Lillian Lake Loop next month

[RobertD]

ok, point taken.

For anyone that has taken this route before are the trails pretty obvious? I am not worried about getting lost, just following the correct trail. And anything else we should consider? My wife now wants us to make it a monday to friday thing, just spend the week out there at all the lakes, enjoying.

[Troutdog 59]

Its been a few years for me (2002), but the trails were all well maintained and marked. We visted these main areas: started at Fernandez and went to the Stanford Lakes; Fernandez Lakes; Rutherford Lake, Lillian; and back to the car. If yu have time, take a venture over to Chittenden (sp?) above the Stanford Lakes as it was very pretty. We cross countried abit around the Fernandez lakes, but it was easy going stuff. Enjoy your trip and IMO, bring sleeping bags. Weather can change pretty quickly up there.

[RobertD]

Thanks Troutdog.

I just went and bought a couple of 35+ bags to take with us. We have a camping trip next week for a few days so we will try them out before we head up there.

[oldranger]

Rob...

Can't let this pass. Unless you supplement the 35 degree bags with substantial extra sleepwear you are at risk for some pretty uncomfortable nights. Personally in september I sleep in my usual 20 degree WM bag and light long underwear and a silk turtleneck. But I also bring an extra pair of long underwear and 100 wt fleece top, and fleece hat just for sleeping if it gets cold. Some others in this forum use warmer bags and bring more extra clothes. I've experienced 9 inches of snow once at 7300 ft on Sept. 10 and lesser amounts several other times. I've also experienced several sub 20 degree nights. On the other hand days on end in September can be idyllic. But I would never count on it! Things can change rapidly and days 4,5, and 6 of a trip can be much different than predicted. If prepared it is no big deal. Just sit out the weather. Snow never lasts too long in Sept. If not prepared you will be miserable at best and at worst ....

Just want you to be safe and enjoy your trip even if mother nature is not so kind to you.

Mike

[RobertD]

Mike
Very much agree. I think we will also bring along our sleeves, that should add at least 5-10 degrees to the bags, along with our long johns ect.

I have hunted/camped in snow, and as long as your warm, its fun. Cold sucks.....

[RobertD]

My wife is pretty much sure we are going to be attacked by rampaging lunatic bears.

I understand not to eat in the tent, cook a good distance away,and a bear canister, but she is somewhat sure they will still try to eat her at night.

We have our dogs, and a great big can of anti bear spray, and will follow above, but please some words of comfort...?

[balzaccom]

We've hiked 500 miles in the past five years in the SIerra, and seen exactly ONE bear on the trail. It was 75 yards away, and immediately high-tailed it once it saw us.

Keep a clean camp, and stay away from stupid people, and the bears will leave you alone.

[Troutdog 59]

Ditto to what Balzaccom said. I have been packing since 1975 and have seen a bear in the backcountry twice. Ive seen them numerous times at roadside camps (3 this year), just not that often in the backcountry . I will admit to limiting my time in known bear areas (Little Yosemite Valley, Bubbs Creek out of Roads End, etc), but Ive not heard of the area your going to having any more than normal. Don't get me wrong, there out there, but with a bear container and good food habits (no food in tent or packs, separate cooking area), bears are not a typical problem. Ive had far more issues with critters like marmots and mice getting in to my food, but never a bear. Sierra bears are black bears, not grizzlies and they are interested in your food, not you. That said, if a bear does get your food, don't try and get it back. Its now his/hers. Possession is 100% of the law to a bear Enjoy your trip and let us know how it went. I'm thinking of doing a loop out of Granite creek and coming back by Lillian and Stanford Lakes in late September so your input would be appreciated.

[balzaccom]

Troutdog--we'll do something similar in early September...Granite Creek to Isberg Pass, then back through Rutherford, Lillian and Vandenburg Lakes. We should have a pretty solid TR for you by the time you leave

[rightstar76]

I've seen bears on many of my hikes and I've never had a problem. Sierra bears are gentle compared to bears in the Rockies. Most of the time they've stayed away from me except one time in Yosemite where I had to throw rocks at them so they wouldn't come into my camp. Those bears had been fed too many times and were pests. As long as you keep a clean camp, store your food and any scented products in bear cannisters, you shouldn't have any problems.