Re: Maverick's 2018 Annual Meet-up 7/26-7/27
Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:36 am
Alright, I think I've come to the conclusion that Mosquito Flats may possibly be the worst TH to try and shuttle to/from another trailhead. I guess one can become a bit spoiled from the TH's south of the Sherwin grade, because they're lined up, one after another along the 395. This makes for quick and easy access that allows a ready combination of mix & match shuttles/hitches. (That being said, McGee is a nice complement, but either Pine creek to the south, or Mammoth to the north becomes more difficult.)
So, rather than attempt to pound a square peg into a round hole by wasting 1/2 day shuttling before or after the hike, I figured why not just go with the flow and do a quick & easy in/out loop? And sure enough, there's a great TR that describes just that through Mono, Pioneer, Hopkins & Grinnell. Voila:
http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... f=1&t=9439
Right now, I'm planning on driving up Tues am, hit the trial by 3pm and reach the 4th recess lake between 7-8. The next day (Wed) I'd head over to Pioneer basin for an all day fishing & exploration session.
I think my only change to the linked itinerary may be using the trail from Pioneer basin down & around to Hopkins rather than go over Crocker col. The reason is I like to get over passes or hit (limited) peaks early in the morning. If I did that, then I'd be at Hopkins by early afternoon. However, if I hung out in Pioneer all day and fished the different lakes, I could stay until 4 before heading out. It looks to be around 6.5 miles from the upper Pioneer lake, so figure 3 hrs no rush hiking. I think I'd much rather roll into Hopkins between 7-8 following a trail.
The next day (meet-up Thursday), it's less than 2.5 miles over Hopkins Grinnell pass to the lake, so I think I'd get there early, set up and explore. Maybe go over Bighorn to Rosy Finch or just hang around and fish. The last day (Fri) would be a 14.5 mile march down Laurel creek to catch the Mono trail and then back up to MF. It looks to have 3.3+ gain and 3.8- loss, but my car would be there and I could make it home early Sat morning.
If anyone is going to be around in the vicinity on those days, let me know and I'll keep a look out.
So, rather than attempt to pound a square peg into a round hole by wasting 1/2 day shuttling before or after the hike, I figured why not just go with the flow and do a quick & easy in/out loop? And sure enough, there's a great TR that describes just that through Mono, Pioneer, Hopkins & Grinnell. Voila:
http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... f=1&t=9439
Right now, I'm planning on driving up Tues am, hit the trial by 3pm and reach the 4th recess lake between 7-8. The next day (Wed) I'd head over to Pioneer basin for an all day fishing & exploration session.
I think my only change to the linked itinerary may be using the trail from Pioneer basin down & around to Hopkins rather than go over Crocker col. The reason is I like to get over passes or hit (limited) peaks early in the morning. If I did that, then I'd be at Hopkins by early afternoon. However, if I hung out in Pioneer all day and fished the different lakes, I could stay until 4 before heading out. It looks to be around 6.5 miles from the upper Pioneer lake, so figure 3 hrs no rush hiking. I think I'd much rather roll into Hopkins between 7-8 following a trail.
The next day (meet-up Thursday), it's less than 2.5 miles over Hopkins Grinnell pass to the lake, so I think I'd get there early, set up and explore. Maybe go over Bighorn to Rosy Finch or just hang around and fish. The last day (Fri) would be a 14.5 mile march down Laurel creek to catch the Mono trail and then back up to MF. It looks to have 3.3+ gain and 3.8- loss, but my car would be there and I could make it home early Sat morning.
If anyone is going to be around in the vicinity on those days, let me know and I'll keep a look out.