High Sierra Topix

I'm planning a last-minute one-night backpacking trip to either Desolation or Emigrant this weekend, as those seem to be the two closest wilderness areas for me (I live in the SF Bay Area). Haven't decided which, as I don't have much experience with either. I was looking at maybe Bear Lake in Emigrant, or Lake Aloha in Desolation if I can get there early enough to pick up a non-reservation permit. But I'm open to other destinations that are stunningly beautiful and fit my constraints.

This will probably be a solo trip.

I talked to the rangers for both wilderness areas today and they told me that the mosquitoes are pretty bad everywhere right now, so I'm aware that I'll need a head net, DEET, and long clothes.

Where would you recommend that I go?


My details:
Level 2- Some backpacking trips, using trails

Comfortable terrain:
- Class 2 terrain/pass/x-country (with full pack)
- Class 3 terrain/pass/x-country (day hike)
- River crossings (wading up to knees is probably ok)

Main interest:
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery

Duration:
2 days (1 overnight)

Mileage per day:
Not sure, maybe 4-6?

Route logistics preference:
Loop is best, out-and-back ok

Area of interest:
Emigrant, Desolation

Dog:
No

Hi SigilToNoise,

Welcome to HST! Have you read this conditions update to the Aloha Lakes area: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=13936&start=24#p107884

Thanks for the heads up! That's a bit more snow than I'm ready for.

I've done a little more reading and am going to postpone my trip until I'm better prepared--I was scrambling around to figure out what kind of gear I would need, and decided that it's best for me to put more planning into this adventure so that I'll enjoy it more. In the meantime, tomorrow I'm going to hike into Sykes Hot Springs down in Big Sur.

The further south you go, the less snow you will find. Look and the John Muir Wilderness or Jennie as an alternative...