High High Sierra

[Marc]

Just go back from eight days in the Sierras. Here are a few teaser shots. Full write up and more pics to come. First couple of pics are on the way to Coyote Flats followed by Laurel Lakes.

Marc

 

[Bat]

Marc,
What is it like going around the last switch back at Laurel lakes before the bottom is it as tight as it looks in pictures

 

[Marc]

switchback

Bat

Its pretty tight. I was by myself so I was quite cautious. I was able to do it in a three pointer on the way down but coming up it took some more work. All in all it isn't that bad, just take your time and use a spotter if you have one.

marc

 

[Marc]

Part 1.

Come this time of year, the co-piolt and myself make our annual pilgrimage to the eastern sierra for the end of the trout season as well as to take in the majestic beauty that only Fall can reveal of it self in the form of its changing colors. We had planned a loose itinerary with the following stops. First would be Coyote Flats, followed by Laurel Lakes and Devils Post pile finishing up with a stop in Hamel Valley and Whitney Portal.

As always seems the case, a late start was made on Friday the 26th , and as the sun had long since descended on the far side of the horizon I adjusted the cruise control and settled in for what would be the beginning of a great trip. I had originally planed on making it to Bishop that night but the previous weeks work schedule was taking its toll on me so around Lone Pine we headed up into the Alabama Hills and made camp for the night. Morning found the co-piolt and myself recharged and on the road by 0700 with our next stop to be at the ranger station in Bishop. After a brief talk with the ranger and the purchase of a topo map covering the area of Coyote Flat we were on our way. The trail begins in the sagebrush-covered Owens Valley and switchbacks steeply gaining elevation rapidly. The trail surface is an uneven combination of rock, sand and boulders that wind up through a steep series of switchbacks crossing over Coyote Creek and culminating at 10,000 ft on the Sanger Meadow and Coyote Flat. We ended up making camp in a little meadow off of Baker Creek. If you like isolation this is the place to be. Although I did this trip solo it would be wise to travel with another rig for safeties sake. One has to remember that you are over 25 miles in the back country and getting any kind of help can be a challenge. N37*10.12` W118*28.78` Here are a series of pics on the way up/down

 

[Marc]

More pics. of Coyote Flat. Part two to come.

 

[Marc]

Part 2.

Well after a night of consistent rain the decision to break camp and head for civilization was made. I thought the trail down was going to be a challenge due to the nights previous dumping, but it turned out to be in much better shape than I had anticipated, still it was slow going. Reached Bishop without any delay and after a short lay over to fuel and grab some munchies we were off to Laurel Lakes. Laurel Lakes is at the edge of the John Muir Wilderness area and sits below Bloody Mountain. Although only a little over eight miles from down town Mammoth, Laurel Lakes offers some breath taking scenery that only the Eastern Sierra can provide. The first half of the trail is un eventful, but the remaining 5 miles is slow going and should not be underestimated. The final approach to the Lakes runs high along the valley wall and has a few spots that are off camber before reaching the infamous switchback that marks the final decent to Laurel Lakes. The only vehicle I encountered was a fisherman on a quad who was quite surprised to see the White Mammoth. Although this has to be one of the most scenic trails I have ever been on, one should realize there are very few places to pass and the possibility of having to back-up exists. The fishing wasn’t as good as I thought it would be but you couldn’t ask for a more scenic camp site. The following pics consist of the trail up followed by my camp and then the trail down. More to come. N37*34.57` W118*54.72`

 

[Marc]

More of the ride up.

 

[Marc]

Heading down. Part 3 to come.

 

[craig333]

Hard to tell from the pics. Did you need 4wd on this road?

 

[Marc]

Hard to tell from the pics. Did you need 4wd on this road?

Used 4hi and low at various times.

marc

 

[jc1097]

That is definately one of my favorite places to camp. Was up there this last spring and not a sole around.

 

[erod]

looks like a great trip marc...your rig always impresses me...way to get out there...thanks for posting a great write up and pics!

 

[SunMan]

Outstanding pics and report Marc. Looking forward to the rest. The pooch must have had a blast out there!

 

[Marc]

erod and Sunman ... thanks for the comments. I really had a good time and it only rained for a few days. Erod glad to see ya posting again. Was wondering what had happened to you ??

marc

 

[lqhikers]

Sierra's

Marc looks like you had another great trip,plus great pics.
Got me reved up for our yearly trip to saline valley at the end of oct.
Looks like you drove slow and enjoyed!
Always driving slow and enjoying "its the journey"
Les Lqhikers.

 

[Marc]

After some memorable days in the high country, Dylan and I decided to settle for a little more convenience and decded to stay in Devils Postpile until the rain subsided. Here is a pic of our camp followed by some shots after the rain had cleared out.

 

[Marc]

Last night out at Whitney Portal.

 

[snow hunter]

What a great place you travelled through. It looks like a great place for a movie.
Thanks for the report.

 

[ScottBailey]

Ahh...

...I want to go camping now...!

Great write up, Marc. Thank you.
SB

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

...I want to go camping now...!

Great write up, Marc. Thank you.
SB



I need to take Edna and go there!