High Sierra Topix

So I’ve avoided Desolation over the years, due to the reputation for crowds. But now that I’m a new dad, my wife has convinced me we should give it a try, and take the baby. We did a test run trip a couple weeks ago to Dardanelles lake, and are now trying for 3-4 nights in Desolation. We got a first-night permit going in to Grass Lake from Glenn Alpine.

First question is how would you spend nights 2, 3 and 4?

Question 2 is if you were hoping to see Lake Aloha (I’ve never been), could you make it a loop with a manageable XC return to Grass Lake? I see a drainage from Jabu lake on the map that leads right down, but the contour lines look awfully tight for carrying a 13 month old on the back. We have done a bunch of XC, but the goal posts shift a bit with precious cargo in tow. Does anyone have experience with that area and know if there is a logical route there?

I don't know about any cross-country routes on the slopes down to Grass Lake, but I have taken the rough trail further east from the Triangle Lake area north down the slope back to the Glen Alpine trailhead. It has some extremely steep rocky sections. There is no way I would carry a 13 month old down that trail, so I probably wouldn't do it cross-country above Grass Lake. (And I do know about carrying 13 month olds - I did that for all three of my children and now my grandchild).
-Phil

How far (distance and elevation) can you get in a day with your added little burden?

maiathebee wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:52 am How far (distance and elevation) can you get in a day with your added little burden?

We can do about 6 miles before the passenger starts complaining. Less concerned about elevation, we are pretty strong climbers.

Nope. I've done the down climb from Jabu with a climbing partner, pro, and a rope. Even then, sketch.








Jabu Lake - looking north, slightly northeast
Maybe if you stay north, but it's super loose. Not worth it.

Talimon wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 6:51 am

maiathebee wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:52 am How far (distance and elevation) can you get in a day with your added little burden?

We can do about 6 miles before the passenger starts complaining. Less concerned about elevation, we are pretty strong climbers.

You could do a lollipop semi-loop, counterclockwise. From Grass head back down to the trail then up to Lake Aloha, then the next day up over Mosquito Pass and then down the valley, cutting over to the Velmas. Either stop there or keep going to Fontanillis. The day if you were at Velmas, you could go to Dicks, or Fontanillis to keep it chill. Or if you're feeling up for it, go up and over Dicks Pass this day and over to Half Moon. Then back out your final day. It's about 29 miles without the spur to Half Moon.

Night 1 Grass Lake
Night 2 Lake Aloha
Night 3 Fontanillis or Velmas
Night 4 Half Moon Lake

I've taken the 'shortcut' from Grass to Heather many, many times. It's not bad at all.
Using that route, it's only 2.25-2.5 miles as opposed to 5.25-5.5 miles via Susie.