10 lakes basin too hard for kids?

It depends on the kids and how badly loaded down they will be.

The trail to Ostrander has about 1500 feet of gain. The trail to Ten Lakes is over 2000 feet. You have been warned.

In the Ten Lakes Basin, the first main lake that you reach is the most heavily used. If you get out to the other lakes on the fringe, you won't see so many people.

–B.G.–

You might also find some limitations to fire this summer…in lots of places in the Sierra.

I agree that Ten Lakes is a bit tough for an 8 year old. The part of the trail closest to TLB is the steepest, in both directions.

Twenty Lakes might be more fun for the younger one…and easier!

You can't have a fire in 20 lakes though right?
Kids are dying for marshmallows over a campfire…
Plus fires scare away Bigfoot

Are there any good camping spots before 10 lakes basin?
Perhaps 4 miles in or so near one of the creeks?

Im trying to establish a plan B in case the kids don't make it.
Btw, I'm targeting mid June, but with the dry year I'm assuming snow won't be an issue?

You could probably camp at Half Moon Meadow…and make many friends among the local mosquitoes.

Other trips that might work for you, because they are a bit shorter and offer many of the same attractions:

From the East side, look at Green Lakes Trailhead. You could just hike to Green Lake, or continue on to either West Lake (a steep climb) or East lake (much easier) …and the permits are much easier in this area than they are in Yosemite proper.

Also look in Emigrant Wilderness at Bear Lake, or continuing on to some of the other lakes in the area.

In Yosemite, Young Lakes would allow you camp before you got to the lakes themselves…but permits for this one are always harder to get.

WE have trip reports on all of these on our website: backpackthesierra.com

I agree. Green Lake on the east side, close to Bridgeport. Good for beginners. Not too heavily regulated. The ranger station in Bridgeport issues permits.

–B.G.–

Looking at the pics of Green lake and I agree it looks perfect for the kids!! Thanks guys!!!

where is this ranger station in bridgeport? for some reason my google foo is failing me….

I'm dumb…i found it. :)
Thanks again for the suggestion!

Right on the highway, just about mile south of town. You cannot miss it.

WEll, if you're looking for it. IF you're looking at the Sierra crest to the west, you could drive right past it!

Hrm….I've now spent 2 days trying to get a hold of someone at the Bridgeport ranger station….no luck. After a dozen or so rings, someone picks up the receiver and immediately hangs up.
I've verified the number with the Carson city ranger station who said "they are hard to get a hold of" Hopefully you folks can help me instead?

Questions:
1. Is there any risk to obtaining a same day permit? (I hope to pick it up Fri, June 12th late morning)
2. Is Green lake the only lake we can have campfires at? What about east lake, Gilman lake, etc?
3. How are the crowds at Green lake?
4. Are there bear boxes at the trailhead?
5. Any other tips?

"After a dozen or so rings, someone picks up the receiver and immediately hangs up."

Consider that to be your federal tax dollars at work.

I can't offer any specifics, but we used to just to go to the ranger station early that morning when it opened and get a permit.

–B.G.–

I've dealt with the Bridgeport ranger station quite a bit. My advice: be friendly no matter what. Also: I've been told to come back in the morning when arriving a day early, as they won't issue permits for the next day. I've never had a problem doing it this way(except for the annoyance.)Get there before they open. At the same time, I've never had a problem getting a same day permit out of Twin Lakes even when arriving in the afternoon. But I'm usually solo. I think that their permitting dates may start later than Tuolumne–less traffic. but don't quote me on this.

Green Lake is a really pretty spot with some nice areas to camp. There are fire pits but I'm not sure if there's a ban in place now. The times I've been up there I've seen families and large groups hiking together. The skeeters can be relentless on the trail up, so be prepared. Depending on when you go, it can get pretty crowded so I would suggest going mid week instead of the weekend. You'll see fewer and fewer people the closer you get to Summit Lake.

As a cautionary note, be very mindful of your food at Green Lake—especially with the kids. In 2011 a friend of mine had a bear come right through his tent in the middle of the night because he forgot about an apple in his daypack. I've been up there three times and have never seen a bear, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless.

If you're taking the kids fishing, the west side of Green Lake has some nice size 'bows. East Lake has some good fishing as well. West Lake is not worth the effort.

After a week of trying I finally got through. According to the ranger Green lake is only 2 miles from the trailhead. Should be VERY easy for the kids.

Fires are only allowed at green lake…so perhaps we'll do some day hikes if they kids are dead set on a fire.
Any lakes up there a "must see"? or any super easy peak bagging?

There are some trails that can be followed. There are some old mining ruins with machinery. That might be good for kids. Maybe WSW from the lake.

Simply walking around Green Lake can turn into an adventure. As I recall, there is one spot where you are "cliffed out."

As I recall, it is not a super great place for experienced backpackers.

–B.G.–

Sorry, one more option came up I feel like I should explore.
Anyone been to Lyon and Sylvia lakes in El dorado near tahoe?
This would be a much easier drive for us.
Think this is doable for kids? Scenery nice? Crowds? Campfires?

Any tips? Trip reports?

Also looking at aloha lake in the area…
Pictures online look nice. Does it get overcrowded here?