High Sierra Topix

This last weekend I took a short ski trip into Desolation Wilderness. I camped at Lake Aloha Saturday night. Weather Saturday was beautiful and warm, but Sunday it turned to warm but stormy conditions. I cut the trip a little short due to the weather, but the weather did make for some nice turns on the descent out

Photos and short trip report from Desolation Wilderness

I love the shot of the stars above Lake Aloha.

Way to get some turns in! Nice shot of the tent and stars!

I've been wanting to go snow camping from the Emerald Bay area for years now. Last year, some folks I know from another forum went up to the Eagle Lake area for the night. I want to do a longer trip, maybe into the Velma's in early April some time before the water starts flowing much. The Forest Service starts getting a little concerned when you do a solo trip. Your night temperature was similar to what I have experienced in late winter snow camping. Nice pics, thank you.

Great pics, especially the night ones with the stars !!.

How'd you do that ? Camera, settings, etc ? I would love to take some star pics.

Thanks all! It was a fun time...glad we're finally getting some snow now.

Duane, I was expecting the forest service to give me a hard time 'cause I was alone, but they were cool about it.

Tom, I had a canon 350d with 17-40mm lens. Those night shots were at f4.0 and iso400. They ranged in length but were usually about 4 minutes long. I couldn't believe the amount of light pollution up there though. I guess when I think about it I shouldn't be surprised.

Great pics. Love the light in the tent.

Great pictures, Trailblazer - thanks.

A question for you: I've only done that route in summer, and it's been a while, so I don't have a strong recollection of the trail. We were thinking of heading up there in a week and a half, and I was wondering if the route would work for pulling in a pulk rather than wearing a pack. We were planning to camp out near Mosquito Pass at the north end of Lake Aloha.

Thanks Inge and naz...

naz, funny you mention a pulk because I was thinking about how I wouldn't want one when I was passing through some sections...mainly the area between upper echo lake and Haypress meadow. Some parts were bumpy and hilly. Depending which line you take down to Lake Aloha it could get bumpy too. They really are only small stretches though when compared with all the other parts that are pulk friendly, but enough for me personally to not want to take one up there. Man, I'd love to head back up there soon again.

Thanks, Trailblazer - sounds like a lightweight setup and pack is the way to go.