Rae Lakes Fail, Looking for alternatives
Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 12:30 pm
After three years of trying, I finally lined up a good permit for Rae Lakes this year, 2nd week of August. Last year we had permit issues and nobody wanted to risk attempting a first-come-first-served entry. Two years ago there was the fire.
Well it looks like this year is doomed too, haha. From reading and watching YouTube of PCT hikers, it looks like Glenn Pass is a glissade best done with an ice axe, and a key bridge is out shutting off almost half the loop.
I'm looking for an alternative loop starting somewhere starting in the Western Sierra. We have five days and five dudes. I was really hoping on seeing some high sierra scenery. I have some mountaineering experience/self arrest, but not my whole group. We will have micro spikes, but I want to avoid anything more technical or camping on snow.
I was thinking the Emigrant wilderness might be an easy target-- might be fun to bring a map and try to visit some of the more remote lakes, but am worried about the heat there in August. I don't have much experience backpacking in Yosemite, but I noticed a lot of trailheads seem to have openings mid-week.
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 4- Comfortable with trail and/or x-country travel
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 3 terrain/pass/x-country
- River crossings
- Snow travel - Micro Spikes
What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery
- Fishing
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? 5
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? 10-15 depending on elevation gain and whether on or off trail
Have you hiked at elevation before? Any prior issues with Altitude Sickness? Yes, no issues
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)? Loop
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in (Yosemite, SEKI, western sierra start or eastern start ect.)? Western start
Have you hiked in the Sierra Nevada before, if yes, where? Please list a few of your more difficult hikes, so we can then recommend routes based on your experience level. 4 days in Ansel Adams last year, mostly off trail but always a day or two from the trailhead.
Will you be hiking with a dog? Trail doggie now in doggie heaven
Well it looks like this year is doomed too, haha. From reading and watching YouTube of PCT hikers, it looks like Glenn Pass is a glissade best done with an ice axe, and a key bridge is out shutting off almost half the loop.
I'm looking for an alternative loop starting somewhere starting in the Western Sierra. We have five days and five dudes. I was really hoping on seeing some high sierra scenery. I have some mountaineering experience/self arrest, but not my whole group. We will have micro spikes, but I want to avoid anything more technical or camping on snow.
I was thinking the Emigrant wilderness might be an easy target-- might be fun to bring a map and try to visit some of the more remote lakes, but am worried about the heat there in August. I don't have much experience backpacking in Yosemite, but I noticed a lot of trailheads seem to have openings mid-week.
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 4- Comfortable with trail and/or x-country travel
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 3 terrain/pass/x-country
- River crossings
- Snow travel - Micro Spikes
What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery
- Fishing
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? 5
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? 10-15 depending on elevation gain and whether on or off trail
Have you hiked at elevation before? Any prior issues with Altitude Sickness? Yes, no issues
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)? Loop
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in (Yosemite, SEKI, western sierra start or eastern start ect.)? Western start
Have you hiked in the Sierra Nevada before, if yes, where? Please list a few of your more difficult hikes, so we can then recommend routes based on your experience level. 4 days in Ansel Adams last year, mostly off trail but always a day or two from the trailhead.
Will you be hiking with a dog? Trail doggie now in doggie heaven