5 day route from Florence Lake - June 30th
Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:37 am
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 3- Numerous backpacking trips, some x-country travel (lots of trips, VERY limited x-country travel)
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 2 terrain/pass/x-country
What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Big Mountain scenery
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? 5 days, 4 nights
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? 15 per day on trail, 8-10 per day x-country, would capable of doing more if needed for a couple of longer days
Did you prefer a loop or out and back trip? Semi-loop preferred but either is okay
Will you be hiking with a dog? NO
Looking to head out of Florence Lake (I'll be at Huntington Lake car camping the prior couple of days anyway, so as long as I'm up there I'd like to do some backpacking June 30th-July 4th) and explore the Bear Lakes basin. Thinking of going up French Canyon, then either up into Bear Lakes Basin around Merriam Lake or over Italy Pass. Then either come down Hilgard to meet the JMT or come back down to French Canyon. Just want a reasonably easy to follow route (with no major snow/ice beyond what I can do safely with trekking poles) with intermediate map and compass skills, and being novice to Sierra x-country hiking. Bear Lakes Basin is a high priority, but I'm willing to adjust based on conditions or other suggestions, etc. I'm fine with high elevation and lots of climbing, just want to be safe. Thanks!
Level 3- Numerous backpacking trips, some x-country travel (lots of trips, VERY limited x-country travel)
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 2 terrain/pass/x-country
What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Big Mountain scenery
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? 5 days, 4 nights
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? 15 per day on trail, 8-10 per day x-country, would capable of doing more if needed for a couple of longer days
Did you prefer a loop or out and back trip? Semi-loop preferred but either is okay
Will you be hiking with a dog? NO
Looking to head out of Florence Lake (I'll be at Huntington Lake car camping the prior couple of days anyway, so as long as I'm up there I'd like to do some backpacking June 30th-July 4th) and explore the Bear Lakes basin. Thinking of going up French Canyon, then either up into Bear Lakes Basin around Merriam Lake or over Italy Pass. Then either come down Hilgard to meet the JMT or come back down to French Canyon. Just want a reasonably easy to follow route (with no major snow/ice beyond what I can do safely with trekking poles) with intermediate map and compass skills, and being novice to Sierra x-country hiking. Bear Lakes Basin is a high priority, but I'm willing to adjust based on conditions or other suggestions, etc. I'm fine with high elevation and lots of climbing, just want to be safe. Thanks!