5 day backpacking trip in High Sierras in late August?

[Cross Country]

I agree with Old Ranger wholeheartedly. I've done most of that during parts of 4 trips and would say it's strenuous at 9 days, 8 nights, because it's just a strenuous trip period. I think most would agree with me that the trip I suggested is a nearly ideal 5 day trip and my trip is moderate to strenuous.

PS: lambertiana, I loved your pics.
tom

[maverick]

Lambertiana wrote "The section from Horseshoe Lakes to Cartridge Pass is one of the
nicest I have seen in the Sierras. It is a little longer than your preference for a 50 mile
trip, but you indicate that you would consider a six night trip, and this loop is easily
done in seven days/six nights."

Lambertiana your absolutely right, this is a wonderful section of the Sierra.
Granite Basin/Lake area is pretty, the Windy Ridge to Marion Lake is spectacular
and one could spend at least 3 night in this area alone.
Then you have Lakes Basin, the pretty lake on the way down from Cartridge Pass
and a night, or two, at Bench Lake is a must, and even one at the Muro Blanco is
fun, so yes it could be done in 6 nights, but why rush.

[Cross Country]

Maverick hit this nail on the head. It's an incredible area deserving of spending time there to get some appreciation. It's about as good as it gets.

Mike & Jim above Marion Lake
tom

[lschen78]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think we will start out on Copper Creek and will have to see how long we can go out for. The area sounds beautiful and we enjoy the solitude.

[quentinc]

I've been eyeing the trip suggested by Lambertiana, varying a bit by using Roper's High Route to get to Lakes Basin. Given this year's conditions, does anyone have a sense of whether there would be any added difficulties doing this trip starting the beginning of August? (Other than mosquitoes, which will be a universal theme for August.)