Eight day loop walk planning.
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 7:00 pm
I am planning an eight or nine day loop walk out of Lodgepole and have narrowed it down to two options. One is based on the Deadman Canyon loop. The trip reports I have read describe it as a five day walk, I have eight days. I would appreciate recommendations on possible day walks from the suggested camp sites listed below.
I think I would be level 3, class 3 experience. I am experienced with topographical map, compass and GPS. I do at least one week long walk a year in the arid regions of South Australia, often off track. I do about 8 weekend walks a year. This is carrying all food and equipment in a rucksack, some of these are also off track. I have done eight Himalayan treks over the years, four of which I have led myself in the Indian Himalaya at the 3-4000m altitude, including camping self sufficiently for 4 nights (that is not in tea houses). This has all been on established pony trails. I am aware of the importance of acclimatisation to altitude. I plan to begin this second week of August.
Hope I have provided enough info here. I don't want any really long days, I would like time for photography first thing in the morning and evening. As this is my first trip I don't need anything off track or challenging navigation wise in order to enjoy the scenery. I enjoy forest as much as lakes and the mountains above the tree line.
What hard copy map would you recommend I get?
Day 1: Lodgepole to Ranger Lake via Cahoun and Silliman passes. Or would stopping at Twin Lakes and doing an afternoon climb be worthwhile?
Day 2: Ferguson Ck.
Day 3: Upper Ranger Meadow.
Day 4: Bearpaw Meadow.
So I don't want to return to Lodgepole on the fifth day. One option seems to be Bearpaw Meadow to Hamilton or Precipice Lakes for the night then back again the next day? I am happy to spend a last night at Lodgepole before returning to Visalia the next day.
Thank you in advance.
I think I would be level 3, class 3 experience. I am experienced with topographical map, compass and GPS. I do at least one week long walk a year in the arid regions of South Australia, often off track. I do about 8 weekend walks a year. This is carrying all food and equipment in a rucksack, some of these are also off track. I have done eight Himalayan treks over the years, four of which I have led myself in the Indian Himalaya at the 3-4000m altitude, including camping self sufficiently for 4 nights (that is not in tea houses). This has all been on established pony trails. I am aware of the importance of acclimatisation to altitude. I plan to begin this second week of August.
Hope I have provided enough info here. I don't want any really long days, I would like time for photography first thing in the morning and evening. As this is my first trip I don't need anything off track or challenging navigation wise in order to enjoy the scenery. I enjoy forest as much as lakes and the mountains above the tree line.
What hard copy map would you recommend I get?
Day 1: Lodgepole to Ranger Lake via Cahoun and Silliman passes. Or would stopping at Twin Lakes and doing an afternoon climb be worthwhile?
Day 2: Ferguson Ck.
Day 3: Upper Ranger Meadow.
Day 4: Bearpaw Meadow.
So I don't want to return to Lodgepole on the fifth day. One option seems to be Bearpaw Meadow to Hamilton or Precipice Lakes for the night then back again the next day? I am happy to spend a last night at Lodgepole before returning to Visalia the next day.
Thank you in advance.