High Sierra Topix

This looks like a more reasonable route for a first trip into the SIerra. ANd I htink you are right---it looks like you should be able to go up the west face of the Mt. in the middle there, and that would make a nice adventure for one of the days.

As for clothing---I bring an underarmor long sleeved shirt to sleep in--but it can also be worn if it get really cold. And then a short sleeved hiking shirt for most days---and a fleece, and a very light rain shell. That means that when it gets really cold, I will be wearing all four, but most of the time it's a combination of one or two...

And be prepared for bugs. Bring some DEET and maybe even a head net...

If all else fails and u r heading to Dinkey area or Edison...you have to go right by the Ranger Station in Prather on 168. U'll need a permit anyway. Stop in and ask if they have any intel on snow conditions. Remember, Doyle did the Pioneer Basin trip early season and seemed to be ok due to it being a south facing terrain.
Good Luck.

ltkenbo - The Dinkey Lakes area is a beautful place, no doubt you'll really enjoy it with your Dad. Your route looks like a nice trip with plenty to see (Cliff Lake is really nice). Have a great time.

Thanks guys, do you think it's worth it to send $5 in the mail to register ahead of time? Do you think the trails will fill up?

Anyone? And also do you think we should head up the day before and stay somewhere (my dad lives down in Temecula near San Diego) or leave at like midnight and drive all night?

Go up the day before. It's no fun to hike on three hours of sleep. Dinkey Lakes won't be an exhausting trip, but start out with a good night's sleep, and a chance to get acclimated a bit to eht elevation. It will make a big difference on the first day's hike

Ok, cool, we'll do that. Anywhere you would recommend we could stay nearby the day/night before?

Also do you think it's worth it to mail in advance for the permit?

It's hard to imagine the trail quota would be full upon arrival. If it were me, I'd:

1. Phone the ranger station in advance and talk to them about your needs/permit issues
2. Car camp near the trail head the night before
3. Read the logistical info here: http://www.summitpost.org/logistical-ce ... rvoir.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's a pic of Courtright - there are restrooms just behind where the pic was taken.


Here's a wide shot of Courtright.


Here's a pic of Cliff Lake from above -

We went to Cliff lake the 24th & 25th of June in 2007. We were the only people at Cliff and saw no one else on the trail so I would not be too concerned about getting a permit. There are a couple of camp spots just before you leave Courtright Reservoir. It is about 1.3 miles from the trailhead and has this view.



Here is a view from the other side of Cliff Lake.


Have a good time!

Sweet photos. So there are a regular car camping sites there? Marmot rock, Voyager rock, Trapper springs I guess from what I can see on the map? Oh and where is the permit office?