Route Feedback: Crabtree -> Buck -> Big

[mschnaidt]

I don't know the way to Big Lake, but wanted to comment on the Pine Valley Trail. Was there in late summer 2019, and it was awful. Just dusty as all get-out; full of horse poop generated by the world's longest packtrains. Some of the worst I have ever seen in the Sierra.

I took a lateral trail up to the Crabtree Trail at the first opportunity. It is _so much nicer_ on Crabtree Trail. All those ups & downs are gentle. It doesn't really add all that much time.

Agreed. Pine Valley isn't great for a few miles before you get to Grouse Lake. After Grouse it's fine. The Pine Valley to Upper Buck route saves approx 340 ft of ascent and 550 ft of descent. That adds up on a long day but I'm in my 60's...