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Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 2:25 pm
by thepreciselife
First off, Id like to thank all the HST members that helped with opinions, advice, and ideas on where to go and what to do on our first backpacking trip to Chain Lakes.... it was an amazing experience for my gf and I that we will def never forget.

Once we got back, we already knew we had to plan another trip soon before it gets too cold for us.

We have another 3 day weekend for Labor Day that we would love to take advantage of but with an easier trip. Chain Lake was 6 miles and because of the elevation gain and breaks we had to take, it took us 5 hours to complete.

Id like to keep it under 5 miles, with little elevation gain
.
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
I would say 1.5 - 2 (cause 1 is minimal hiking)

What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
Class 2 (nothing to extreme)

What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery
- Photography
- Fishing

How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead?
2 nights / 3 days

How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers?
No layovers, somewhere under 5 miles

Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which
may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)?
I would prefer loop or out and back

Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in(Yosemite, SEKI
western sierra start or eastern start ect.)?
Not at all just want to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Will you be hiking with a dog?
No

I saw some photos of Tuolumne Meadows and that place looks so beautiful but im sure its very crowded, prob every place with less than a 5 mile hike will be crowded but we'd like to keep it to backpacking rather than car camp or stay at a campground. I loved doing the dispersed site set up.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 2:49 pm
by rlown
One suggestion would be the area around Saddlebag Lk just East of Yose park North of 120.

It's relatively flat and you can see by the map you have several lakes and loop possibilities.

It also means you can drive through the park and see the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Click on the map to make it readable.
Capture.JPG

The other area would be up towards Vogelsang via Rafferty Creek but your first day is all uphill.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 3:17 pm
by maverick
The 20 Lakes Basin area fits the bill. Very pleasant hiking, beautiful lakes, and
gorgeous mountain views. Emerald green Conness Lakes with the mighty
Mt.Conness looming in the background make for a postcard type setting that
the both of you will cherish.

Most places out of Tuolumne will take more effort than what you looking for
except for Cathedral Lakes, which is just a 3.5 mile hike to the lower lake.

You can day hike to the upper lake, even go visit Echo Lake by going
up towards Cathedral Pass. Once in the large meadow leave the trail and
head east at an angle toward Echo Lake, once locating the creek, follow it
down to Echo Lake.

At Lower Cathedral Lake head to the far western end of the lake to find some
secluded campsites. Your total climb is 850 ft in 3 miles, then a drop of
142 ft down to the lake shore. The views of Cathedral Peak from the western
end of the lake at sunset is sub-lime, and with a little special meal could be
romantic. :unibrow:

The Upper Cathedral Lake also has great views of Cathedral Peak and into
northern Yosemite.

Expect company at both locations during the holiday, especially Cathedral
Lakes, but the views are worth putting up with the crowds.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 3:42 pm
by thepreciselife
Ah you guys. What would I do without you? haha
AMAZING suggestions.

Ill go ahead and do my research for those locations and see if I can find permits
Ill post here if there are any further questions, which there will be. haha

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 4:07 pm
by thepreciselife
Ok, I am having trouble finding the permit area for Cathedral Lakes on Recreation.gov
Google search results said its in the Desolation Wilderness area? Another site said its
from the Mt. Tallac trailhead.... I just need to know what to search for on the Recreation site.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 4:30 pm
by rlown
ok. recreation.gov sucks. I could write pages on why. :\

Try this link and the phone number at the bottom: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mav might have better information. Some of us in small parties go up the night before and get the permit as a walk-in.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 4:40 pm
by thepreciselife
Ive only tried to use it twice and already know it sucks. haha

Thank you, Ill have to wait til tomorrow since they just closed and the line
seems to be busy? ...hopefully the quota isn't full yet.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 4:50 pm
by rlown
This is the area other Mav suggested. Just as a reference if you try to get reservations. You should get a mapping tool if you don't have one. You have to be clear on what you're asking for generally to get the permit, regardless of area. Saddlebag requires a wilderness permit as well, that can be picked up via the same phone call.

Expect water at only the lakes by Sept unless a miracle occurs.

Click on the map to read it:
Capture.JPG

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 4:53 pm
by maverick
The link Rlown posted is what you need to use, no reservation besides Half Dome,
can be made via Rec.gov in Yosemite NP.
You'll have to drive up early to the wilderness permit office and snag some first come
first serve permits, good luck on a holiday weekend.

Re: Need another trip suggestion.

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 2:57 pm
by thepreciselife
Anyone know where I can get a permit for Lyell Canyon?

edit: nvm I figured it out, from Tuolumne Meadows center and theyre all booked,
ranger suggested walk in permit but I wont be there til Sat morning and I am sure they will
all be taken by the end of Friday :/

So far, its been harder to find an available place for Labor Day weekend than it was for 4th of July when we went to Chain Lakes.