High Sierra Topix

FeetFirst >>>"I'm curious as to why this is."

Budd Lake has been off limits for a long time because it is so close to the trailhead, it would likely be abused much like nearby Cathedral Lakes so the NPS would need to send backcountry patrols their too. Elizabeth Lake right below the campground is also no backpacking for similar reasons. From a few years ago this is a digi pic of the actual map that used to be in all the ranger stations. The TM station now uses a National Geographic topo that incorporated that info.

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The four mile rule is on trails but off trails is determined by their no camping zone maps. Otherwise its one mile aerial from roads though one ranger who knew me as a regular gave me a permit to tent atop South Whiz Dome that is a whiz stream less than an aerial mile.

Good work WD. Nicely composed reflections on Townsley and Booth. End of September one often gets some nicely calm extended periods during day hours when high pressure sets up maybe because thereis less effects of usual up canyon breezes.

I enjoyed your post and especially your photographs, WD.

I'll have to reach retirement before I have a chance to backpack in September--in 40 years of packing I have never experienced an fall trip. It will be such an odd experience to perambulate an autumn landscape. Until then, I will enjoy your pics!

SSSdave wrote:

Elizabeth Lake right below the campground is also no backpacking for similar reasons.

It has been over 40 years since I last visited Elizabeth lake but I could swear it was uphill from the campground.

Mike

Thank you all for the futher exlpanation as to why Budd Lake is off limits to camping. I understand and fully agree with the 4 mile "trail miles from TH" rule, but wasn't sure about Budd Lake since no official marked trail is noted on maps. Likewise, I was unfamiliar with the 1 mile aerial from roads rule. Thanks again.

Another nice way between Matthes and Nelson Lakes is through the pass east from Matthes Lake.
The east side of the pass on 2011-09-04.

Spectacular shot of Matthes Crest, one of my favorite Sierra features (and a fun climb).

Yep Budd lake is def off limits and for good reasons it would be absolutely trashed otherwise. Even so there is a lot of stealth camping and trash because of it. I'm very surprised that it was ever in doubt at the permitting station, must have been a temp person working it. When we went in to climb Cathedral and various Echo Peaks a long time ago (over 25 years?) in fact we were camped in what I thought was a legal spot well above (south) of Budd Lake by the base of Echo Pks, outside the four mile limit, and a cross country ranger came along and made us move even more. It was only a few hundred yards!

I support these restrictions in the Tuolumne area. The Budd Lake corridor gets very heavy day traffic as it is, especially with the popularity of the Cathedral climb, as well as the easy access.

Thanks for the TR. I hiked up there last summer, and loved the area but wasn't enjoying the crowds. Getting off the trail seems like the only way to hike Yose. Would it be a trip that a newbie X country guy could do relatively easily (bushwhacking and getting over the passes). Also, fishing is important, any info on fishing at those lakes? Thanks, Phil

Thanks for another great trip report. Of all your trips to Yosemite's backcountry, which one is your favorite?

Tomba

Markskor and I crossed the exact slab this july?

Mike