PCT Sonora Pass Emigrant Wilderness — August

[Nate Meinzer]

Just wanted to post a quick trip report w/pictures for a trip up to Sonora pass on the PCT. A friend and I started out at the pass and planned to make base camp at the top of Kennedy canyon for an ambitious daytrip to Dorothy Lake and over Big Sam. The first ten miles of the trip were all above treeline, with beautiful views, rated as one of the best stretches of the entire PCT.

We met some "friendly" bow-hunting "outdoorsmen" who were glad we weren't "Mexicorns". Did I mention they were friendly? But mostly had the trail to ourselves.

Unfortunately, we woke up to some really wet, windy weather and after waiting for it to clear for hours, decided to head back. The trail back to the car was very exposed and windy, so we dipped down towards Kennedy Meadow and ended up back at the road that way and hitched back to the car. We weren't the only ones who bailed unexpectedly this way.

Anyway, a beautiful area, and here are some photos. Some of the shots are obscured because the lens got wet:

Great Campsite all to ourselves by Kennedy Creek:

Another view w/Latopie Lake in background. From here you can see Yosemite's northern peaks. Well worth the effort:

Big sam above our campsite:

Managed to get a fire going:

[Rick Dreher]

Beautiful shots Nate, thanks for posting them!

I've somehow not done that stretch. After seeing these shots I must correct that oversight soon.

Cheers,

Rick

[Jay Wilkerson]

Cool stuff Nate–Being "Above Treeline" can be very interesting at times!

-Jay

[David W.]

Thanks for posting the great pics Nate. I am pulling out my Emigrant Wilderness map and imagining the possibilities for next summer. Your description makes the trip seem like a walk in the park. Looking at a map, you covered a good amount a ground.

[Author]

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