Emmigrant crabtree/giannelli area advice

[adam_]

Hi, I'm planning a 3 night trip leaving from Gianelli and returning to Crabtree (we are 2 families, so can do car shuttle), with focus on moderate hiking and lots of time at lakes. I got much advice here a couple years ago (thanks!) but had to bail because of fires, so going to try the trip next monday.

Plan is night one at Powell lake, nights 2 & 3 at granite, with day hike to Leopold lake, and then out via bear and camp lakes to crabtree. From what I've seen online the cross country from granite to bear seems the right mix of straightforward and a little adventure for kids (2 each of 11 and 14 years old). https://caltopo.com/m/HNVM1

I guess I'm writing just to ask for any recommendations on potentially tweaking that, spots to camp, etc... from the many folks here with a lot more experience in there.

thanks!

[balzaccom]

I've been to all of those places. Powell is a short first day, and there are usually a lot of people there. You might consider Y Meadow instead. There are lots of nice campsites on the granite benches along the northwest side of Y Meadow.

I have not hiked from Y Meadow to Granite Lake, but not cross-country, but it looks dead easy on the topo map.

When I went to Leopold, I stuck with the main trail to Toejam Lake, then cross country from there. That was quite easy. I remember thinking that there were some granite shelves and ledges between Leopold and Granite that might take some negotiation.

Granite to Bear is simple, just follow the slabs. We went due west from Granite until we go closer to the creek, then stayed above the creek to the east down to Bear. I remember some decent campsites Just above Bear along the creek.

[adam_]

thanks so much!

[Flamingo]

Hey Adam,
Confirming your intuition this is a great place for family backpacking. I agree with balzaccom's note: Powell can be popular. I've camped there twice, and both times other groups were within earshot. Also, I found a surprising amount of toilet paper in the surrounding woods. Or shall I call them "white roses"?

Instead of Powell L on your first day, here's another option... camp along the edge of the big meadow east of Chewing Gum Lake. This meadow is labeled "Lake Valley" on your topo map. The area around [38°11'41.22"N, 119°50'50.03"W] is mighty fine. It's a half-mile side trip from your route, but no extra elevation gain. CG Lake is popular, but the meadow to its east is a different story. It has big views, water in the creek, and secluded camping options among the rock gardens. Stargazing here can be excellent. CG Lake is ~200m away if you want to go swimming. Here's a pic looking down on the area from an unnamed peak (Flickr link).

The cross-country line you drew from Y Meadow to Granite Lake is good. Walking on this line, the actual terrain underfoot can be a bit complicated... lots of micro ups and downs... so prepare to freestyle a bit, but stick to your bearing, and you'll be fine.

Granite Lake is nice. You'll find campsites on all four sides of the lake, but I recall the biggest group-sized site was on the southern shore in the trees. There's another big site on the eastern shore in a cove, a few pixels south from where your pink dotted line begins.

Have a great trip

[adam_]

thanks for the advice! We'll probably decide powell vs. chewing gum area based on how late we start, if the kids are whiny, rain imminent, etc... but it's great to have options- I really appreciate it. Have you ever been to the little lakes about 1/4 mile NW of Powell? would they be a good option? If nothing else, they seem like a nice place to explore, so I'll probably check them out en route if we go there. thanks again

[adam_]

thanks for the advice! We'll probably decide powell vs. chewing gum area based on how late we start, if the kids are whiny, rain imminent, etc... but it's great to have options- I really appreciate it. Have you ever been to the little lakes about 1/4 mile NW of Powell? would they be a good option? If nothing else, they seem like a nice place to explore, so I'll probably check them out en route if we go there. thanks again