Trip Advice: SEKI in late May

[qwerty77]

Hello all,

I am heading into SEKI with a group of guys for a backpacking trip from 5/19 - 5/24. We are hoping to do the High Sierra Trail from Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw to Hamilton Lakes (and then back to Crescent Meadow), although understand that it may not be a great option even during a low snow year due to heavy snow, high creek crossings, etc. I did talk with someone at the SEKI Wilderness office about two weeks ago who thought that the route may not be too snowy at that time, but wanted to try and gather as much information as possible.

We are probably around level 2 backpackers - we're willing to step out of our comfort zone, but would like to try and avoid heavy amounts of snow. Any thoughts on the possibility of making it to Hamilton Lakes at that time, or any other good options for alternatives? We've never been to SEKI before and would love to go anywhere that will be doable and good hiking!

Thank you for your expertise!

[c9h13no3]

Tamarack lake in that same area has a nice little waterfall in the early season that doesn't require as many creek crossings to get to as Hamilton Lake. Just remember, you don't have to keep following the trail when it crosses the creek. A little off trail travel can get you to Tamarack without the crossing of the outlet. Same situation with Hamilton, thrashing through some willows & manzanita will certainly be safer than crossing a torrent.

Alta Peak will be loaded with day hikers, but it's a nice summit, worth a side trip if you get shutout elsewhere.

If you want to step off the trails a bit, Lonely Lake is also a south facing route that should be mostly snow free, but it requires some easy off trail travel. Pterodactyl pass to the Tablelands *might* go if you're lucky and the melt is fast. That'd grant you access to Moose Lake/Pear Lake, but the risk of snow goes up quite a bit once you get that high & onto a north/east facing aspect. Horn Col is a cool spot to go just for the view, again snow risk is higher.

If you fish, climb a peak or two and take your time, you could stretch it all out into 5 days even if conditions shut you out of Hamilton Lake. And most creeks can be crossed, it's just a matter of how much bushwhacking you're willing to do in order to find a safe crossing . You're right to be worried about that though, mid to late May is likely to be peak melt. I find Skurka's article on the subject to be useful.

I think the mountains are at their best, scenery-wise, with some snow. I think you'll have an awesome trip.

[Wandering Daisy]

I would be careful about going into Tablelands if there is still snow. I did an early season trip there once and due to a lot of crossing talus, you can get into miserable post-hole situations. If you do go, be prepared for some very slow going if there is snow. When snow is melting in boulder/talus fields you can fall through at any time. Be sure to check out websites that show snow. Early there usually is a steep snowfield on the east side of Pyredctyle Pass. You can also easily go off-trail, up the creek from Lonely Lake to reach Lonely Lake from the Tamarack Trail.

The crossing at the trail if going to Tamarack Lake is nearly impossible at high flows. But you can just go upstream a ways and cross through the swamp- wading but not impossible. There also is a high trail from Bearpaw that you only have to cross the creek from Lonely Lake, which is generally less of a problem than the main creek from Tamarack. I have never been on this trail- call SEKI and see if it has been maintained lately.

But Hamilton trip would definitely be the best. I would go up to the creek and see if it is crossable, and if not, you can always backtrack and go to Tamarack.

By the way, do you have a permit yet? If not be sure to get one as soon as the "walk-in" permits are released- 2 weeks prior to entry. A permit to Hamilton would also be fine for Tamarack.

[qwerty77]

Thank you, c9h13no3 and WD! It sounds like there are some good options if Hamilton isn't possible. I appreciate the tips (and the things to watch out for).

By the way, do you have a permit yet? If not be sure to get one as soon as the "walk-in" permits are released- 2 weeks prior to entry. A permit to Hamilton would also be fine for Tamarack.

Wandering Daisy, I was under the impression from the permits page of the NPS SEKI website (https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/ ... ermits.htm) that reserved permits aren't required during the non-quota season. Since our trip ends on 5/24/21, I had thought we just had to grab and fill out a self-issue permit at a visitors center when we got there. Am I not reading that correctly?

[Wandering Daisy]

You are correct- quota season starts after your trip.

I went into Hamilton Lk May 25-30 2001 (a very low snow year- less than this year), and the crossing was significant. My husband who is taller than me had no problem, and carried my pack across. I am a wimp with crossings, but I made it. After 2 days, going out, the creek was much lower. It varies a lot both daily and weekly. We did a day-hike up to Keweah Gap. Here is a photo looking down towards Hamilton Lake from Precipice Lake and Hamilton Lake, which was open water.

View from below Precipice Lake

Hamilton Lake

[qwerty77]

WD, thanks for sharing the pics - looks gorgeous! We are very excited. Glad I didn't read the permit info wrong, I was scared for a second!

Thanks again for the feedback and information, it's good to hear from folks who have had boots on the ground.

[wildhiker]

I did the "high trail" from Bearpaw Meadow up to Tamarack Creek in July 2018. This avoids the crossing of Tamarack Creek if you are heading to Tamarack Lake. The trail was in good condition and easily followed. It was quite scenic, with lots of wildflowers (won't have those yet in May), some excellent views out, and some really nice tall red fir forest.
-Phil