Fish Creek Trip Advice 28-30 August
Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2015 4:55 pm
This forum has been a great help in trip planning (and I bought a tent from another member!), and now as I gear up for what will likely be my only Sierra trip this summer, I would like to ask for some advice. Really appreciate the wealth of information in HST, and 100% promise to post a trip report with photos on return!
Group size: 4
Experience level: Level 2 (some easy cross-country experience). We're all pretty fit.
Comfort level: Class 2 terrain OK, river crossings OK
Main interest: Forests, swimming (lakes or rivers), big mountain scenery, exploration
Trip duration: 3 days/2 nights
Mileage: 15 miles or less per day
Route/logistics preference: Out and back
We will not have a dog with us
We are planning to camp at Iva Bell Hot Springs Friday(28th) and Saturday(29th) night, hike out Sunday morning. We are driving up from Orange County Friday morning, and hoping to pick up our permit in the overnight box at Mammoth Visitor Center by about 6/7AM, then hit Fish Creek Trail at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead as early as we can, and head straight for Iva Bell to secure a good campsite early (we hope.) I've never been in the area before and am really excited to get out there. I've tried to research as much as possible, but there are a few things I wasn't able to determine from online sources.
Questions:
1. If we arrive before the first Reds Meadow shuttle departs (looks like 7:15AM?), can we drive the road to Reds Meadow ourselves, or is the shuttle required at all times, and we just have to wait for the shuttle to start? I see there are exceptions for certain conditions, does anyone have experience with this? What about parking (if we are able to drive in)? Does the Reds Meadow resort allow people to park there for several days for a fee, for example? Or Reds Meadow Campground?
2. We'd like to use an existing campsite / fire ring at Iva Bell. Where are the existing campsites there, and which is the best one, if it's not already taken? Is it likely to be crowded?
3. Where exactly are the pools? The best-sounding description I could find is here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10897&p=83123&hilit ... ll+#p83123 can anyone tell me if there are better directions, or GPS co-ords for them?
4. What's good to explore in the area, especially for a day trip on Saturday? We were look at going to Los Keys Lakes, or up Sharktooth Creek, or following Fish Creek trail farther up Cascade valley and visiting Purple Lake or Lake Virginia. Open to any suggestions or recommendations!
Many thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Group size: 4
Experience level: Level 2 (some easy cross-country experience). We're all pretty fit.
Comfort level: Class 2 terrain OK, river crossings OK
Main interest: Forests, swimming (lakes or rivers), big mountain scenery, exploration
Trip duration: 3 days/2 nights
Mileage: 15 miles or less per day
Route/logistics preference: Out and back
We will not have a dog with us
We are planning to camp at Iva Bell Hot Springs Friday(28th) and Saturday(29th) night, hike out Sunday morning. We are driving up from Orange County Friday morning, and hoping to pick up our permit in the overnight box at Mammoth Visitor Center by about 6/7AM, then hit Fish Creek Trail at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead as early as we can, and head straight for Iva Bell to secure a good campsite early (we hope.) I've never been in the area before and am really excited to get out there. I've tried to research as much as possible, but there are a few things I wasn't able to determine from online sources.
Questions:
1. If we arrive before the first Reds Meadow shuttle departs (looks like 7:15AM?), can we drive the road to Reds Meadow ourselves, or is the shuttle required at all times, and we just have to wait for the shuttle to start? I see there are exceptions for certain conditions, does anyone have experience with this? What about parking (if we are able to drive in)? Does the Reds Meadow resort allow people to park there for several days for a fee, for example? Or Reds Meadow Campground?
2. We'd like to use an existing campsite / fire ring at Iva Bell. Where are the existing campsites there, and which is the best one, if it's not already taken? Is it likely to be crowded?
3. Where exactly are the pools? The best-sounding description I could find is here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10897&p=83123&hilit ... ll+#p83123 can anyone tell me if there are better directions, or GPS co-ords for them?
4. What's good to explore in the area, especially for a day trip on Saturday? We were look at going to Los Keys Lakes, or up Sharktooth Creek, or following Fish Creek trail farther up Cascade valley and visiting Purple Lake or Lake Virginia. Open to any suggestions or recommendations!
Many thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!