Trip Advice: eight day backpack

[Obrknoch]

Hi All,

Last year we did an eight day loop hike (Circle of Solitude) out of Kearsage pass trailhead (trip report at http://obrknochi.com/siera-nevada/).

We are getting prepared for another trip this year early September and are already excited about the idea! Aim will be a similar about 8 day hike. We are looking for advice on routes to take. Best would be a loop like trip (North to south lake would suit, but one of us already hiked this, so we do want to explore a different option). Further, we are looking for a trip starting on the east side, as that will be the direction we are coming from.

A one way trip is also fine though. Actually at the moment we are looking at what seems to be a great trip starting at Horse shoe meadow trailhead up to Shepperds pass, leaving at this trailhead. The option seen (http://calitrails.com/2014/08/18/horses ... t-whitney/) would involve off trail hiking, something we did not do before but we are willing to explore. We do have experience in hiking and longer days, passes are fine, knowing we managed last year's trip very well. We can read maps as well.

We would appreciate (other) trip ideas / more advice on the mentioned trip horseshoe to shepperd / input on what to consider when doing some off trail hiking. What do we need to consider, do we require extra maps, how difficult is it etc.

Your help is much appreciated.

Obrknochi
http://obrknochi.com

[schmalz]

Hi,

I wrote up the post you linked for Horseshoe > Shepherds. I can answer any specific questions you might have here, or via PM, or email (brian@calitrails.com).

There are plenty of other options as well. I encourage you to look at maps and piece together your own trip. Here are some other examples:

http://calipidder.com/wp/2010/10/pine-c ... oop-day-1/

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6962

I'm planning on doing a variation on both of these this year. Duck Pass in August and Bear Lakes in early September. Maybe I'll see you out there.

[sekihiker]

In case you haven't visited it yet, there are 50 or so trip reports that might inspire you at: http://www.sierrahiker.com