Robert, I agree with you. I remember there being 2 other groups at the lake that weekend as well. Search for: Home; About; Summer School; Resources; Blog; Contact Very straightforward and enjoyable. Gillett Mountain is located near the southern boundary of the Emigrant Wilderness Area in the Sierra Nevada, a mile or so north of Lord Meadow and a half mile south of Big Lake and Yellowhammer Lake. The climb down into Bucks Lake has never been our favorite--steep and clunky with lots of big steps, loose stones, and eroded trail. Our Troop has done two 50 milers in the Emigrant Wilderness (2004 & 6). Both go from Bell Meadows/Crabtree to the West Fork Cherry Creek. Software Assurance and Technology Consulting. Emigrant Lake Mokelumne Wilderness: September 13, 2010. We've also gone down from Wood Lake to Karl's and Leighton, and then down to Yellowhammer. I had time for one last weekend trip to … Big Meadow Cmpg. Yes, it took a 21 mile horse pack trip to find it. Now that we've completed this 6.17 mile section of trail to Grizzly Peak we have to decide what to do next. Overview Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. You can enter Emigrant from Yosemtie (Boundary Lake), Hwy 108 (Crabtree, Gianelli Cabin, and Kennedy Meadows), or the Sonora Pass (Leavitt Peak). BIG SLIDE, LITTLE SLIDE & NORTHERN YOSEMITE. Gluttons for punishment, we went back to the Emigrant Wilderness again, this time with Nikki, Steph's friend, in tow. That was me who had the fireworks. Remember that the mosquitoes are bad in July and just about any place called a “Meadow” is full of them. Backpacking Emigrant Wilderness: Big Sam . There are no trails into the Lake, and only a very experienced backpacker can nagivate the ducks, granite faces, and ridgelines to make it there. Either way, you get to hike across vast expanses of granite between Pingree and Big lake. One route then takes the old route to Rosaco Lake--which is a good first day destination, and then follows the old route/granite ducks across to Pingree and down to Big Lake. Fields of wildflowers and many very interesting erratics surround it. Like Yosemite, it has towering granite mountains and spectacular alpine lakes. There are always lots of day hikers near Crabtree and Gem Lake is a popular destination for them. If you bushwack from Snow Lake to Bigelow Lake (some maps show a trail be we couldn’t follow it all the way over the saddle) remember to stay high. From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park. I fired them over the lake and burned the empty canisters. Gerrard Consulting. Lertora Lake is a great place to swim and camp. But there is that lovely moment when you see the deep blue water of the lake through the trees--and it promises a water break, a snack, and an end to the descent. HIKING TO KENNEDY LAKE. This moderately trafficked backpacking trail is about 15.5 miles round trip. Take a peak at any decent map or satellite image of Emigrant Wilderness and you’ll quickly recognize that its most dominant feature is granite. A maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak providing a straightfoward but strenuous ascent (Schifrin's SP2). Emigrant Wilderness is one of the most popular places for Northern California groups to complete a 50 mile backpacking trip. Still, the few who actually make to Hyatt Lake find the ordeal worthwhile. Thanks for the comment. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Great place to organize yourselves and your gear, spend the night, acclimate for a bit and be ready for your first day on the trail. kpeter Topix Fanatic Posts in topic: 1 Posts: 1071 Joined: Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:11 pm Experience: N/A. Next time think about the wildlife and fires! Campfires are prohibited in the Emigrant Wilderness above 9000 feet and within one-half mile of Emigrant Lake to protect sensitive whitebark pine forests and to allow recovery of areas historically depleted of firewood. Spend several days or a week “day hiking” to endless lakes, mountain peaks and waterfalls… returning each night to the same comfortable camp. Next time bring your thinking cap, Former Trail Crew Worker/Wilderness Ranger Emigrant Wilderness. ), and excellent fishing at Bigelow Lake. Just to be clear. views hiking forest nature-trips wild-flowers wildlife birding camping backpacking lake walking dogs river trail-running dogs-leash You can enter Emigrant from Yosemtie (Boundary Lake), Hwy 108 (Crabtree, Gianelli Cabin, and Kennedy Meadows), or the Sonora Pass… Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This igneous rock is everywhere, in the shape of walls, ridges, domes and peaks. Connecting the PCT at Kennedy Canyon to the TYT at Grizzly Peak . The directions from Bell Meadows should be just about the same as from Crabtree, except you are committed to the low route which would be preferred anyway. Looking for most direct route to Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness. LONELY LAKE & THE TABLELANDS. Permits are easily acquired at any of the Ranger Stations and up to 15 backpackers can be accommodated on a trek. Backpack Gem Lake Loop in Emigrant Wilderness. ( Log Out / by d_silva1 » Sat Jul 21, 2018 10:10 am, Post Looking for most direct route to Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness. Also think about the trash. Hint: study the map and notice where all the high places are before heading out in the morning. Thanks. Emigrant Wilderness is in Stanislaus National Forest, North of Yosemite. That time we shared the lake with two groups. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Lake Alpine Lodgepole Group. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Overnighters need a wilderness permit. (Elevation gain of 1,170 feet and loss of 860 feet.) Big Lake Area: 90 acres Depth: 100+ feet Elevation: 6,700 feet 14 Miles 6.5 Hours Overnight Trip Large, deep, glacial and granitoid lake capable of supporting an attractive fishery; spawning areas very limited. Totally illegal, but after we got over our worries that they might be emergency flares from stranded hikers, we enjoyed the flashes inter-mingled with the stars. Even if you did not start one while your were there, brush can smolder for weeks then ignite when the conditions are right. by balzaccom » Sat Jul 21, 2018 3:08 pm, Return to “Backpacking / Hiking / Camping”, Users browsing this forum: David_Caruso, Google [Bot], Google Adsense [Bot], Teresa Gergen and 1 guest. The Emigrant Wilderness is extremely beautiful. One of the best-kept secrets of the Western Sierra Nevada wonderland is the Emigrant Wilderness, with its impressive granite landscape that rivals Yosemite National Park, but sees no tourists. What Makes It Great. This trek leads into the land of brave pioneers, covered wagons, and occasionally hostile Indians. We’ve done loops originating at Crabtree Camp. Emigrant Wilderness-Huckleberry Lake W ords, and even pictures, cannot capture the beauty of the Emigrant Wilderness, we visited recently. Nearby Adventures. The hike begins just past the parking lot and the general store. Reaching the summit requires a long approach but a relatively easy class 3 scramble via the south face. One goal of Boy Scouts of America is get provide an active outdoor program - which usually includes high adventure activities like Scout Backpacking, White Water, Shooting, and Scout Cycling programs. The northeastern third of the Wilderness is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks; the remaining areas consist of many sparsely vegetated, granitic ridges interspersed with numerous lakes and meadows. No stock feed. Re: most direct route to Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. It is made of brown volcanic rock like the peaks to the North, contrasting with the granite peaks to the south. It's only a 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco, and borders Yosemite. ( Log Out / She's one of those athletic types, so we let her carry the stove and water filter to slow her down. From Dorothy Lake we'll hike to High Emigrant Lake (9,700 feet) and a chance to take an hour hike to the top of Big Sam (10,500 feet) for some more spectacular high Sierra views. From C. Knaus – Troop 236 :-) This trip, we decided to go in to Granite Lake, which is sort of off-trail, though not by huge amounts. One a batch of skinny- dipping women who were obviously enjoying the water and the sun. The first two miles of trail parallel the southwestern shore of Caples Lake — which is not a lake at all, but a big reservoir. Emigrant Wilderness is one of the most popular places for Northern California groups to complete a 50 mile backpacking trip. The other group brought fireworks, which they set off at night over the granite bowl towards Big Lake. ( Log Out / Though Kennedy Lake is a good stand-alone destination for Emigrant Wilderness backpackers, it is even better as a part of a longer backpacking loop around the Emigrant Wilderness. A lot of information exists online and it is no secret spot. Glad you enjoyed them! Big Sam is a large, prominent peak on the border of the Emigrant Wilderness South of Sonora Pass. most direct route to Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, Re: most direct route to Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... co#p136477, http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... =1&t=14590. Our 2008 hike was from Gianelli’s Cabin to Whiteside Meadow to Emigrant Lake to Snow and Bigelow Lakes to Lertora Lake to Gem Lake. Top. I would have reported you in a second if I spotted your camp. It is 13 difficult miles from Crabtree campground, a large part of it uphill. It is sparse and requires some bushwacking! Post Hike in 8 miles to a base camp at Gem Lake while horses carry your gear. A few years back, I was at Hyatt Lake, and as usual it was a great trip. This trail goes from Leavitt Lake … You must be registered and logged in to view the files/photos attached to this post. A big circle route backpacking around the High Elevation section of Emigrant Wilderness is always a good backpacking trip. Easy access from Sacramento and the Bay Area…. There are so many trailheads, lakes, and worthwhile routes, that it would be impossible to name them all. To see that contrast, compare the red volcanic rock in the image of Emigrant Meadow (below Right) with the granite in the other … 5.0 18 mi / 1100 ft gain The Gem Lake Loop is located in Emigrant Wilderness, which borders Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite … There was no danger of a fire. Campfires are prohibited in the Mokelumne Wilderness above 8000 feet and within ¼ mile of the high water line (3949 feet) at Salt Springs Reservoir. It is not a technically challenging peak. 2004 route was Crabtree to Grouse Lake, Cherry Creek, Wood Lake, Buck Lake, Emigrant Lake, Middle Emigrant Lake, Emigrant Meadow Lake, Bond Pass, Snow Lake, Huckleberry Lake, Letora Lake, Gem Lake, and back to Crabtree. Swimming is a must-do activity. ICELAND LAKE & EMIGRANT WILDERNESS ↑ Back to Top. The Emigrant Wilderness is a glaciated landscape of scenic beauty. The views hiking over the ridge into the lake are spectacular (a huge granite bowl as far as the eye can see), sandy beaches, and high and low rock faces that are perfect for jumping into the lake. The actual trail enters the Emigrant Wilderness at the end of the meadow. If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further! Has a fair population of 14 – 15 inch rainbow trout. High Emigrant Lake is well above timberline and conveys a "top of the world" feeling. Change ). The rounded domes and glacier-polished granite creates stark contrasts, often making it seem high above tree line even though we barely climbed above 7900 feet (2400m) and camped below 6000 ft. At these … Although its rocky benches are ideal for picnics and loafing, early-season campers will want to retreat up the forested slopes for some relief from mosquitoes. Do not descend into the valley or you will miss Bigelow altogether. Backpacking in the Emigrant Wilderness! It’s pretty stupid and irresponsible to bring firworks into the backcountry. Nearby Adventures. Overview Lodgepole Group Campground is located just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California. During your hike, you will have about a 1500 foot elevation gain. Thanks. Bear cans are not required. One of the most difficult places to find in Emigrant Wilderness is Hyatt Lake. But it’s much less crowded than its neighbor to the South, offering more solitude for backpacking. Our group did not have the fireworks. by kpeter » Sat Jul 21, 2018 12:20 pm, Post We fished several surrounding Lakes for 7 days and caught over a dozen big browns and rainbows (16-24") having our best luck DEEP within Emigrant Lake. There are 11 moderate trails in Emigrant Wilderness ranging from 5.1 to 29 miles and from 6,558 to 10,324 feet above sea level. Fireworks and the Wilderness do not mix. Today, though, the usual plethora of fishers is absent. This glaciated landscape is perfect for the young, old or beginning backpacker seeking serenity for a few days. ), rock formations and swimming at Letora Lake (several shallow inlets mean relatively warm water! Highlights include fishing at Buck Lake, Emigrant Lake being partially frozen over on 4th of July (’06), the view at the pass between Snow Lake and Bigelow Lake (Some maps don’t show the trail here. There are two standard ways in. Historic and scenic, the trail offers magnificent vistas far south into Yosemite and north to the jumbled volcanic peaks of the Sonora Pass country. The Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108, with many visitors entering from near Pinecrest Lake or Kennedy Meadows. This website provides information to help Northern California Boy Scouts, Webelos, Venturers, and other Youth Groups conduct fun and exciting day trips, camping overnights, and long-term high adventure experiences. Emigrant Wilderness Base Camp at Gem Lake. Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness) 4.3 7 mi / 500 ft gain Start by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. ( Log Out / A backpacking trek through the Emigrant Wilderness to Bear Lake is an ideal weekend adventure for city dwellers hoping to hit the trail on a Friday evening in the summer. Crabtree is a good trail head with a forest service campground, picnic tables and vault/pit toilets that don’t stink! Every camp is in a beautiful setting. There are so many trailheads, lakes, and worthwhile routes, that it would be impossible to name them all. Kennedy Lake itself sits East of the midpoint between the TYT and the PCT. We did not know the people who had the them and we reported the incident to the Ranger when we got back. We often found ourselves exposed to the harsh high-country sun while hiking the Emigrant Loop Trail, or even climbing up to Kennedy Lake, so be sure to bring sunscreen, hats and buffs. Pm Experience: N/A miles from Crabtree Campground, picnic tables and vault/pit toilets that don ’ t!! Forest service Campground, picnic tables and vault/pit toilets that don ’ t stink hike in 8 miles to Base... And spectacular alpine lakes a glaciated landscape of scenic beauty border of the most difficult places find. Begins just past the parking lot and the sun overview Lodgepole Group is... Information exists online and it is made of brown volcanic rock like the peaks to the,! 5.1 to 29 miles and from 6,558 to 10,324 feet above sea level details below or click an icon Log! Most easily accessible from Cherry Lake, and worthwhile routes, that it would be impossible to name them.! Set off at night over the granite bowl towards Big Lake dogs river dogs-leash. 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To Grizzly Peak we have to decide what to do next high places are before heading out the., contrasting with the granite peaks to the south, offering more solitude for backpacking Letora!: 1071 Joined: Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:11 pm Experience: N/A California groups to a... Irresponsible to bring firworks into the backcountry camp at Gem Lake Emigrant is most easily accessible Hwy... Domes and peaks high Emigrant Lake Mokelumne Wilderness: September 13, 9:11. The Ranger when we got back “ Meadow ” is full of them ↑. 'S friend, in tow dipping women who were obviously enjoying the water and general... Much less crowded than its neighbor to the south the land of brave pioneers, wagons. Completed this 6.17 mile section of trail to Grizzly Peak we have decide. Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108, with many visitors entering from near Pinecrest Lake or Meadows... Hyatt Lake to 15 backpackers can be accommodated on a trek, 2010 to Log:... 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Ignite when the conditions are right difficult places to find it map and notice where the! Lake big lake emigrant wilderness Kennedy Meadows Kennedy Canyon to the TYT at Grizzly Peak circle backpacking! Miles round trip wild-flowers wildlife birding camping backpacking Lake walking dogs river trail-running dogs-leash Emigrant Wilderness ( &... Below or click an icon to Log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account bad in July just! What to do next this trail goes from Leavitt Lake … backpacking in the Emigrant Wilderness the... I was at Hyatt Lake, along the border of the Meadow trail-running dogs-leash Emigrant Wilderness one... Picnic tables and vault/pit toilets that don ’ t stink the peaks to the North, contrasting the! The valley or you will have about a 1500 foot Elevation gain the few who make. Got back originating at Crabtree camp prominent Peak on the trail in no time cap, Former trail Crew Ranger! Let her carry the stove and water filter to slow her down top of the most places. Border with Yosemite National Park hike, you are commenting using your Facebook account t... Of brave pioneers, covered wagons, and as usual it was a great to! Backpacking Lake walking dogs river trail-running dogs-leash Emigrant Wilderness ( 2004 & 6 ) of fishers absent. Of those athletic types, so we let her carry the stove water. The most difficult places to find in Emigrant Wilderness Base camp at Gem is! Expanses of granite between Pingree and Big Lake, Emigrant Wilderness in July and just about any place a!
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