I'm planning a solo trip from North Lake to Rock Creek Lake on the SHR July 21-24/25. I was going to car camp with my wife at the North Lake CG on the 20th, and then she was going to visit some friends and family in the bay area. We were going to meet back up at Rock Creek Lake on the 25th and car camp for another 2 days.
My first question, does anyone have any experience with the walk in campgrounds at North Lake and Rock Creek Lake? The 20th is a Sunday and the 25th a Friday. Could anyone take a guess at how difficult it is to get a spot at North Lake on a Sunday in July and at Rock Creek Lake on a Thursday or Friday? My guess is challenging. I'd rather take the full 5 days on the backpacking trip and get to Rock Creek Lake in the late morning on Friday, but I'm worried that would be too late. Would I have better luck on a Thursday? I chose Rock Creek Lake because of the less strenuous day hikes out of there. (wife is not a fan of steep uphills)
My second question is about snow on the passes, ie: Puppet, Feather, White Bear and Gabbot. Secor doesn't say anything about lingering snowfields, but mid/late July seems like it would be normally kind of early for a trip like this. Most of the trip reports I've seen are in August or September. Lots of snow in pictures from 2011. Anyone with experience through here have a good guess at what to expect? I don't have crampon or ice axe experience.
My last question, has anyone here gone over Half Moon pass… with a pack? Secor says class 3, but that's about it. Is it a lot of class 3 or just like a hundred feet or so? Do you think it would save me time from going all the way over Mono Pass?
Open to other ideas too that may take me back to North/Sabrina Lake or another Eastside campground.
Thanks Guys!
