High Sierra Topix

I do not have "favorite" trailheads. I am just happy that there are so many to choose from. I even like Taboose! I have never had a "bad" experience with permitting, in fact, the rangers have been very flexible and helpful. And I simply do not expect solitude the first few miles. I do a lot out of Yosemite Valley and really get a kick out of the tourists! I can leave the trail anytime to get solitude when I want it.

I do have a few less liked ones. I am not too fond of driving to Edison or Florence Lake. I really hate that road! I am a timid driver and have been honked at and given the finger many times. And I am not that fond of the required shuttle service to Devils Post Pile trailheads. It eats up a lot of time. And paying $$ to park at Twin Lakes is annoying.

I'm with you Daisy---those are three areas that I think I choose less often because the hassles you've identified.

And we like exploring a different trailhead--not only because you get to meet new rangers staff...but I think that each trailhead has a kind of unique culture, and it's fun to see those.

My favorite is the one I am taking next. that changes from week to week. Next weekend, snowshoes from Badger pass. The following weekend, weather permitting, Point Reyes.


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Taboose Pass and Shepherd Pass, very low traffic, and some of the best views in the
Sierra at the top.

Wandering Daisy wrote:I do have a few less liked ones. I am not too fond of driving to Edison or Florence Lake. I really hate that road! I am a timid driver and have been honked at and given the finger many times.

I don't mind that road; I just take it slowly and carefully (and pull out at the first opportunity when there's someone who wants to go faster). For me, the spectacular views make up for a lot of the driving difficulty.

On the other hand, the Dinkey Lakes trailhead is one I will not do again. The condition of the "road" is just too horrible, and there are too many places where anyone with a normal vehicle risks major damage.

ETA:

And I simply do not expect solitude the first few miles. I do a lot out of Yosemite Valley and really get a kick out of the tourists! I can leave the trail anytime to get solitude when I want it.

Well, I'm just a Misanthroupic Basterd. The sooner I can be shut of the loathsome pests called "humans", the better.

I've been concerned a few times following you that your Fit would fall into a pothole and I wouldn't notice driving over you in my truck (13" of suspension travel and maybe a solid 8" of sustained clearance).

I still like TM and North Lake.

Wandering Daisy wrote:...And I simply do not expect solitude the first few miles. I do a lot out of Yosemite Valley and really get a kick out of the tourists! I can leave the trail anytime to get solitude when I want it.

True. And I don't mind people that much. My PackPard is the one that does not want to see people. That's right, I'm the fun one. It did get a bit tedious the first day in the EW last year when a Boy Scout troop decided to camp and swim just upstream from us. I had to get out our water supply fast. People and Marmots are what spread Geardia (however spelled).

...And I am not that fond of the required shuttle service to Devils Post Pile trailheads. It eats up a lot of time.....

Yes, but very impressive for Noobs.

I like starting up high from somewhere "relatively" close to San Diego. Mineral King fits the bill (made many hikes out of there back in the '70s) as does Cottonwood Lakes/Horseshoe Meadows (made some hikes out of there the last few years). North Lake up by Bishop is nice too.

rlown wrote:I've been concerned a few times following you that your Fit would fall into a pothole and I wouldn't notice driving over you in my truck (13" of suspension travel and maybe a solid 8" of sustained clearance).

I still like TM and North Lake.

Yes, that's why I specified "normal vehicle". People who drive abnormal vehicles like yours might well be perfectly okay.

I actually bottomed out on the Quartz mtn trail on the way out. a massive trench in the shade that I didn't see. speed may have been a small factor :retard: (another nice TH)

And thanks. I've always thought of the ol' dodge as somewhat abnormal.