High Sierra Topix

I don't know if this qualifies as a true trail report as I did not take this hike, but am relaying information from my brother-in-law. He just returned from a four night trip up to the Hockett Meadows area.

Starting from Atwell Mill, they climbed the trail up and over into the Horse Creek drainage. They encountered snow above 8000 feet around Horse Creek and the last bit of trail on the north slope before it drops down into the meadows. Horse Creek was not tough to cross—they waded up to the knee. The meadows are snow free, but about half flooded. Many little rivulets are full and winding through the meadow—they are full of brookies.

He said there were no skeeters to speak of. The ranger station was not manned yet and they only encountered one other group (of 8) during the trip. Other than dealing with some out-of-shape guys on his crew, he said the trip was great.

I know this isn't quite the high country we all crave, but I thought someone might find this info useful.

Nice, thanks man! I love that area.

Hockett Meadows is one of the earliest historical trails across the High Sierra. Their are many accounts in many different documents that describe the founding of the route and its purposes.

East Side Hiker wrote:Hockett Meadows is one of the earliest historical trails across the High Sierra. Their are many accounts in many different documents that describe the founding of the route and its purposes.

For Example (see below).

Clarence King took the Hockett trail in his 1864 (unsuccessful) attempt to climb Whitney.