I’m looking for an alternative to a Ten Lakes (Tuolumne / Yosemite) trip for Sept as the midweek day my buddy and I were targeting has no permits available — I just assumed that after Labor Day it would be easier.
Anyway, the general criteria we’re looking for, for a midweek start, in Sept, post-Labor Day, is:
- Scenic Sierras
- Easy water access
- Less traveled. I had a great trip earlier this summer, Florence Lake to Martha Lake, and it was wonderful once we veered off the JMT as we saw something like 1 person/day. I am comfortable hiking a bit off trail to a rarely used site with a nice view or along a river, but extensive class 2+ for this trip is not what we’re looking for.
- 6-8 miles/day and not crazy days of climbing
- Several hours drive from Bay Area. Need to rule out Desolation Wilderness as we have both been there plenty, but it would do otherwise.
thx,
Dave
