TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

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bob adams
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TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

I live on the East Coast (upstate South Carolina) so Sierra trips are a special treat to me. Years ago I was fortunate enough to get up into the Miter Basin and decided to revisit the area. A colleague from work had never been so he was all in. We arrived in Las Vegas, rented a car, ate lunch, bought gas canisters, a couple of gallons of water and left to drive through Death Valley in the late afternoon. High temperature observed was 119F. We arrived in Lone Pine late and instead of sleeping up in the Horseshoe Meadow decided to cowboy camp down at the Tuttle Creek Campground. That gave us the opportunity to get up early, buy breakfast and get our permit at the Inyo Forest Visitors Center south of town.

After driving up to the parking lot we left the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead about 11:00AM and got to Muir Lake mid-afternoon. Muir Lake is gorgeous. It’s also uncrowded. I hate to even say that for I fear it will get popular. Two guys were leaving when we got there and one nice lady from above LA camped with us the second night. If you’re reading this Jamie thanks again for sending out text messages through your In-reach. I don’t know if there are any trout in the lake as I didn’t see any rises but it looked like a great place to fish.

We left Muir on Tuesday mid-morning and were on top of New Army Pass by 1:30PM. My friend had a problem with altitude sickness (nausea but no headache) so we had to go slow. I didn’t have any problems.

From the pass we hiked to Soldier Lake. We arrived in the afternoon and found it crowded. After backtracking a tolerable tent site was found near the bear box. This was our basecamp for two nights.

On Wednesday we day hiked up into the basin. It was more rugged and spectacular than I remember. There were two parties camped, both up near the bench to Sky Blue Lake. Instead of that clear blue color the lake had taken on a cold and foreboding hue as the clouds had rolled in. It sprinkled and some pea sized hail came down for a short time. We beat a retreat home.

The next day we packed and headed towards Chicken Springs Lake on the Siberian Pass trail and then the PCT. I have to say that the PCT is a very well maintained walk and we made very good time. When we arrived around 1:00PM the question of the day was should we camp and eat out of a pouch or …? The sirens of pizza and cold brew were beckoning strongly. Since it was only a short distance to Cottonwood Pass and the trailhead parking lot we couldn’t resist. Lone Pine won out. The pizza was fine but the house brand IPA ……hmmmm? I’ve had better. Note that the best beer selection was at the gas station convenience store very near the Carl’s Jr. on the north side of town. We stayed at the Dow Villa and ate breakfast at the Alabama Hills Café. If you’re going to do breakfast, eat there. Huge hash browns. First rate and it’s a bakery too.

All-in-all a great hike. Weather conditions - highs maybe to the low 80s. I don’t think it ever got below 40 at night. Cumulus clouds came up around ten with mild showers and small hail after Noon most days. No smoke, nada, zero. No mosquitoes except a few at Soldier Lakes but didn't have to put on any repellant. Can’t wait ‘til next time.
Last edited by bob adams on Thu Aug 30, 2018 10:52 am, edited 8 times in total.
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windknot
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by windknot »

Thanks for the report and glad you had a great trip! Living in Seattle now, I appreciate the extra effort (and reward) that goes into making Sierra trips now -- never had to think about whether or not collapsible trekking poles fit into my checked bag or not before.

Looking forward to those photos and thanks also for the smoke report. I'm headed out for 9 days tomorrow and may be in the same area if smoke further north is still a factor.
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

Okay trying to upload files and it is maddening.
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

Some of the photos post upside down no matter which way I orient them. Can't figure this out.
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

Miter Basin
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

Miter Basin B&W
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by bob adams »

If any one knows the trick to get photos to post right-side up let me know. Some of them won't show up in the correct orientation whether I post rightside up or upside down.
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by Goat »

You'll get the hang of photos, but yeah I feel you. Keep 'em coming. Thanks for the timely TR. Will be headed up there next week, also coming from the east coast. I find for a week trip, the additional travel is not a big deal. It's the weekender type jaunts that are tough from afar.

Hey Windknot, maybe we'll cross paths again.

Nate
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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by cslaght »

Absolutely love the B&W of the Miter Basin, sounds like you had a great trip. Great work!
"The mountains are calling, but can't find my phone"

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Re: TR –Miter Basin August 11th through 18th.

Post by xcountry rider »

Great report! I also like the black and white of miter basin.
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