Backpacking Trip Advice: Bear Lakes Trail End of Sept
Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 5:26 pm
Hi All,
I"m looking for some advice on a trip I have planned with a friend to the High Sierra region. I've done quite a bit of googling but can't seem to get some solid answers, so I figured I'd try here. After reading through an excellent book (Sierra South Backcountry Trips) on different trips, I really liked the looks of Bear Lakes loop that goes from Bear Diversion Dam Junction to Lake Italy, Vee Lakes, and the Bear Lakes. I have plenty of day hiking experience, but only a few short backpacking excursions.
1. The trail has some "cross country" travel required going from Lake Italy to Vee lakes via Jumble Lake. Any idea what kind of cross country we're talking about? I certainly don't mind walking over rocks and up some hills, but I want to make sure absolutely no climbing gear is necessary?
2. The trip is planned for the last week of Sept. I've been trying to read up on what weather will be like, and it seems its too unpredictable. My question is whether this trail is a wise decision for this timeperiod? I don't mind some difficulty, but I don't want to be stupid about it.
3. What rating for a sleeping bag should I consider for this timeframe at 10,000 ft + elevation? I have been looking at 0 degree and 15 degree bags.
4. Also, if anyone has taken the Bear Diversion Dam 4WD road, is this reasonable with a 2000 Ford Explorer?
Thanks! Appreciate any help, just trying to get a vector check before I commit to this
I"m looking for some advice on a trip I have planned with a friend to the High Sierra region. I've done quite a bit of googling but can't seem to get some solid answers, so I figured I'd try here. After reading through an excellent book (Sierra South Backcountry Trips) on different trips, I really liked the looks of Bear Lakes loop that goes from Bear Diversion Dam Junction to Lake Italy, Vee Lakes, and the Bear Lakes. I have plenty of day hiking experience, but only a few short backpacking excursions.
1. The trail has some "cross country" travel required going from Lake Italy to Vee lakes via Jumble Lake. Any idea what kind of cross country we're talking about? I certainly don't mind walking over rocks and up some hills, but I want to make sure absolutely no climbing gear is necessary?
2. The trip is planned for the last week of Sept. I've been trying to read up on what weather will be like, and it seems its too unpredictable. My question is whether this trail is a wise decision for this timeperiod? I don't mind some difficulty, but I don't want to be stupid about it.
3. What rating for a sleeping bag should I consider for this timeframe at 10,000 ft + elevation? I have been looking at 0 degree and 15 degree bags.
4. Also, if anyone has taken the Bear Diversion Dam 4WD road, is this reasonable with a 2000 Ford Explorer?
Thanks! Appreciate any help, just trying to get a vector check before I commit to this