Looking for suggestions for late-season backpack

[jdubail]

Hello, friends, new to this forum so I apologize if don't follow some of the protocol.

We are getting a late start this year on planning, so I understand our options are limited, but I would appreciate some ideas for a three-night backpack on the west side of the range (with relatively straight access to SF).

There are three in our party: two with some experience backpacking, one a noobie but very fit. We're not looking for something extremely difficult, but moderately strenuous would be fine.

Would love to do a loop through a high lakes basin, or an out-and-back to a picturesque spot where we can explore.

Looking to go mid- to late September.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Best,

Jean

[maiathebee]

Welcome! Read this and then edit your post. http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... df0d649ce8

[balzaccom]

With two hikers that have some moderate experience, and one noobie, I think I would suggest that you stick to trails, rather than attempt much in terms of cross-country travel.

And since you have requested something with relatively straight access from SF, I am going to suggest Highway 120--which takes you straight to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, where you might still get a permit for a loop from Tuolumne Meadows to Young Lakes and make a loop through the two different trails: Dog Lake and the Glen Aulin Trail. Or Rafferty Creek/ Lyell Canyon loop through Vogelsang. Both meet your criteria. If permits turn out to be an issue, you can make a loop in the Twenty Lakes Basin, just easy of Yosemite.

Further north, you could look a loop in Emigrant Wilderness off Highway 108--Crabtree Trailhead to Gem Lake, down to Woods Lake, and then back out via Grouse Lake, for example.

There are fewer real loop options off Highway 4 or 88, but once you get into Desolation Wilderness on Highway 50 west of Lake Tahoe you might still find some permits for something out of Wrights Lake, Echo Lake, or even Eagle Falls--but there are fewer obvious loops for you there. Then again, I usually find that the view on the way out is quite different from the view on the way in, so loops are not such a priority with my trip planning. Desolation is great for hiking into a base camp, and then exploring around for a day, then hiking back out.

There are lots of references to these hikes on these boards, if you use the search engine. And we have trip reports on most of these on our website, in my signature line.

[c9h13no3]

I would generally compile a group of 3-4 options, and be ready to make the call as last minute as you can (depending on permit availability). If this year is anything like other years, half the range will be blanketed by smoke in September. There's also the possibility of some colder temps than you'd prefer at night. So pick something to the south (out of Lodgepole/Kings Canyon/Courtwright/Wishon), something out of Yosemite/Sonora Pass/Hoover Wilderness, and then something up north by Tahoe. Something will be probably be good, but the more last minute you can pick, the better things will be. Could also get a permit for something bucket-listy that's hard to get last minute, and just be ready to bail elsewhere if you need to plan far in advance.

The Trinity Alps can also be nice, and are a similar drive. They have crowding problems with their no-quota system, but the scenery is good and their lower elevations are warmer at night if you're concerned about low temps.

[TurboHike]

Looking to go mid- to late September.

If you are willing to drive to SEKI, the non-quota period for SEKI starts on Sept. 19, 2021. This opens up a lot of possibilities since you won't be competing for permits with those who have trips planned during the quota period.

[jdubail]

Wow, thank you TurboHike, c9h13no3 and balzaccom for the quick response and excellent suggestions. you've given me a lot to work with and I appreciate the help.

[Wandering Daisy]

If you going all the way to Tioga Pass, it is only about 20 minutes down to Rush Creek TH by Sliver Lake and 35 minutes to Mammoth Lakes. You can then go into Thousand Island Lake/Garnet Lakes from either Rush Creek (6.5 mi 3500 feet gain, steep trail- easier but about 10 miles if you go to the PCT and back south to Thousand Island Lake), or Agnew Meadow in Devils Postpile up River Trail (6.5 miles about 2000 feet gain). Agnew Meadow is preferred if you can get a permit but they also have some driving restrictions on the road when shuttles are required. If in effect you can only drive to the trailhead before 7AM and out after 7PM? Otherwise take the shuttle, which has limited runs in September. But the approach is definitely easier than Rush Creek. The Minarets are the classic high lake basin with really spectacular scenery. Ediza and Iceberg Lake (day hiked from Ediza) are even closer when taking the River Trail. And although smaller lakes, I think more spectacular. If anyone is fishing, Garnet is good. 2014 (photos) was also a low snow year so you can see what September looks like.

Garnet Lake 9/8/2014

Ediza Lake 9/6/2014