High Sierra Topix

Hi, this mid-July I'm looking to go from Vernon to Branigan with my pack on to camp at the latter for a couple nights. My three buddies and I intend to go on the granite along the southern slope of Vernon, trying to stay above and keep out of the swampy area at the east end of that lake. I'm sure we'll have to backtrack some, but is this reasonable or is it only worth doing as a dayhike without our packs? Second question is whether there are decent (we'll settle for half-decent) campsites for four solo tents at Branigan. Thanks everyone!

How did you pick this obscure, lower elevation destination? Although it may be pretty, it seems like prime time for one of the higher elevation, more scenic areas.

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.0187 ... &b=t&a=mba

I haven't been to Vernon Lake in decades. Of course, straightforward to hike to areas behind the lake on the indicated north side trail. But fording Falls Creek mid July from that side is likely to be unpleasant. Much of the stream behind the lake is slow and deep. Incredible numbers of rainbow trout up it in mid June. Worth following to see if there is somewhere now only waist deep or if a large trunk has bridged the stream. Above where the stream flows over granite was always too big into early July.

Now the south side of Vernon gets ugly right where the east end of the lake is. With large pines down low mixed with, sections of dense willow, avalanche log debris, swamp, and deep ferns. Chinquapin brush prevents easy climbing up along the adjacent slope. What I did was just push through the brush slowly much like the south side of Kibbie Lake. Worst section is where the tributary stream flows in 2/3 of the way to the second pond. But who knows, maybe people have since smashed open a path. If there is no use route, it is for a good reason haha. Once reaching the large lily pond, recall not too bad. Stay on the east of the creek slabs up to Brannigan.

Wonder if Brannigan that had larger rainbows has joined so many of its fishless neighbors since the spawning is marginal only after large winters. Just takes one stretch of dry years to eliminate those trout.

In any case look at it closely with Google Earth.

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.0155 ... &a=c%2Cmba

FrankPS wrote: ↑Tue May 20, 2025 4:15 am How did you pick this obscure, lower elevation destination? Although it may be pretty, it seems like prime time for one of the higher elevation, more scenic areas.

I considered it myself. The water looks pretty clear and you can go north from there and connect to the eastern trail along the valley rim. This allows for a loop and an overnight at a lake but only if you like cross country. It is only 1.8mi to backtrack.

I did wonder about the flow and depth of Falls Creek and if it is too dangerous.

I have visited those lakes, going up on the east side Branigan Lake's outlet creek and skirting BK southern side, then following the creek down the longish lake, on to the lake next lake in the chain, and then out to the lake on the bench (plenty of camping spots), then headed down the steep incline to the bottom and hooked up with the use trail back to Vernon. You could also follow the trail up, east above VL, and leave the trail at 7600 ft and head towards the lakes as an alternative.

I'm not as good at route finding as a lot of people here. Mav is the expert here and I'd take his advice. But I've tried this twice and gave up both times. It was early season, and anything close to Vernon was a swamp. But the "granite" up higher was often fractured and covered with thorny shrubs. There were times when I could not see through the shrubs to avoid stepping off a ledge. So it just seemed like too much work to me. And I was dayhiking from a base camp at Vernon.

However, I did leave thinking to myself that a better way would be to take the trail south out of Vernon, gain elevation, and then leave the trail and head NE, coming in to Branigan via the long lakes south of it. I never tried this, but it is worth considering. I bet someone here can comment on that route--whether it is more open forest and so less brush.

I'll be going up there this weekend and will let you all know. I'll still have some miles left in me once I get to Vernon.

Found this YT video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsjAmp ... swithAmani where they go around the southern end of Lake Vernon and take the high route to the east where it provides a steady class 2 incline across mostly granite. You can avoid Falls Creeks entirely.

Okay so I wasn't able to get up to Brannigan but just Lake Vernon (3k ascent killed me) from Rancheria falls. Here is the western outflow from the lake, I am guessing at 20 feet.

https://limewire.com/d/tqpUX#xfCFyqaEVh

So it is pretty fast flowing. The eastern part (which you were asking about) is 40 feet, so I am guessing it is still pretty fast flowing and if not fairly deep . Google Earth shows large timbers accumulating along the way.

I would just take the southern escarpment that leads up to the mouth of Brannigan.



You can go up from Lake Vernon, get elevation (see YT video) and go the northern side off the ridge once you get to the saddle and keep to the northern side which will give you a steady climb to the lake. There is some navigating but it looks like all class 2.

BTW, encountered very little mosquitos (just that window before sunset) and the lake was not stagnant anywhere due to the fast flowing snow melt. Nice temperature and I didn't have to tuck into my sleeping bag too much. There was some snow on the way up from the Rancheria falls, which was cool, but no spikes needed. Hope this helps.

I've done the alternative that leaves the trail to Tiltill as mentioned by Maverick. See viewtopic.php?t=23083 for the trip I did with my daughter there in 2023. One thing about doing this in July is that it can be blazing hot as it was for me and Dawn. In any case the brush we encountered on that route, particularly on the west and northern flank of Mount Gibson, was miserable, probably top 3 all time in terms of worst brush I've ever encountered (and I've done a ton of bushwhacks in my time). The mosquitoes were off the charts thick and I was bitten by these and at least three kinds of biting flies in addition. Think thick brush and swamps. Later in the season when one can cross Falls Creek above Moraine Ridge it is supposed to be a bit easier to cut through the gap via Andrews Lake. I do think that the effort is worth it though. Of all the lakes in NW Yosemite, I think this lake is second only to Edyth in stunning scenery. Branigan is actually a nicer lake because it's way deeper but Nance Peak rising above Edyth has no equal in this area. There are abundant flat shelves over the eastern part of the southern shore.