High Sierra Topix

Given the not-frigid weekend forecast (lows 30 to 40 at 8000 feet) and great weather, I'd like to sneak out for one more backpack this weekend. I'd like to keep it pretty mellow, and not too long of a drive from the Bay Area. I was thinking of the Loch Leven trail off I-80 because it seemed nice when I snowshoed there years ago and is a quick drive-- but I don't really know what other options might be off 80 (or 50 or wherever else). Any suggestions for nice places that aren't too far in for an easy weekend trip?

thanks in advance,
adam

There are lots of options--we actually like the Carson Pass area a lot: Showers Lake, Dardanelles Lake...or heading south you can get to Winnemucca, Round TOp, or even Grouse Lake from the BLue Lake side. All of those are pretty close, and easy to get permits.

Desolation Wilderness off 50 is also good---try Lyons Lake for a quick overnight. But the permits there might be a bit more complicated. THey do cost money. THis time of year, you should still be able to get on easily

And off 80, you might also look at Grouse Ridge of CA20, or Castle Peak/Paradise Lake area.

All are good choices.

For a little more in depth info, check out this website:

http://sites.google.com/site/backpackthesierra/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thanks for the advice-- I think I did a couple of the ones around dardenelles when I was a kid at summer camp; it would be fun to return!

thanks also for the weblink, except that the part I assume you were referring me to (hikes by region/highway) didn't work-- it just loaded blank pages.

Try this--I think we have fixed most of the link problems!

http://www.backpackthesierra.com/home/d ... by-highway" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;