Modified Big SEKI Loop

Hello,

I looked at several ways to comfortably hike the Big SEKI Loop this summer.  My hiking partner can’t get away for any more than 6 nights.  I am able to be out for 9 nights.   I am attempting to modify the loop.  We secured a permit for the Rae Lakes Loop for the last week in August.  I am looking at spending nights at  Paradise Valley, one of the Rae Lakes,  Kearsage Lakes, and either at East Lake, Junction Meadow or Lower Vidette Meadow.  My hiking partner will hike out on day 5.  I will head south on the JMT to:

Night 5. Just below Forester Pass or to Bighorn Plateau, I am hopefully going to Bighorn.  (Max 18.5 miles
Night 6. To Kern Hot Springs. ( If from Bighorn 14.5)

Night 7. To Hamilton Lakes( 18.5)
Night 8. Moraine Meadows ( 18.5)
Night 9 Hike out (12.5)
I have an extra night to either shorten up a long day or hike a side trail.  I looked at hiking up Mount Whitney, but I think that would require 2 extra nights.  With that extra night, I am looking at breaking up the hike from Kern Hot Springs and spending a night at Moraine Lake.  Maybe head over to Little Five Lakes for a night.  I was there last summer it is beautiful.   Any suggestions are appreciated.  When I backpack solo I tend to hike long days and spend some time fishing.  Hanging out at camp on solo trips tend to be boring.

Thanks

Eric

Eric,

I did basically the same trip two years ago, except I went back to Road’s end over Colby Pass instead of Elizabeth Pass, in 6 days.  It was a fantastic trip, and I think you’ll have a lot of fun.  I could only stuff 7 days of food in my BV500, so I’m curious how you’re getting 9 days of food in.  Are you using a larger Bearikade?

Doing the Hot Springs/Hamilton Lake/Elizabeth is going to be more scenic and enjoyable than going over Colby.  Moraine Lake is beautiful and worthy of a visit if you have the time to stay there.  I can’t tell you whether the fishing’s any good though.

I’ve also heard great things about the Kaweah Basin if you have the time/skills to go off trail, or Tamarack Lake for a little fishing.

Eric,

Looks like a good mod to the Loop. I too am looking at this route and my hiking partner, like yours, has limited time.

Would you mind posting days 1-5? Will you resupply?

Also, I am looking at starting in mid July. Have you seen any predictions on when the peak mosquitoes and wildflowers will be this year?

Sorry I can’t offer suggestions. I have been to this area only once and don’t know it as well as others here.

Mike

Michael,

I will not resupply.

I have not seen any predictions.

Here is my projected  itinerary.

https://caltopo.com/m/NJ55

On day 5  my hiking partner will hike out.  We may spend another night at Rae Lakes instead of going to  Kearsage Lakes on night 3. I have never been to Kearsage Lakes, I understand that the fishing is good and they are beautiful.   So more than likely we will head to the Lakes.  I was trying to work Whitney into the mix but I think I need another day.  What does your itinerary look like?

Thanks