TR - inexperienced backpacker's trip to Young Lakes 7/14-15
Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:41 am
This is my first trip report so please bear with me as I'm a very inexperienced backpacker and after reading all these exciting, awesome trip reports am by comparison a dull and boring backpacking slacker. Still, I feel obligated to share my own TR first to say thanks to all the folks on HST that provide inspiration & advice to ordinary folk like me (extremely grateful for the entertaining TRs; I live vicariously thru your fantastic adventures) and second to give hope for all the other old, slow and/or less experienced/adventurous hikers out there -- if I can backpack, then just about anyone else can backpack to at least some extent and get the chance to experience the extraordinary beauty of the wilderness experience.
There were 3 generations on this trip: grandpa (me), daughter and grandson. Due to some scheduling problems for the daughter, we could only make for a quick 1 night, 2 day trip to Young Lakes in Yosemite NP. We left the Bay Area at 630 am on Sunday 7/14 and arrived at Lembert Dome trailhead at 1030 am. It was a beautiful crystal clear blue sky day. We started out along the Glen Aulin trail and even though we were accompanied by almost a parade of day hikers and backpackers, we still enjoyed some great scenery (mountain views, granite slopes, rock fields). Soon enough we made a right turn and were on our long trudge up to Young Lakes expectantly looking for Ragged Peak. Other than swarms of mosquitos and annoying black flies, we pretty much had this trail to ourselves; I think we saw maybe 6 other people. After 5 1/2 hours (note: the grandson made it much earlier) I finally arrived at the Lower Young Lake thoroughly exhausted (I really am old and slow) but at the same time exhilarated by the sights in front of me. We set up camp, had dinner, took some photos, told some stories, and soaked up the natural beauty surrounding us --- while at the same time the mosquitos and black flies were soaking us up, feasting on any open patch of skin that might be available to them. Thank goodness we all had head nets.
Next morning, after the proverbial breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate, we left to explore Middle and Upper Young Lakes. It was amazing. Neither words nor pictures can adequately describe the overwhelming beauty of the setting of Upper Young Lake. We were the only people at the upper lake and stayed for maybe 2 hours enjoying the magnificence of this breathtaking vista, the 360 degree scenery at our disposal and our good fortune to collectively experience something this wonderful. Great and unforgettable family time for sure! Back at camp, we packed up and headed back to the trailhead, this time via the Dog Lake trail. More amazing scenery in every direction as we hiked through a gorgeous meadow (near Dingley Creek) taking in the sights of the Cathedral Range and some of the other iconic peaks of Yosemite and the Sierra. After another 5 1/2 hour hike, we arrived back at the trailhead (both tired and wired at the same time ) and started off on the long drive home.
Some highlights of the trip: beautiful scenery, serious exercise, amazing family time (it was great that the daughter and grandson did not have phone access and so were not checking their smart phone every few minutes),
Some negatives: mosquitos, fatigue (perhaps age, lack of fitness, the altitude or a combination), serious loss of appetite (I really had to force myself to eat up there)
Overall fantastic trip; can't wait to get back
There were 3 generations on this trip: grandpa (me), daughter and grandson. Due to some scheduling problems for the daughter, we could only make for a quick 1 night, 2 day trip to Young Lakes in Yosemite NP. We left the Bay Area at 630 am on Sunday 7/14 and arrived at Lembert Dome trailhead at 1030 am. It was a beautiful crystal clear blue sky day. We started out along the Glen Aulin trail and even though we were accompanied by almost a parade of day hikers and backpackers, we still enjoyed some great scenery (mountain views, granite slopes, rock fields). Soon enough we made a right turn and were on our long trudge up to Young Lakes expectantly looking for Ragged Peak. Other than swarms of mosquitos and annoying black flies, we pretty much had this trail to ourselves; I think we saw maybe 6 other people. After 5 1/2 hours (note: the grandson made it much earlier) I finally arrived at the Lower Young Lake thoroughly exhausted (I really am old and slow) but at the same time exhilarated by the sights in front of me. We set up camp, had dinner, took some photos, told some stories, and soaked up the natural beauty surrounding us --- while at the same time the mosquitos and black flies were soaking us up, feasting on any open patch of skin that might be available to them. Thank goodness we all had head nets.
Next morning, after the proverbial breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate, we left to explore Middle and Upper Young Lakes. It was amazing. Neither words nor pictures can adequately describe the overwhelming beauty of the setting of Upper Young Lake. We were the only people at the upper lake and stayed for maybe 2 hours enjoying the magnificence of this breathtaking vista, the 360 degree scenery at our disposal and our good fortune to collectively experience something this wonderful. Great and unforgettable family time for sure! Back at camp, we packed up and headed back to the trailhead, this time via the Dog Lake trail. More amazing scenery in every direction as we hiked through a gorgeous meadow (near Dingley Creek) taking in the sights of the Cathedral Range and some of the other iconic peaks of Yosemite and the Sierra. After another 5 1/2 hour hike, we arrived back at the trailhead (both tired and wired at the same time ) and started off on the long drive home.
Some highlights of the trip: beautiful scenery, serious exercise, amazing family time (it was great that the daughter and grandson did not have phone access and so were not checking their smart phone every few minutes),
Some negatives: mosquitos, fatigue (perhaps age, lack of fitness, the altitude or a combination), serious loss of appetite (I really had to force myself to eat up there)
Overall fantastic trip; can't wait to get back