UPDATED 11/17/2011
October 20-23 2011
–Bring your unneeded gear for an impromptu swap meet–
–EAR PLUGS, JUST SAYING–
–Trail info–Some facts.
Zoom out and you'll see HWY 3 and HWY 299 for driving directions.
http://www.hillmap.com/m/agtzbG9wZW1hcHBlcnIQCxIIU2F2ZWRNYXAYuoIHDA
29 mile round trip, out and back to Sapphire Lake. About 7 miles in to base camp at
Morris Meadow.
When you cross the second footbridge you are nearly at the meadow.
Elevation change 4240 feet, average 292 feet per mile. It's not hard.
Elevation at trailhead about 3000 feet. Elevation at Sapphire just over 6000 feet.
–Weather– Expect temps between near freezing at night to around 70 during the day.
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=96091
No talk of rain.
Lots of granite up at the lakes so watch out for sunburn.
Camp at Bridge Camp Thurs. night. Let everyone get there.
Hike in on Friday morning to Morris Meadow.
Saturday up to the lakes. Enjoy some of the nicest time of year up here!
OK so a bunch of you are coming, so here is the run down…
Each carload is expected to pick up their own permit in Weaverville at the
Forest Service Office.
Weaverville is the last chance for food, gas.
Coming from I-5 this means you will go past the intersection with the 3 and
continue towards the west edge of town
(this is just a few blocks) to the FS office on your left hand side.
You can self register at the kiosk out front.
Pick up a campfire permit at the same time. They are in the box with the permits.
Now go back east on 299 and turn left by the library at the junction with the 3.
North on the 3.
Continue north on the 3 until you pass a boat ramp on your right immediately followed
by crossing a fairly large bridge.
Just at the end of the bridge, turn left at the intersection with Trinity Alps Road.
This should be obvious even in the pitch black of night.
The junction with the 3 in town is easier to miss.
Continue on Trinity Alps Rd. through the resort.
The pavement ends and you continue on to Bridge Camp right before
the trailhead parking.
This is a fee required campground.
I would suggest doubling up in camp and parking the cars at the trailhead
lot to save some cash.
We'll have a little blow out Thurs. night as we assemble.
Friday morning brings a batch of more guests. A nice slow start.
Hit the trail around 9-9:30.
A seven mile, not arduous trip take us to the edge of Morris Meadow,
where we will base camp.
Plenty of water along the trail, so pack beer instead!
People streaming in all day to camp as we soak it all in and explore the meadow edges.
After a pleasant day and restful night, those interested will head up to
the head of the canyon to see Emerald and Sapphire Lakes.
The adventurous can climb up to Mirror Lake, past
Sapphire, with plenty of boulders between.
Another great evening in camp. Sad departures, with plans of future trips on Sunday.
Can't wait to meet everyone. For me this trip seems more like a family reunion than
a meeting of strangers.
Any help needed with any of the above? Please PM me and we'll get you dialed in.
