Onion Valley - Rae Lakes - 60 Lakes - Gardiner Basin Trip Beta

[Gazelle]

I think instead go over rae col or take the 60 lakes basin trail, instead of going to arrowhead lake. It would shorten it and you should be all good if in shape. I think jt would be more fun to include peaks but that is your deal. Or you could go in north dragon pass, to 60 lakes basin trail and have even more fun but at lot more off trail.

[Fviolich]

My first trip into the Sierras was in 1969 when I was 12. A neighbor (and future brother in law) took me and my little brother up to Desolation for a day hike from Upper Echo to climb Ralston. Of course we ran the whole way, and were ready to run back, but after seeing Aloha from 9,000’ we begged our neighbor to stay overnight. He caved. We landed a couple of trout, saw Ralston and Pyramid silhouetted by starlight, and bivied that evening. 10 years ago my partner and I went to Gardiner. That was our first trip to the Southern Sierras. We planned an overnight but stayed 2 more exploring Lower Gardiner, sketching and flyfishing. What a basin! We’ve been back to SEKI and Inyo every summer since then except 2020. Hike your hike I say, and agree that safety is first! Most importantly please leave us a report!

[creekfeet]

60 lakes in 60 minutes. I'm not opposed to marathon hiking, so long as I still have enough time to for a couple swims and get in a quick nap by a babbling brook, but this seems like a bit much.

[kylekuzma]

I attempted this from the other direction 2 years ago. Distance-wise this will only work as a trail run with a very early start. Think R2R2R. Logistically, the trail between Gardiner Basin and Gardiner Pass is extremely overgrown and will require a much slower pace and brutal bush whacking for a bit. Then you've got to deal with crossing Gardiner Creek which is going to be ripping at that time. Cross closer to Gardiner Basin and this should be possible but again, lots of bushwacking in this section. As you leave Gardiner Creek to head towards Gardiner Basin, you've then got an *incredibly* steep 700 foot climb which will also slow you down. I couldnt find the real trail so this might also be very slow going, especially in what will be smushy mid afternoon snow. The rest until Gardiner Pass is water logged and will be snowy in places which will suck given that itll likely be smushy mid afternoon snow or itll be waterlogged swamp. Gardiner Pass from the east will be a relief given where you will have come from. In June itll be covered in snow, so just kick-step and switchback your way up and youll be fine. The rest will be self explanatory back to the car.

All in all, it doesnt seem like a great idea.

FYI, if you're looking to do a 35 mile trail run in a day in the Sierra, there are some better routes to choose from IMO. Leor Pantilat has some of the best routes that i've seen published. Check him out here: https://pantilat.wordpress.com/

[Gogd]

..I am more concerned about doing it safely than if you can physically do it...

I agree. Furthermore, Daisy's advice comes from the experience, and having associated with some very capable who's who of the mountaineering community. She seldom throws shade on ambitious projects. I'd listen to her POV.

Given the distances you describe as doable day hikes, I wonder: why bother asking us what we think you can do? Thirty five miles/day, at any speed, even on flat, low elevation, places you in the elite category. Doing so along the route you aspire makes you ultra. If you are really all that, then you should be a better judge of your abilities than we, providing Bucket List Fever isn't distorting your judgment. Right?

My friends considered me a tough hombre back in the day, such was my grit. All the same, your Sixty Lakes/Gardiner basin day hike from Onion Valley is way too much fun for my feet and endurance at any age. The only times I pushed anywhere near that hard were unplanned, forced marches. Given the route, I also wonder the wisdom of soloing this in one day. The combination of distance, elevation, tough terrain, and lack of others along the Sixty Lakes/Gardiner Basin segment make such an endeavor an unnecessary risk. Please don't tell us you carry a sat-com device, just in case! If you think the risk is tangible (and I do, all things considered) this should be a no-go, especially if the contingency plan is relying on SAR as an option.

Ed

[rormisto]

I've really been putting off writing this up on hst, but I did this route a couple years ago and have an external blog post here. It's more verbose and less useful than what I try to put on HST. But if you're considering the exact route, maybe it'll be useful to you.