Trip Ideas in Sierra – Aug.

Drive to the Marvin Pass Trailhead, hike in to Jennie Lake, or a longer trip to Ranger Lake. Loop back over Silliman Pass. Beautiful country.

You can find a trip report on it on our web site backpackthesierra.com

Hey Paul, thanks for the suggestion. I was actually looking at Jennie Lakes Wilderness last night as an option.

I made an edit to the original post, in essence I’ve opened up the area to not just the Sierras since most of my experience is there it would be nice to experience other areas. Also open to a longer drive and maybe an additional day.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

if you go across the boundaries you'll need a park wilderness permit. Jennie doesn't require them but the park will.

You could also do an out and back on the twin lakes trail from lodgepole to ranger lake. I think its about 10 miles one way. You could also stay at twin lakes (mile 7) and drop the packs and just check out ranger lake. It would make the second day shorter for the drive home.

Any other ideas?

I looked into Pear Lake but not being able to reserve permits was a problem, I didn't want to chance it since a group of us were going.

I have yet to experience problems with Pear permits, especially if you show up early on a weekday (walk ins start 2 pm the day before). The alternate for me is Alta, since one can hike the peak and do some class 2 down the ridge to loop down to Pear. If the designated campsites were an issue I would hike almost down to Pear from Alta Peak then pop over the low ridge to head for Table Meadow, the headwaters of the Kaweah. Nice sandy or granite campsites up there, all over the place.

Lori,

Its unfortunately going to be a weekend — I guess I could take the Friday before off to secure but wasn't planning on doing so.

I also thought about doing twin lakes up in that area and always exchange the permit for pear lake if they are not at capacity.