High Sierra Topix

Hi

So I'm trying to find the right trail for my son and I. he loved the lakes trail to pear lake and I LOVED the rae lakes loop. I was thinking of doing something starting at onion valley but I think the elevation gain would be hard enough to make him miserable. I found Agnew to Thousand island and that's looks like better elevation change for less complaining. And looks gorgeous! Is that a good pick? Or other ideas?
Priorities in order are:

1. Amazing scenery especially lakes

2. Moderate or easy not hard

3. 3-5 days probably no more than 7-9 miles a day depending on elevation. We want time to relax.

THANKS!

The permits are basically full everywhere already. How hard are same Day? We are ok starting anywhere up the 395 or in SEKI.

Hi Ultrajen,

Welcome to HST!

When is this trip being planned for?

August? September?

Not June.

August!

Agnew Meadow>River Trail>1000 Is Lake>Garnet Lake>Lake Ediza>Shadow Lake>Agnew Meadow would be a wonderful trip, as a 5 day trip it will allow you to do some exploring, and it has some of the best scenery in the Sierra.

Big Pine North Fork would make a great 3-4 day trip, outstanding mountain scenery (Palisades) with emerald green lakes and a wonderful meadow with wildflowers. Also, the largest glacier in the Sierra is located there too.

You can find numerous TR's to both of the locations by using the "Search" feature.

Thank you! What about Walk up permits for those two areas?

I mean how likely is it to get one?
I wouldn't want to drive all the way to Mammoth and not be able to get a permit. But I guess we could try to get one at one of the lower visitor centers along the 395 and then we still have back up trails. I am a planner I've never not had a reserves permit before! But my son had a trip canceled so I'm jumping on the opportunity

Either pick one up the day before or the morning of when the station opens, have never had a problem securing a permit this way, yet.

You could also look at Mono Pass over into Humphrey's Basin---lots of fun things to see and do there.

If you're worried about elevation, most of Emigrant Wilderness would meet your "requirements' and not get over about 9500 feet.