Gianelli Trailhead is actually a bit easier than the Crabtree Trailhead, in that the trails are not as steep. But the lakes here are not along the trail---they are off to the side---so it's not quite as rewarding as the Crabtree to Deer Lake route. ON the other hand, it is easier to cover a lot of ground along here.
Whitesides Meadow
We hiked to Leopold Lake the first day, passing by the turn-offs to Powell, Chewing Gum, and Y Meadow Lakes, all of which seemed pretty crowded on a July weekend. Even Toejam Lake had about twenty people camped in different places around the lake. At least one of whom was cutting dead branches off a tree for firewood. Doofus.
Leopold Lake
View to the South., with the El Portal Fire in view from Leopold Lake
All of these trails were clearly marked...but that's not true of the cross-country route to Leopold. There is a significant series of granite ledges between Toejam and Leopold, and it takes a bit of route-finding to get through them. It wasn't exactly difficult, it just took some time to find a route. But once there, it is worth it--a stunning lake high on a ridge, with views in all directions if you just walk a few yards up the slopes. No people, probably because there are no fish. But well worth the hike. (There are fish at Toejam, which may explain why there are more people.)
Toejam Lake
On the way back we stopped at Y Meadow Lake. We had heard it was very crowded on Saturday night, but by Sunday afternoon we were alone there. No fish, but a shallow, warm lake that had some in our group swimming like Naiads. The lake was low, with a 3-5 foot rim around the bathtub from high water. We camped on the ledges to the West of the lake, with lovely views. But dusk came early there, as we were in the shadows of the cliffs. No worries, the sunrise got us up before 6:30...
Y Meadow Lake in the smoke
Y Meadow without the smoke
This area gets a lot of traffic, both from hikers and horse packers, but you can find your spots to get peace and quiet if you are willing to go a step further than most people. This was 23 mile total, including the sightseeing day-hikes.
Leopold Lake, Emigrant Wilderness
- balzaccom
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Leopold Lake, Emigrant Wilderness
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- TehipiteTom
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Re: Leopold Lake, Emigrant Wilderness
Leopold is a wonderful lake: great views, lots of picturesque rocky islands and inlets. I did a loop there from Crabtree via Bear Lake/Granite Lake/Tom's Canyon (on the way in), and Burst Rock trail/Chewing Gum Lake (on the way out). Nice cross-country route between Bear and Leopold.
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Re: Leopold Lake, Emigrant Wilderness
Yep--that's nice country.
We considered doing the cross country to Y Meadow (via Granite Lake) from Leopold...but the smoke was bad enough that we were thinking we might just have to hoof it out, so we stuck to the trail
We considered doing the cross country to Y Meadow (via Granite Lake) from Leopold...but the smoke was bad enough that we were thinking we might just have to hoof it out, so we stuck to the trail
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
- DoyleWDonehoo
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Re: Leopold Lake, Emigrant Wilderness
Leopold Lake, one of my favorites. And you can't beat the views. I will be visiting that lake (and many others too) in exactly 3 weeks. I am sorta glad there are no fish. Fewer people. There is a fair-nice easy XC route to the lake if you are good with a compass and a map.
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