Desolation trail work

[Paul Wagner]

Now that I am an official part of the volunteer team for the Desolation Wilderness, I am supposed to spend a few days actually doing something there–as if I needed a reason to spend more time in the mountains!

So I spent that last two days hiking up to Maud and Gertrude Lakes, cleaning up the trails as I want. I made sure that campsites were regulation size, shape and location, and even spent a little time chatting with hikers at the trailhead, just making myself available to them if they had questions or concerns.
Of course, I did get to spend two days out on some of the most beautiful trails in the Sierra…

And I hiked some great trails, met some great people, and even watched a Search and Rescue operation…from the trailhead.

And did I mention it was beautiful?

In all, it was good fun.  I spent a few hours chatting with hikers at the Twin Lakes Trailhead,, where I met and talked with more than a hundred hikers. I moved more rocks and branches than I could count, and was thoroughly impressed with the visitors to Desolation Wilderness, who left very little except some footprints.

As usual, here’s the link to all the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sUMpzAgjVzyRdi9E7

And a link to the full trip report on our blog: https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/desolation-trail-work

[AK Granola]

Thank you for your efforts. I recently completed a Tahoe Rim Trail through hike and loved Desolation! Even though there were plenty of people on that stretch, where the PCT and TRT overlap, I found quiet campsites with a bit privacy, and really enjoyed the hiking. I appreciate all the volunteers who help with trails!

[Alex Wallace]

Thanks, Paul. Beautiful area and I appreciate you helping to keep it that way.

I was up at the Twin Lakes TH just a few weeks ago and noticed the new fancy electronic kiosk near the parking lot & campgrounds.

[Paul Wagner]

Here’s an update: I spent another two days in Desolation Wilderness, taking out a few more campfire rings, knocking down some more camp furniture, picking up some more trash, and generally trying to Leave Less Trace than there was before.

If you’re interested in exactly what that means, there are more details (and more photos) here; https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/volunteer-trail-work

[Author]

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