Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

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Talimon
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Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by Talimon »

We are looking to do a short 3 day excursion next weekend, but are naturally concerned with getting too high in elevation this time of year. Even though the forecast may be ok, temps are starting to get down there. We are coming up the 395 from the south, any good recommendations with enough scenery to still make you feel you are in the Sierras? We were thinking pretty low mileage, maybe 20 max for the 3 days.
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by DavePloessel »

Maybe try something out of kennedy meadiws/blackrick (jordan hot springs for example)... or forks of the kern...
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by SSSdave »

NWS after several days of mentioning low confidence on their models for next week, last night firmed up the probability of a trough moving at least into the Sierra mid week. Beyond midweek stay tuned though fair weather is probably more likely by the weekend. The areas you mentioned don't have low elevation backpacking destinations that people backpack to.

But lets say there is some foul weather with a snow level at 8500 feet which is not that unusual. Well there are many lonely places below that elevation to car camp on dirt roads next to permanent streams with fine views up at the Sierra. Better yet, most such places at this time of year have aspen changing color. By next weekend areas below 8000 feet will also be changing. The best zone would be to drive out on the Buttermilk Road and set up a base camp along McGee Creek near Grouse Mountain. Then all manner of dirt roads and trails up towards the crest to keep anyone busy for days.

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.30482,-118.59540&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by Wandering Daisy »

Why must you go in the east side? What about hiking up the Kern River or Domelands? I have not been to either, but someone else who has may chime in.
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by sparky »

I have hiked the lower elevations of the kern in the fall and really enjoyed it. Lots of hunters so watch out for that....

I plan on checkout out domelands this year too! It looks fantastic
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by Talimon »

Kern River would completely be doable, but I am not familiar with it. Anyone recommend a trail-head and any specific trips?
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Re: Trip Advice: Low elevation options out of Lone pine/Bishop?

Post by DavePloessel »

As I mentioned above.. try forks of the kern. Th is at end of fs road 20s48... or you could hike to the little kern from lloyd/jerkey meadows th at end of fs road 22s82...

Both stay under 7500'.. you can also do a loop connecting them. Pretty area, good fishing too.
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