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!
I'm a backpacker from Georgia planning my first trip the the southern Sierra area and would like to get some feedback on my hiking route. Since I don't know the area it's hard to guess at daily milage and campsites. I would also like to know if the trails are marked and what the water situation is like.
Cottonwood trailhead to: Big Whitney Meadow, to Kern Canyon, to Kern Hot Springs, to Junction Meadows, to Wallace Lakes, to Crabtree Meadows (two nights at Crabtree - dayhike Whitney), to Rock Creek, to Soldier Lake, back to Cottonwood Trailhead. 9 nights total, loop hike. Driving in from Las Vegas ariport (5 hour drive ?).
Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestion. Your web site has already been a big help, ya'll do a great job. My trip is planned in mid July (15th - 24th).
JC
Sounds like a really nice route, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Day 2 and 3 seem like longer ones(compared with the others), though if you're comfortable with the 10mi, shouldn't be a problem(little elev gain). On that route water should not be an issue, you are crossing many major creeks, and water is usually plentiful in the Sierras.
You prob won't be alone in there at that time of year, but it'll still be beautiful none the less. Just remember to take that first day easy as you get used to being at 10K. Best of luck with the trip.
Wow! Nothing like jumping in with both feet! Nice trip you have planned there.
Looks like you have everything covered...just bring a skeeter net and some 100 deet.
By the way, I went on a trip last year in mid-July and was real nervous about the skeeters. they weren't bad at all above 10k...only had a couple of bites. If the light snowpack stays that way, you shouldn't ahve too many problems by mid-July.
I did the same loop 2 years ago in September. A great trip. The trails are well signed. I thought the trail into Kern Canyon was in pretty tough shape. Have fun!
Mossies can be incredibly patchy, both in space and in time, so you might luck out. I've camped in places that were totally without them and then had people tell me they were camped just a couple of miles away on the same day and could hardly breathe. I agree with Mountaineer: go for the luck!
By the way, you might want to see if your local library can find you a copy of Sierra South (or you might even buy one). It's a fantastic compendium of practically every possible trip in the region, with excellent tips.
A little bit will last a week. Mosquitos love me, but if I dab the bite without scratching, the itching goes away. That's how they advertise Prep H. . . Stops itching and Swelling!
Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free . . . . Jim Morrison
Thanks to everyone who made a comment/suggestion. I appreciate your help. If anyone gets a chance to come over and check out the Southern Appalachains let me know, I'll return the favor.
jc
