How to describe a first night in the Sierra Nevada...Riveting? Too extreme. Intimidating? Definitely. Wonderful? Of Course. A rite-of-passage? Yes. Perhaps there is no one word that can describe one's first night in the Sierra. It is a dark, brilliant, paradoxical experience: one that I certainly will hold for the rest of my life. A hope that this first night spent in the Sierras will be a forerunner of many more to come.
In planning for our June climb of Mount Whitney, we decided to get "the lay of the land" near Lone Pine and the Southern High Sierra. To become familiar with the drive and local roads, scout out the best eats, and test our hiking boots (and skills) on some Sierran turf before the big day next month. This trip was actually not planned...it sort of just happened. Our original plan was to backpack Santa Anita Canyon for one night, just to get back into the backpacking "groove". When we arrived to Chantry Flats Trailhead though are plans were pulverized by the literally hordes of people in the canyon...far from a wilderness experience (boomboxes, chihuahuas, flip flops-- the whole thing...), as well a a huge group of Boy Scout's that probably would have taken up all of the seven campsites at Spruce Grove Trailcamp. Well what to do now? Having considered our options, we prayed and slept over the matter, and early Sunday morning, after much debate, decided it was in our best interest to head up to the Eastern Sierra and shoot for a non-quota (it was Memorial Day Weekend) trail. Our decision: Mulkey Meadows via Trail Pass in the Golden Trout Wilderness. So Sunday, we secured our permit in Lone Pine, ate lunch, and for the first time in our lives: gazed upon the High Sierra with our own eyes. Ah, and there, in the middle of the escarpment, streaked with late season snow, stood Mount Whitney: the highest point in the lower 48. The view was mesmerizing. One could have stood there for hours just contemplating God's marvelous creation with an open-heart. But, alas, it was time to move on.
Getting to the Trailhead was half the adventure! Horseshoe Meadows Road, which climbs from 4000' to 10,000' in 15 miles is an engineering marvel...and the views from the road are breathtaking. Nearly 10,000' below you lies Owens Lake bed and the floor of the Owens Valley, while the peaks above Death Valley rise precipitously in the background. To the south is a volcanic masterpiece , while northward stand the 14,000'+ White Mountains, in the rain shadow of the Sierra Crest and on of the most desolate places on earth, as well as the High Sierra-majestically jutting out from the deserts below. After those 15 miles are over, you find yourself in a similarly remarkable place: Horseshoe Meadows, where the hike begins. `
Stats:
Category: Moderate
Miles: 9.2
Elevation Gain: 1,900'
Location: Inyo National Forest, Golden Trout Wilderness
Permit: Trail Pass Permit Required (free at Inter-agency Visitor Center in Lone Pine)
Directions: From US-395 Northbound in Lone Pine, turn left in the center of town onto Portal Road, and then left in about 3 miles on Horseshoe Meadows Road (open usually May-October), and follow it 15 miles as it gently climbs above the Owens Valley. In 15 miles, you reach the Cottonwood Basin. Stay straight and park in the large parking area near some bathrooms and bear lockers at the end of the road.
Season: Depends on the Year. The Trail is snow free typically Late May-Late October
The Trail:
Backpacking Ability: A
ReplyDeleteBackpacking Experience: A- (This will become A+ within 15 months)
Writing Skills
Clarity: A+
Style: A+
Descriptive Ability: A+
Keep up the good work! Continue to pursue your goals and dreams - you are a blessing to me.