While this TR certainly does not compare to the epic Sierra adventures I usually come across on HST where members rack up mileage, scale numerous passes and catch 25” golden trout… I submit to a TR about a more relaxed and very enjoyable trip to the Eastern Sierra
My wife and I started with a couple days in Bishop and some acclamation hikes in the area. Afterwards, we would take a 5 day backpacking trip into the Sabrina basin.
Our first acclimatization hike was in the White Mountains, the Methusala Trail at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. We really enjoyed this great trail. (You must pick-up the self-led trail guide that describes 24 points of interest and the science and history of this remarkable place)
- Ancient Bristlecone Pine (Trees that are alive up to 5K yrs old, dead trees can be as old as 11k yrs!)
The next day, we went to Little Lakes Valley and hiked to both Chickenfoot Lake and Gem Lake. I have never been to this Trailhead before, and had heard so much about it as it relates to being a great beginner backpacking location. It was a perfect place for an acclimatization hike.
Both nights we ended up at the Mountain Rambler Brewery for some good food and beer.
Day 1: Lake Sabrina to Sailor Lake. The Lake Sabrina trail was awesome. My wife and I both thought that this was one of the most well-constructed trails we had been on, a pure joy! From Lake Sabrina, which was very beautiful, past Blue Lake and Dingleberry Lake, on to Sailor… - awesome trail!
- Overlooking Sabrina Lake
- stream crossing just past Dingleberry ake
- Picture Peak form our campsite at Sailor Lake
Day 2: Echo Lake Hike
- Moonlight Lake form the far end - on the approach to
- Echo Lake, just before a storm chased us back top our tent at Sailor Lake
- Moonlight Lake Lunker, unfortunately I did not have a tape measure
- Moonlight Lake Lunker, unfortunately I did not have a tape measure
- Moonlight Lake Lunker, unfortunately I did not have a tape measure
- Ridge between Sailor and Midnight Lakes
- Granola Girl On a Ridge - Nothing Better!
- Fun on the Ridge!
Day 4: We descended to Blue Lake via trail, Pitched our tent, then hiked to Baboon Lakes via the normal trail. The trail was not easy and we were tired when we reached Lower Baboon Lake. About the same time, a nice storm moved in fast
with some dark clouds and lightning. We made it as far as the far-end of lower lake, then decided a prompt retreat was necessary. We decided to follow a climber’s trail down from the gap between lower Baboon Lake and Middle Baboon Lake. We descended quickly and ultimately joined the mane trail between Donkey Lake and Blue Lake.
Day 5: 1 coffee and a clif Bar…
