July-Sept. California Trip Ideas

[Sean M]

Each year I try to plan a longer (for me) trip of 5-7 days including travel time trip with some family. Just this last September my father-in-law and I did the Rae Lakes Loop hike which was enjoyable however now I am beginning to look at options for next year.

As a barometer the scope and length of the trip was fine, obviously if extended over a longer period of time we could cover more distance. So in essence depending on elevation gain would think the 10-15 mile a day average would be fine, the occasional long day being okay. Here are some preferences:

• Prefer not to have long water less stretches, dry camping okay.
• I would prefer to stay Central CA to minimize driving as thats where I am located, but again not mandatory.
•  I would like some of the time to be spent on the JMT, however if other trips are brought up not against those.
• Minimize transportation logistics, meaning two cars – dropping off, etc. I don’t mind some but a plan before would be nice.

I have already been given a few suggestions, for instance North Lake to South Lake, Mammoth to Reds Meadow, and Onion Valley to Reds Meadow. Can anyone supply details on the above or have any other ideas/suggestions? I appreciate the feedback in advance.

[jscott]

People think that it’s overdone–but North Lake to South Lake fits your frame and is a sweet hike. Plus it’s pretty easy logistically if you only have one car (though it would involve a short hitch hike by one of you at the end.) By ‘including travel time’ do you mean that travel is in the 5-7 day frame or is added on? If you could take a day to do any number of day trips off trail, it would really add to this loop. (Piute Pass area for example.)

Getting off the JMT in full summer is always an eye opener. Far fewer people. Is that possible?

Benson Lake loop out of Bridgeport is even easier logistically. It’s a great hike, but you’d have to drive a bit further.

There’s a hundred possibilities. Great hikes out of Clover Meadows including some easy off trail if you want. that south east border of Yosemite is really nice.

[Sean M]

@book Yes, sorry if I was unclear the 5-7 days would include driving/travel time to and from the trailhead. As far as North Lake — South Lake can you suggest a direction or places to visit/camp along the way?

I took a cursory look at Benson Lake Loop and it also looks like it may be an option as well. How are permits for this hike, I imagine fairly easy? I appreciate the feedback, any other ideas?

[jscott]

There’s a ranger station on 395 as you come into Bridgeport. Depending on the season, and the ranger involved, I’ve been given a permit for the same day that I arrived, or been made to come back the next morning when they opened and got one then. they have a hit or miss advance reservation policy, but give it a try.

I’ve gotta go but I’ll get back later.

[ben .]

sean, there are infinite north/south lake trip reports out there. you could spend several full days reading them all. i know, because i read most of them!

it appears to be most often walked from north to south but some will tell you it should be done the other way. i don’t think there’s a “right” way to do it.

anyway, i did the loop this summer and wrote it up here (https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/north-lake-south-lake-and-carol-col/). we had a great time.

[Sean M]

@Ben Thanks for the first hand experience as well as teh trip report. I had read it already when researching the trip and was one of the reasons I was looking to do it in the first place. Did you have to hitch at the end of the hike? If so, how difficult was it or did you plan transportation beforehand?

I tentatively planned a North Lake to South Lake itinerary, does anyone have any feedback or suggestions?

https://caltopo.com/m/14P1

Also, other trip suggestions or first hand experience is always welcomed. Thanks!

 

[ben .]

my friends actually did the hitch, and it took them 30-45 minutes to find someone.

one of them is a woman, which seems to help. we also did it at the front end of the trip, which i prefer. very nice to roll in to the south lake (or wherever) trailhead and just drive off.

your route looks fine!

[jscott]

My fantasy is to go day hiking around the Bishop pass area, then continuing the loop from there (south to north). Or to day hike on the route towards ‘the keyhole’ (I think it’s called)–the shortcut over to Humphreys basin just before you descend to Evolution Valley. It looks like easy and spectacular off trail hiking.

I’m not pushing the Benson Lake loop over this, but don’t discount it because of its relatively lower elevation. I did for years because I like high country. It’s very satisfying in that regard after all, with no real boring stretches. Just like North Lake South Lake.

Both are a real roller coaster.

[Sean M]

I’ve definitely put Benson Loop on the list but leaning a bit more towards North Lake to South Lake only because it would be a bit easier to get to the trailhead for me, not mention its on the JMT. However I am a bit worried about the logistics of getting back to the trailhead but if all else fails we can just walk the 10 miles.

I also thought of a Tuolumne Meadows via Vogelsang Pass then back up the JMT loop as an alternative depending on permits. Any others have any suggestions? How about good weekend hikes in the general area as well?

[Dave Ayers]

One can go between North Lake and South Lake via the Tyee Lakes trail and not have to do too much road walking (or hitching).

There are dozens of other good loop hikes in the Sierra.  Here are a few suggestions for loop hikes in Yosemite which has the advantage of shuttles to close loops:

White Wolf down to Pate Valley, then up the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to Glen Aulin, then over to May Lakes (climb Mt. Hoffman), on to Ten Lakes (climb Tuolumne Peak), and back to WW.

Sunrise trailhead to Isberg Pass and back.  One direction go via the river trail along Merced and Wasburn Lakes, the other direction go via the scenic high trail.  Instead of going back to Sunrise, one could go over Vogelsang and down Rafferty Creek to TM on the way back and close the loop to Sunrise via the free Shuttle.

Dana Meadows (called Mono Pass) over Koip Pass to the Minarets area and return to Yosemite via Donohue Pass and through Lyell Canyon to TM.  Again, use the free shuttle to close the loop.  (Note that Koip is ~12,300, so altitude may be an issue.)  Lots of options for what to do and see in the 1000 Island Lake area.

Mono Meadows/Glacier Point up over Red Peak Pass and return to the YV via Merced Lake and LYV.  Catch the Glacier Point Shuttle to close the loop.

White Wolf to Ten Lakes, Tuolumne Peak, May Lake, Mount Hoffman, Cloud’s Rest, and Half Dome.  Either exit to the Valley and catch YARTS back to White Wolf or go out over Cathedral Pass to TM and catch YARTS back to White Wolf from there.

Each of these offers variations for side hikes and peak climbs depending on what you like to do.

[Author]

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