R09 TR: Glen Alpine to Heather and Half Moon Lakes 5/23/-5/25/2014

[maiathebee]

We headed out the Glen Alpine Trailhead with plans to visit Lake Aloha and come back down the Tamarack Trail by Lily Lake, but got stopped by too much snow for our group. I was taking some people who haven't backpacked much (lots of car camping though) and who haven't really done much in the Sierras---we were slow and didn't cover that much ground, but we had a great time anyway!

We camped at Heather Lake, making our first day pretty short and easy (about 5 miles, 1400 feet elevation). The next day, we split at Susie Lake with two of our group heading back down to take care of some things at home while my friend and I headed out to Half Moon Lake. Another easy day at 4.5 miles (including about 0.5 off trail) and about 500 feet elevation. The next morning, we crossed Half Moon's outlet stream to explore Alta Morris Lake before heading back to the car. (7 miles, about 1 mile off trail).


Heading up Glen Alpine Trail by snackronym, on Flickr


Miranda and Sarah enjoy the view by snackronym, on Flickr


Susie Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Snowfields on the west shore of Susie by snackronym, on Flickr


A first view of Heather Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Heather Lake has some ice on it. The peaks of the Crystal Range behind are still blanketed in snow. by snackronym, on Flickr


Sunrise at Heather Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Allie and Miranda enjoy the alpenglow on the Crystal Range at Heather Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


This marmot chewed off my sternum strap in the night and ran away with it! by snackronym, on Flickr


View from the trail to Half Moon Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Alpenglow at Half Moon Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Half Moon Lake in the morning by snackronym, on Flickr


Alta Morris Lake and the waterfalls that tumble down from Jack's and Dick's snowfields. by snackronym, on Flickr


Me at Alta Morris Lake by snackronym, on Flickr


Saying goodbye to the Crystal Range and Jack's Peak as we head down to the Glen Alpine Trailhead. by snackronym, on Flickr

[maverick]

Thanks for the TR and all the wonderful pictures!

[Tom_H]

Awesome photos! Always love seeing my old stomping grounds. Heather doesn't have many flat and level areas; where did you camp?

TahoeJeff was up there recently and gave a TR. He couldn't see Half Moon, but in a reply predicted it was still iced over, given its altitude and the fact that it's in a cirque. It's amazing that it's already melted.

Thanks for the TR! Now you have me ready to hit the trail.

[TahoeJeff]

Another great Deso report! Heather looks just right for ice out fishing. I was early by a week...

[KathyW]

Beautiful shots. I had a LX-3 a few years ago too, but it fell into a creek. Now, I'm starting to think I might want one again, but I suppose one would have to buy the newer model.

[paula53]

Thanks for posting. The lakes look wonderful. How were the mosquitos?

[maiathebee]

Thanks everyone!

Heather doesn't have many flat and level areas; where did you camp?

We camped at an established site on the northwest side of the lake. The tent location was within 100 feet of the lake (sadly), but we were careful about doing dishes / our business farther up the hill.

Thanks for posting. The lakes look wonderful. How were the mosquitos?

The mosquitos were not a problem at all. There were some around in the morning at Half Moon, but they weren't biting us.

[justm]

Wow, beautiful pics !!! thanks for sharing

[Vaca Russ]

....all the wonderful pictures!

Awesome photos!

Beautiful shots.

Wow, beautiful pics !!!

Maia,

As others have shared...GREAT PHOTOS!! I really like "Half Moon Lake in the morning". That shot with Jacks Peak in the background is beautiful.

I wish I could take photos like that but I'm lucky to take a picture that doesn't have my finger in the way.

Thanks for this great report! It is reports like this one and your recent report on the Trinity Alps that make this site such a great place to visit. Keep up the good work. It is truly appreciated.



Thanks,

-Russ

[maiathebee]

Thanks Russ!!! I plan to post a LOT of trip reports this summer... I just got tenure (as a professor at a small college) and hope to spend most of my summer nights in the mountains, training for the High Sierra Trail in August followed by a trip to Glacier NP in the fall. Hope y'all don't get sick of me!!