sphinx Lake at about 9,600 feet above sea level. I didn't enjoy the abundant mosquitoes or getting stuck in the bushes trying to get to the lowest Sphinx Lake, but I did enjoy the wonderful wildflowers and beautiful creeks/streams/river along the way and the pretty campsite at the lake.

I slept in on the second day before moving up to the Lake at 11,400' just under Sphinx Pass. It was really warm out there and the water in the lakes seemed much warmer than usual - I took a dip in the lake at 10,900' on my way up to the one at 11,400' and then I spent the afternoon of the second day reading a book in a nice breezy spot near where I set up camp. The breeze was just enough to keep me cool and to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

On the third day I got up early and headed over Sphinx Pass and on to Mount Brewer. What was left snow in the chute that I went up on the northwest slope was avoidable by moving into the rocks on the left side of the chute. The hike to Brewer was really enjoyable - this was favorite day of the trip. The mosquitoes finally left me alone when I got over Sphinx Pass, the area was just beautiful, and the view from Brewer was great. After I got back to camp from the Brewer day hike I moved my camp down to one of the twin lakes at 10,500', which was a very pretty spot too.

On the fourth day I headed out (once again I got stuck in the bushes between the lake at 9,600 feet and where the trail crosses Sphinx Creek even though I tried going down on the other side of the creek) - I got back to the trailhead about 2 pm and it was 91 degrees at Road's End - those last couple of miles were hot and sandy.

Here are pictures I took (still working on labels):

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/gallery/3097844#169573699


PS: I lost my backpacking stove somewhere after using it the first night. I went back to look for it at my first camp, but it wasn't there, so if anyone finds a small Primus stove (canister type) out there let me know. I really liked that stove and they don't make it anymore. I found out that you can solar cook freeze-dried meals, but they stay a bit crunchy.

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:55 am
by copeg
Gorgeous photos and great report Kathy! That area is so nice, except of course for the route in ;) Looks like a blast, thanks for sharing! (Sorry to hear 'bout the stove)

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:38 am
by Rosabella
Sounds like fun,Kathy! Mix together a little relaxation, a little adventure, a little bushwacking (ouch!!!) and you've got a great trip! :nod:

Love the pictures.... what was that beautiful pink and yellow flower (bottom of page 8)?

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:41 pm
by maverick
Nice photo's Kathy. That part of the loop is so pretty especially
if you get some good colors at sunset.
The first lake is a nice place to stay at, and the second and third
are great for alpenglo reflections in the lakes.
Brewer is still one of my favorite peaks, the views are so open,
you can see the sierra crest for many, many miles.

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:00 pm
by Aviprk
HI there.

DId you by any chance see a Tom Harrison map on Mt Whitney? I lost mine on the trip just below the first lake. Thanks

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:35 am
by caddis
I lost my breath last week in the tablelands...anyone find that?

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:42 am
by KathyW
Rosa: I moved my pages around a bit, but I think it's the Columbines that were so pretty - they were blooming in full force and in different shades of yellow, red and orange.

Avi: I didn't see your map out there.

Caddis: I didn't catch up with your breath - If I found it I might have used it instead of returning it though.

I ordered a new stove - another Primus - the most similar one I could find to the old one. It looks like Primus got bought out by Suunto.

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 1:42 pm
by madeintahoe
Kathy..Congratulations on Mount Brewer! What a great trip this looks like you had!
Gosh the bushwhacking part of it must have been an adventure :eek: ..and your poor scratched legs :eek: ...I know how that feels.

The reflection alpen glow ones are amazing!!! Really beautiful. I really want to get to this area!
Thank you for your pictures!
:D

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 4:36 pm
by Skibum
Congrats on Brewer Kathy! I was up there a few years ago, but there was way much more snow. Did you stop in Grant on your way through?