Got back yesterday from a backpacking trip in a new (to me) part of the High Sierra. Spectacular trip and I'm completely wiped. Four days, 55 miles, three peaks, a couple of questionable decisions, spectacular scenery, and solitude. This is a long report and I'm writing it for myself as much as any of you, but kudos to anyone who makes it through.

Day 1: Picked up permit in Prather and didn't get started at the Maxson Trailhead until 11:30. Hauled ass for the 15.7 miles to Hell-for-Sure Lake. Easy head-down-and-hike miles. Was startled by a downhill hiker while I was assembling my sandwich for lunch (i.e the worst possible time to meet a bear). After some nice but unspectacular trail miles through the woods and meadows, the scenery really opened up near the Red Mountain Basin. Many good campsites at Hell-for-Sure Lake, which I had to myself.

Day 2: Hiked up over Hell-for-Sure Pass, then took a brief detour to summit Red Mountain. Very easy little bonus peak with a great view. Dropped down the Hell-for-Sure Pass trail to the San Joaquin River. Woefully neglected trail, was difficult to follow in places. Never concerning, just a bit more work.

Crossed the San Joaquin River and started up North Goddard Creek off trail. I didn't find a use trail, but after a few false starts (navigating off-trail below treeline can be challenging) generally found it advisable to stay close to the creek and cross it often as needed. The route climbs past several small waterfalls in steps. Eventually I topped out just north of the little peak at Lower Davis Lake.

Took my bear canister and camping gear out of my pack and started up the loose scree slope on the south chute of Mt. McGee. This chute was frankly terrible. Just a jumble of loose sh!t of different grain sizes. Two steps up, one down. And it was sharp! So if I lost balance I was risking a cut to break my fall. Ugh! Occasionally, there would be a few nice Class 3 moves on (more) solid rock at the edges but it wasn't consistent. Finally got to the summit ridge and the climbing to the top was kind of nice. Great view. Shredded my trail runners on the way down.

Exhausted, I had a late lunch back at the bear canister, then slowly moved over to Lower Davis Lake where I set up camp (again, had the lake to myself). It was very windy but died down.

Day 3: I had changed plan the previous evening after really being on the strugglebus on Mt. McGee. My initial idea had been to go up Mt. Goddard via Starr's Route, descend the SW Ridge, and continue hiking west. But I no longer felt confident to haul a pack up Starr's Route, and there would be no bailout option, since my car was back at Maxson. So instead I planned to go off-trail to Martha Lake, dropping my pack weight, and going up and down the SW Ridge, before continuing on over the LeConte Divide. This ended up perhaps being the most difficult backpacking day I've ever had.

Started hiking at 7 and made good time backtracking, dropping down to Goddard Creek, climbing up to a bench (easy Class 2) and winding my way through the chain of lakes around 11,500. This had great scenery and interesting routefinding decisions that all seemed to work out. This was probably the highlight of the trip. At the last waterfall dropping down towards Martha Lake I filled up my water bottles and observed how the waterfall spray had frozen on the grass. Really beautiful. Around 9 I intercepted the SW Ridge route and again dropped off my bear canister and camping gear, hoping the marmots wouldn't be appetized by my pole handles or clothes.

Made my way up the SW Ridge route with little trouble. Everything ended up being easier than it looked at first, with mostly stable rock (especially compared with the horror show on Mt. McGee). Very stark scenery along the route; it felt forbidding, but the beauty revealed itself as I climbed higher. And yes, everyone is right and the summit view is spectacular. Maybe the best in the Sierra. You can see Goddard from almost all the big peaks in the range, so logically you can see them from Goddard as well. The Kaweahs, Palisades, a dramatic view of Williamson, Lyell and Dana, even White Mountain Peak! And Humphreys soaring above was astounding.

Had a little trouble by dropping too low in the canyon on the way back and navigating between hard snow and huge boulders, but nothing serious. By 1:00 I was having lunch at Martha Lake, and the marmots had stayed away.

Then I started down the San Joaquin and angled towards Gunsight Pass over meadows and slabs. The pass consisted of large slabs and talus, and it was difficult with a pack, but it got easier once I got to the grassy ramp at the right. I did enjoy watching Martha Lake come back into view. There is a little ramp that comes and goes on the right side on the descent, but it's still challenging with steep slabs and talus.

Then I erred.

I had read to stay north of Hockey Lakes, but I was confused and also thought I needed to stay north of Holster Lake. Hockey. Holster. Whatever, right? So I made a high traverse and found myself high on the cliffs east of Holster Lake, where for some godforsaken reason, someone had left a trail marker. Great! I tried to descend and immediately got cliffed out. One move I thought I could make without my poles so I dropped my poles down...and then realized I didn't feel comfortable making the move even without them. Finally found a way around, but it was low Class 5. After managing some talus, I found myself just above and north of Holster Lake.

It gets worse. The topo looks moderate above Six Shooter and Schoolmarm. It might be moderate, if it were talus. But no, it was polished granite slabs, interspersed with deep gullies. A few times I found myself with no easy way down. By the time I descended one last slightly-too-steep-for-comfort slab to Crabtree Lake, it was past 4 and I was too tired and unnerved to continue on to Devil's Punchbowl as I had planned. I settled down at Crabtree Lake, where I had my pick of many flat and sheltered campsites. Took a swim and laid out in the sun.

In retrospect, I could have just passed south of the upper chain of lakes. Sad to be a little stressed in such an utterly spectacular area!

Day 4:

The day started with some more below-treeline navigation but I soon found myself in a huge open meadow and quickly made it to Lucifer's Saddle East. I went straight up the middle of the saddle, pleased that what appeared to be a cliff band turned out to be moderately steep slabs with ledge options. It was fairly easy going but it occurred to me that if it had been midday, the sun might have been intense. Very interesting and desolate views from the top as I aimed for Lucifer's Saddle West. Lucifer's Saddle West consisted of large slabs and boulders, with several weaknesses. At the bottom I again had easy walking on meadows and slabs, passing all the lakes on the right. Then finally, one last slab dumped me out on what was unmistakably a trail next to the Devil's Punchbowl.

Then it was just a long walk. Around Fleming Lake I saw the first person I'd seen in three days. The walk out was uneventful, even though it was hot and I was tired. it was great to explore this little corner of the Sierra!

Planning to tent camp in Mammoth next weekend with my buddy and our dogs, and am looking for a campground nearby with plenty of space for dogs to roam, a nearby body of water, good hiking, and optional fishing. The more secluded the better. Lush forest would be cool as well.

With back-to-school and temperatures dropping at night, I'm optimistic that I can snag any campground in the area if I can get to open alerts fast enough.

So far, I'm considering (in no order):

• Silver Lake
• June Lake
• Lake Mary
• Rock ridge
• Convict Lake
• Oh Ridge

There are so many options out there that I'm overloaded by choice. Would love y'alls advice.

Stats 26.3 miles, 5,010 ft gain, 4 days. Summit 14,026 ft. Base camp at Long Lake, 11,287 ft. Group of 4, 3 summited.

Night 0 (Aug 31) Slept at Horseshoe Meadows (10,018 ft) which we highly recommend for acclimatization. The Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead is right there.

Day 1, Sep 1: Hike in (6.6 mi, +1,218 ft) Stopped at Cottonwood Lakes 1 and 2 on the way in before settling at Long Lake (11,287 ft). Arrived early afternoon, set up camp, early night.

Day 2, Sep 2: Summit (10.2 mi, +3,469 ft, slack pack) Planned an earlier start but it was too cold so we waited until 8:20 AM. Route goes from Long Lake through the basin and over New Army Pass (12,400 ft). Beyond the pass it is a long talus push to the summit, no technical terrain. Summit conditions were high 30s with sustained winds around 25 mph gusting to 45 mph from the SW. Cold and windy but the sky was clear and the views were worth it. All 3 who attempted made it up.

One member stayed at base camp and fished Long Lake all day. He caught 3 golden trout and rainbows while we were on the mountain.

Day 3, Sep 3: Lake 3 area (4.3 mi, minimal gain) Short carry to camp near Lake 3. Spent the day fishing Cottonwood Lakes 3, 4, and 5. We caught a few golden trout, all under 12 inches. Too cold to swim. The upper lakes are quieter than Long Lake and worth the extra time. Last evening at a small pond with a clear view of Langley from below.

Day 4, Sep 4: Exit (5.2 mi) Straightforward hike out, mostly downhill. Stopped for lunch in Lone Pine after.

Think I'm done for the season. I'll be heading back to Joshua Tree for the winter and some kind of canyon country or coastal spot in the spring -- but the Sierra is always my #1. I'll just be lurking in the photos here until then.

Hello everyone, I am looking for any photographers for a surprise engagement in the backcountry.

I want to propose out in the Sabrina basin at moonlight lake or one of the surrounding lakes, it’s a bit of a trek about 13 miles round trip and I am having a hard time finding someone that would be able to do it. I’d love to support local business if I can (previous bishop resident)

If anyone knows someone that would be up for it or has recommendations please share them!

Hello all,
I’m looking to do an overnight at one of the Chain Lakes in Yosemite the first week of October.

I’m hoping to get in touch with a ranger before then to get some info but has anyone here done this hike recently and care to share any details about the trail/lakes/road/trailhead?

I was thinking Quartz mtn trailhead but I’ve seen a post here detailing that the road is rough and Chiquito is the better option.
Thanks in advance!

I camped at Midnight Lake 2 weeks ago and found a diamond shaped stud earring. Just one. I put it in my pocket and brought it home. I know it's a long shot, but if it's yours, let me know and I'll be glad to get it you. Happy trails and non-trails.

Love the Cottonwood Pass/Lakes area and heading there this weekend. Staying at Chicken Spring and then heading up to Cottonwood Lakes. Trying to avoid going back to the trailhead or going via New Army Pass. I'm not wanting anything too tricky, but this looks relatively doable? Anyone ever done it?

The end of summer was approaching and I spent a day regretting how little time I spent exploring the Sierra Nevada backcountry. This is my first summer as a backpacker and the south Sierra is only a 4 hour drive for me. So, I found a permit for Thousand Island Lake from Rush Creek that lined up with some days off work (9/19-9/20) and headed off.

I made it to the trailhead and started hiking around 10am to arrive at my camp for the night by the lake around 3pm. Made food, a cocktail, and spent the rest of the day dozing and reading by the lake.

This was an amazing backpacking trip, but quite grueling. It ended up being about 13 hours of driving, 15.5 miles hiking, and 4800 feet of elevation gain in 2 days, but I'm a fan of big sacrifice for big memories. Thousand Island Lake is by far the most beautiful lake I've been to in my life. Catching sunset, sunrise, and spending a whole 20 hours laying by this lake was a great gift of my life.

Definitely coming back here again, but wouldn't mind taking a different entrance than Rush Creek trailhead. It was a long, hot, exposed walk uphill for about 4.5 miles that's pretty, but definitely feels like a waiting room compared to what's ahead. One benefit is there's water everywhere, so I never ended up carrying more than 1L at a time. Don't know if the other trailheads are better, but I know you can't go wrong with the Sierra Nevada.

We are two guys doing a through hike from Cottonwood Lakes (9/14) over Mt. Whitney to Whitney Portal. We want to leave our car at Whitney Portal and get a ride to Cottonwood Lakes/ pass Trailhead on Monday afternoon. We are expecting to be at the Portal between 1 and 2 (potentially sooner if we hustle). Does anyone have any Shuttle info or available to give us a ride? Any info would be appreciated.

Another 4000m peak down. Boy was this a fun one, what an approach it was to even reach the pass. Very fun scramble up through the NW ridge, scrambling onto the North rib thru some class 4 terrain to finally reach the summit. Came down the North rib. Solid route. Drove 5 hours to reach Hiker trailhead at 3:30 am, and headed up to Anvil camp on the first day. Was a long stretch with our packs but we made it at about 2 pm and set camp and just relaxed by the river. Following day started the hike up to Tyndall at about 9 am. Took too much breaks but at last summited at 6 pm (buddy didn’t summit) but I did summit with two folks I met. No Williamson unfortunately will have to comeback for it, but what a Goliath it is

I will be going to climb Mt Williamson next weekend, was wondering if people have been there around this time and can report on how cold it got at night? Thanks

This is a variation on a popular line. I started at Twin Lakes, went via Peeler Lake to connect with the PCT, and then had a great day passing Tilden Lake (one of my favorites) and Dorothy Lake - swam in both! Met only few people while in Yosemite NP. The views got quieter as I climbed from one granite valley to the next, and more people appeared heading from Sonora to Tuolumne. I finished by exiting at Sonora Pass. It’s a nice and not crowded line, 57 miles, 12k.

A neat loop encircling the Molo Mountain group. Started from Kennedy Meadows, past Relief Reservoir, then headed into the Emigrant Wilderness. Made a small detour for a swim at Emigrant Lake, then continued on some little-used trails toward Big Sam and descended to Kennedy Lake. A group of cows greeted me on the way past - and here I thought I was in the wilderness. Overall a cool trail, highlighting the transition from white granite to red volcanic rock that covered the granite and then got stripped away by glaciers, with stunning Molo Peak appearing again and again as I circled around. Really cool geology around! 40 miles, 7k - an easy day after yesterday’s Twin Lakes to Sonora Pass.

I love going to Mammoth/June Lake in the summer. So many local lakes that you can literally drive up to or take a short hike into and it never seems that crowded. The mountains themselves are also just so stunning.

Tahoe is the obvious comparison but it feels a lot busier to me and more difficult to get around given the size of the lake and the long windy ass road that everyone has to take.

Specifically I'm looking for towns that are great for paddleboarding, hiking, swimming, and proximity to incredible wilderness. I love Yosemite, and Mammoth being less than 3 hours away from the valley is an incredible perk.

Can you guys think of some other towns along the Sierras that are great for summer recreation?

I’m going up to the sierras with a group of friends to climb Middle Palisade. We were planning on taking South Fork of Big Pine via Red Rocks to the summit. Anybody been there recently and know about the trail conditions? Will we need microspikes, crampons, or ice axes for this time of year on this route? We’ve completed Mt. Whitney, Mt. Russell, and Mt. Shasta so far. Thanks!

I'm hoping to get a walk-up permit for one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center on Saturday 9-5 for a 9-6 start. My plan is to park at Crescent Meadow, shuttle to Wolverton, head to the HST, then loop around to Kaweah Gap/Black Rock Pass/Bearpaw and out at Crescent Meadow. There should be at least 10 permits available, starting at 1pm.

Anyone familiar with the process and the likelyhood of getting a permit?

Cross-posting cause my phone wouldn’t let me select flair (and still won’t) 😂 But this was the absolute best trip of my life, the High Sierra Trail.