If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further!
We headed out the Glen Alpine Trailhead with plans to visit Lake Aloha and come back down the Tamarack Trail by Lily Lake, but got stopped by too much snow for our group. I was taking some people who haven't backpacked much (lots of car camping though) and who haven't really done much in the Sierras---we were slow and didn't cover that much ground, but we had a great time anyway!
We camped at Heather Lake, making our first day pretty short and easy (about 5 miles, 1400 feet elevation). The next day, we split at Susie Lake with two of our group heading back down to take care of some things at home while my friend and I headed out to Half Moon Lake. Another easy day at 4.5 miles (including about 0.5 off trail) and about 500 feet elevation. The next morning, we crossed Half Moon's outlet stream to explore Alta Morris Lake before heading back to the car. (7 miles, about 1 mile off trail).
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member:http://reconn.org
Awesome photos! Always love seeing my old stomping grounds. Heather doesn't have many flat and level areas; where did you camp?
TahoeJeff was up there recently and gave a TR. He couldn't see Half Moon, but in a reply predicted it was still iced over, given its altitude and the fact that it's in a cirque. It's amazing that it's already melted.
Thanks for the TR! Now you have me ready to hit the trail.
Beautiful shots. I had a LX-3 a few years ago too, but it fell into a creek. Now, I'm starting to think I might want one again, but I suppose one would have to buy the newer model.
Tom_H wrote:Heather doesn't have many flat and level areas; where did you camp?
We camped at an established site on the northwest side of the lake. The tent location was within 100 feet of the lake (sadly), but we were careful about doing dishes / our business farther up the hill.
paula53 wrote:Thanks for posting. The lakes look wonderful. How were the mosquitos?
The mosquitos were not a problem at all. There were some around in the morning at Half Moon, but they weren't biting us.
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As others have shared...GREAT PHOTOS!! I really like "Half Moon Lake in the morning". That shot with Jacks Peak in the background is beautiful.
I wish I could take photos like that but I'm lucky to take a picture that doesn't have my finger in the way.
Thanks for this great report! It is reports like this one and your recent report on the Trinity Alps that make this site such a great place to visit. Keep up the good work. It is truly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Russ
"...Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host and then a master?"
Thanks Russ!!! I plan to post a LOT of trip reports this summer... I just got tenure (as a professor at a small college) and hope to spend most of my summer nights in the mountains, training for the High Sierra Trail in August followed by a trip to Glacier NP in the fall. Hope y'all don't get sick of me!!
oh hey! you're reading my signature.
that's nice. want to check out my blog?
here it is: plutoniclove.com
ig: @plutonic_love
