High Sierra Topix

Some of us old farts are in training for a N. Yosemite Loop backpack next month (Mono Village/Twin Lakes - Peeler Lake - Seavey/Benson Passes - Matterhorn Canyon and back), so we'd like to do a "full-pack" day hike not too far from the SF Bay area over the July 4th weekend. Any ideas for about an 8-10 mile round-tripper off of Hiway 80 or 50, (above 6000' with some elevation gain to get the lungs in shape)? Thanks in advance!


And if anyone has anything to share about the loop trip we are planning, feel free to tell us what not to miss, especially with regard to fishing!

Loch Leven Lakes, 7 miles round trip, starts at 5680 ft (highest lake is at 6800 ft).
Sacramento - I 80 -Big Bend Exit - Follow signs to the Big Bend Visitor Center adjacent
to the highway, the trailhead is about 1/4 mile east of the visitor center.

Gertrude-Tyler Lakes, 8 miles, 45 miles east of Placerville off of Wrights Lake Road.

Gilmore Lake, 7.6 miles, off of Hwy 89 at Fallen Leaf Lake Road in South Lake Tahoe.
This hike is to me is the best and has a 1700 ft elevation gain which will also give
you a good workout and great scenery.

The Northern Yosemite Loop is really pretty, but be prepared for the skeetrz especially at
Smedberg Lake, and the Seavey Pass area.

We did the Velma Lakes hike out of Emerald Bay, and that would certainly meet your criteria. SO would Lyons Lake---trailhead is on the way to Wright's Lake off Hwy 50...

And you could always just get on the PCT heading south off 80...Mt Judah etc.