High Sierra Topix

As tempting as a cross-country route up/down Roaring River between 180 at 5,000' and the ranger station at 7,400' would be... I think I would stick with the trail from Rowell/Sunset, which is easy walking. I've done that stretch in well under a day several times.

JosiahSpurr wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 12:41 pm I am searching for a way to visit Cloud Canyon and Deadman Canyon compressed into a two-day weekend.

Not practical/doable in two days. Look at the map, figure out the mileage and elevation gain, and plan a more reasonable trip.

I am doing a trip this year starting at Rowell Meadows, going up Deadman Canyon, cross country over Coppermine Pass, then down Cloud Canyon. I think the crux will be the cross-country day over Coppermine Pass. Snow will the the main issue. Going in late August, so maybe the snow will be minimal. Don't want to haul crampons, ax, pickets, etc. And I have seven nights planned! (with a layover day at Colby Lake) Likely we will only spend six nights on the trail, but we're not trying to do it as fast as possible.

Although this thread seven years old, the OP still has questions as recently as last year.

I searched for Sunset Meadows & appears that it's along forest route 13S14. Thanks from OP. I left a government job and joined the gig economy, therefore I can go whenever I want for as long as I want.

My second trip in the area was a better approach. I started closer to Roaring River Falls up a long, gradual rock slope that was very scenic. Off to the left, there was a majestic view down into the very deep R.R. gorge. The view seemed to be straight down. Then I entered the same basin in TR #1 after crossing the remains of Sentinel Ridge. It left a deep impression in my mind, due in part to the sense that "nobody ever comes here." After Hwy. 180 opens, I might try the other (East) side of R.R. because the countours seem straighter.

This is awesome, I love that you're hiking cross country up out of Kings Canyon. Like you said, "nobody ever comes here." I'd love to see any pictures you share of the unique views from your routes!

FrankPS wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 8:00 am

JosiahSpurr wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2017 12:41 pm I am searching for a way to visit Cloud Canyon and Deadman Canyon compressed into a two-day weekend.

Not practical/doable in two days. Look at the map, figure out the mileage and elevation gain, and plan a more reasonable trip.

You’re right, hauling an overnight pack for 1 sleep isn’t worth it.

Do it in a day.

I take it you were spoofing with that answer unless you mean trail running. As for an overnight "not worth it", depends on how heavy your pack. A minimalist overnight pack is not much heavier than a daypack. Not sure what the initial post meant by overnight. If it means a long drive each way, added to the route, in a normal weekend, it could be a death march.

As a past "weekend warrior" I have done that, drive part way to trailhead straight from work on Friday, walk in to base camp, crack of dawn start of climb and then walk out and drive part way home, Mon AM crack home, quick shower, back to work. Cannot say that was very pleasant. In fact, most of my Sierra summits, including technical climbs were done that way. We were focused totally on the summit, regardless of discomfort or pain. To us, it was "worth" it. Different goals for different folks.