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Timber Gap, Black Rock Pass, Little & Big Five Lakes, Lost Canyon, Columbine Lake, Sawtooth Pass
I did this trip about a month ago as a warm up for some longer and harder stuff that followed. I had done bigger loops around this area, but never actually been in this area or gone in/out of Mineral King via either Timber Gap or Sawtooth. So I thought it would be fun to check out this classic loop, and yep - it was fun. I wrote a long trip report and thoughts here.
Great report and pictures! A very nice rainbow as well. It's strange that I haven't done a trip out of Mineral King yet, given that it's not too far of a drive from my parents' house in Sanger. I need to rectify this soon.
I like Mineral King because it's a quick approach into that high terrain from the west side. I don't like mineral king due to that ^%@#%ing road. I'd almost rather add a couple extra hours to get to Bishop. But the pie! Did I mention the pie?!
Thanks, Calipidder. your photos definitely helped inspire me to do a solo trip out of mineral king last weekend (the bigger loop- franklin/big and little 5 to black rock and timber gap).... definitely a wonderful trip. I Will try to get my trip report up soon as well. Can't believe I forgot to try the pie!
That area really does sound and look enticing ... except for the marmots at the trailhead. It'd be a super bummer to come out from a nice backpack, tired and just in time to drive home for work the next day, only to find your radiator hoses chewed to bits. I know one can use fencing and all that, but ... when did a fence ever stop a determined rodent?
Marmots are usually only an early season problem. No one had marmot proofed their cars when I was there last weekend and I didnt heard of any reported incidents of marmot trouble
Nice TR and pictures! I did a 4 day solo of the exact route last month. It was incredible, with each day surpassing the previous in scenery. Fishing for goldens at Big Five Lakes and brookies at Columbine was too easy. And seeing the full moon rise over Columbine Lake at sunset was very nice. I even saw my first backcountry bear about a mile and a half before reaching the Pinto Lake/Cliff Creek camp area!
