Good Destination for Noob

[flyfishnevada]

I am searching for good beginner back packing locations, but I figured I'd introduce myself and ask directly. I live in Smith Valley, Nevada and next summer I want to begin backpacking with my sons (12 and 14). I'm looking for a good spot for a night or two north of Bishop and south of Reno. I don't want to drive for hours and I figure there are many excellent trail heads Near me. I don't mind a little elevation or distance, but I want to enjoy the camp, not hike all day and show up half dead. I'd like to be near some good fishing too.

I fish a lot and day hike occasionally, but really have no idea where to go overnight. Thanks!

[tim]

I'd recommend either Desolation Wilderness (Echo Lake entry with a boat across the lake is one of the easiest) or Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite as easy options. They worked out well with my kids (8 years old) a couple of years ago - Lake Aloha was their first trip (only about 3 miles) at age 7:
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Both are really popular though, so will likely require advance planning.

[maverick]

First welcome to HST!
Saddleback Lake on the way to Tioga Pass from the east off of 120 is a gorgeous place
with good fishing, great alpine scenery, and Little Lake Valley at Rock Creek south of
Mammoth Lakes is even easier to hike into, and the place is very pretty.
You can even take a ferry to get across SL making really easy, and fun.
You can find trip reports in the fishing and backpacking sections about both.
Here is a panorama of the northern end of LLV from above:
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s8/v ... 8729-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[flyfishnevada]

I was thinking that 20 Lakes Basin was day use only. Apparently not. All good ideas. I suppose their are dozens of hokes that would suit us, but I'd rather try one that someone suggests. I'll start looking into these.

[Cross Country]

Ten Lakes basin is (to me) an ideal trip. Jim (in the picture) caught this fish out of this Ten Lakes Basin lake.

[texan]

If you want any easy hike thats a stroll in the park then Little Lakes Valley is the place. You start at Mosquito Flat around 10,200 ft and you can get to many lakes within three miles from the Trailhead.

Texan

[flyfishnevada]

I am thinking Little Lakes Valley. Looks like an easy hike with lots of choices for fishing and camping. Gem Lakes might be a good day hike on our camp day if we do a two nighter. I can be at the trail head in about two hours and we won't get ourselves into a situation where we bite off more than we can chew. I'm sure I will be asking questions over the next few months as we start buying gear (I already have some gear) and getting ready to go. Thanks!!!

[Flux]

I would have a plan B if Little Lakes falls through. I am pretty sure you can't reserve permits. Little Lakes can get crowded, but is a great place regardless. Plenty of lakes to find your solitude on.

I would have a couple options just in case. South of there you have North Lake and South Lake out of Bishop as well as Pine Creek, but that's a big in. There are some opportunities around Mammoth, and a few more north of there too.

[flyfishnevada]

Good idea. I will look into some other non quota areas nearby. How about Virginia Lakes? I fish there a a lot and have day hiked into Blue Lake (10 minutes) and always wondered about the lakes up above.