Short Desolation Wilderness TR June 19th - July 3rd
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 8:24 pm
This wi be short as I'm posting this from my phone. I will divide it into categories of import. Photos may or may not come later.
Using my cabin at echo lakes as a base camp, I went into the wilderness many times. Some of the early info is outdated.
SNOW: As of now, the only area in desolation with snow of any import is the upper third of the north facing flanks of the southern crystal range. This was not the case when I arrived. I had to cross snow on the trail from echo to saucer lake several times. Nothing too difficult but annoying and fun at the same time for sure. Probably gone now, even at side of trail. On trail from Haypress to Ralston peak two days ago, there was some snow banks, tho none on the trail at all. Haypress has completely melted out.
WATER: There is water everywhere. All the streams and creeks are rushing. Should barely be trickles in a couple weeks though once all the snow has melted.
MOSQUITOS: terrible! On the rating system, was a 2-3 at echo lakes, a 3-4 at water and in Haypress, and 4-5 on north shore of aloha. It was so bad there I had my eyes and mouth closed most of time while I was walking.
WILDFLOWERS: Amazing above 8500 feet, not many below that due to lack of water and snow.
Will try to post amazing pics a little later when I have computer - really was beautiful!
Using my cabin at echo lakes as a base camp, I went into the wilderness many times. Some of the early info is outdated.
SNOW: As of now, the only area in desolation with snow of any import is the upper third of the north facing flanks of the southern crystal range. This was not the case when I arrived. I had to cross snow on the trail from echo to saucer lake several times. Nothing too difficult but annoying and fun at the same time for sure. Probably gone now, even at side of trail. On trail from Haypress to Ralston peak two days ago, there was some snow banks, tho none on the trail at all. Haypress has completely melted out.
WATER: There is water everywhere. All the streams and creeks are rushing. Should barely be trickles in a couple weeks though once all the snow has melted.
MOSQUITOS: terrible! On the rating system, was a 2-3 at echo lakes, a 3-4 at water and in Haypress, and 4-5 on north shore of aloha. It was so bad there I had my eyes and mouth closed most of time while I was walking.
WILDFLOWERS: Amazing above 8500 feet, not many below that due to lack of water and snow.
Will try to post amazing pics a little later when I have computer - really was beautiful!