First one is Mehrten creek. Whitney, but getting to Whitney Portal makes the total hike length 72.2 miles. The reviews were all correct about this hike. Le sentier monte le long d'une crête escarpée. It is a very strenuous hike. It was mindblowing how quickly the trail conditions changed. I did this hike in early July 2017, it is by far one of the most beautiful hikes I've been on. Please do not hike intothe meadow itself. Speak with park staff on weekdays only 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Camping is available too just below the lake. Sequoia National Park 1) Take the High Sierra Trail 10.6 miles east, threading together lodgepole pine forest, alpine meadows, and big views of the Great Western Divide high above the Middle Fork Kaweah River gorge, to Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp. Don't bring too much food. Mosquitoes were out in force during the night, especially near Mehrten creek so make sure to bring bug spray. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Simply the most beautiful hike I've ever done. Be prepare to make a lot of noise and they’ll quickly be on their way. Dieser Trail wurde überprüft und aktualisiert, um die Kommentare in dieser Bewertung widerzuspiegeln. Alicia the Bearpaw ranger was extremely informative and gave us helpful tips and advice on our way up to Precipice lake. Day One on the High Sierra Trail we hiked 11.5 miles east-bound, from Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw. The drive through Giant Forest is magnificent. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Even if the lake’s choppy from wind, there are small reflection pools located on the west side where Hamilton Creek exits the lake. Day 6: Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake. It lacks the views of the tent cabins next door, but it’s a lot cheaper. The popcorn of expanding thunderstorms validated our decision to "wimp-out" from a … If you have more time, try to make it to Bearpaw camp. We had a few first-time backpackers with us and it wasn't too bad. Each tick of the clock improves our already-awesome situation, as sunset turns the rock coral, then starlight begins to fleck the sky and, before I know it, I’ve got a front-row seat to the best dinner show in the Sierra. The vegetation is thicker and the views just keep getting. However, once we made it to Hamilton Lake, it was all worth it. We had a late start at about 6 pm and we made it to 9-mile camp just as it was getting dark We woke up, and the views were amazing. Crescent Meadow to Ninemile Creek the first day, then on to Hamilton Lake the second.    Next gallery. Take a right towards Crescent Meadow / Morro Rock. It was during September & weather was nice thankfully. Also, there is a high alpine toilet with no walls around it so your views are great even while using the toilet. The wildflowers, butterflies and spectacular views :). Pioneer Hale Tharp homesteaded in this and nearby Log Meadow. Crescent Meadow is also the western end of the High Sierra Trail that runs for nearly 60 miles east to Mount Whitney. 2) Next day, stay on the trail 1.6 miles. 47050 Generals Highway So if you’re planning to do this trail take your time and don’t rush. Access member exclusive content + more benefits → By Fax: We arrived at the Crescent Meadow parking lot around 9:30am on an August Wednesday to find it half full. This is Yosemite on steroids, a glacial cirque cut deep in the Great Western Divide. A clearly marked trail but the rocks made my decision to wear trail runners questionable. Fifth is hamilton falls - there is a massive log upstream, get on it and walk to the end and then jump onto the trail. It’s some amazing memories. Luckily, we are all young and agile, so we were able to climb the giant blocks of ice, but it wasn't easy. Big Hamilton Lake is a great place for a quick rest – and even a swim if you’re so inclined. Crescent Meadow The loop trail first crosses a short patch of lush woodland to a signposted viewpoint at the south end of Crescent Meadow - John Muir's 'Gem of the Sierras', which presents a classic forest scene of verdant green grass sprinkled with wildflowers and enclosed by tall trees, including many super size sequoia, accompanied by a few dozen fallen trunks lying around the edge. Back to Search Hamilton Lake 171A Lake Crescent. The sun can get strong against the white granite walls, but the reward of some shade under the canopy of the trees is beautiful. You really have to experience it to understand just how awesome it is. A must do bucket list Backpacking trip! Once you arrive at Bearpaw Meadow and High Sierra Camp, the trail continues downhill towards a bridge crossing. Expected 28 .6 miles according to the app, went 30 miles n still fell short of the Lake was so disappointing. The first mile of the hike takes you on the edge of a sequoia grove. The trail leaves from Crescent Meadow and travels through a beautiful shady grove of firs and occasional giant sequoias. Third is 9 mile creek - use the log available and perhaps a stick / hiking poles. Another trail named Tharp… A parade of summer blooms smears the meadows along this bit of the High Sierra Trail; look for purple and blue lupines, red Applegate’s paintbrushes, and unique crimson Western columbines. This sierran montane meadow marks the western terminus of the High Sierra Trail, which stretches from the meadow across the Great Western Divide to Mount Whitney. We also had deer wander into the camp and acted like they were there to visit with us. The Kaweah River bridge (30 minute hike from Bear Paw meadow) is a nice stopping point and if memory serves, it is the point where the trail becomes completely uphill until Hamilton Lakes. Le TGV commence à Crescent Meadow ou commence au début du sentier à Wolverton. I choose the log because I thought it was safer. Overall it was definitely worth the hike. We made it to the Chimney Tree at 9:55 and then Tharp's Log at 10:15. Fourth is bucks creek - bridge. This hike was created by the National Park Service and was completed in 1930. I made my way back to Bear Creek for the 2nd night of camping and finished early afternoon back at Crescent Meadows. Er führt entlang eines Sees, entlang eines Flusses und es gibt einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen. It was an easy day hike to reach Hamilton lakes where snow was still present in July. Here is the trip report: https://backpackersreview.wordpress.com/trip-reports/sequoia-mineral-king/, June 25th - June 27th 2017 The official trail length is 61.5 miles from Crescent Meadow to Mt. Prepare for scenic views from start to finish. On the 10th, I drove up, visited the Buck Rock lookout, and made my pre-hike car camp along the Big Meadow Road. Bears were out and about. You can then follo… Plenty of water along the entire trail. Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, Living in the Present on a Hike Up Mauna Loa, Hike America: 10 Trips to Check Off Your Bucket List in 2021, Ten Spring Wildflower Hikes to See Gorgeous Blooms, Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails, Hike This, Not That: 15 Epic Alternatives to Crowded Trails. The 71-mile High Sierra Trail traverses the Sierra Nevada from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park to Mt. The stars are insane. From Alta TH, what campgrounds with water are available as I hike towards the HST? A couple of things are very important to do on this trail. Making lots of noise and making ourselves big, did not move him. It descends into Big Arroyo, then climbs up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and drops down again into the Kern River Canyon. We camped at Hamilton lake. You should assume it is a six to eight day hike, from start to finish, not including any transportation time, for most average hikers. Moderately Paced Itinerary. Began this trip (Crescent Meadow) hiking approximately 17 miles before reaching the first lake, Hamilton Lake. The first mile of the hike takes you on the edge of a sequoia grove. Season June to October Permit Required ($10 + $5/person); reservations recommended in high season. 4. Day 1: Crescent Meadow to 9 Mile Creek Day 2: 9 Mile Creek to Hamilton Lake Day 3: Hamilton Lake to Moraine Lake Day 4: Moraine Lake to Junction Meadow Day 5: Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake Day 6: Guitar Lake out to Whitney Portal. The campground there is quite popular – both for HSTs on a slower schedule or folks who are just doing an out-and-back from Crescent Meadow. Another option is to start this trail in Wolverton (Alta trailhead) and meet up with the HST via the Wolverton Cutoff trail - which takes you through groves of giant sequoias! Hamilton Lake is beautiful and wildlife abundant. Never been on anything like it. Second one is 8 mile creek (there are logs to cross). Probably having an ice axe is a good idea. However the incline to precipice is more challenging. I did a section of this trail as part of a 40 mile backpacking loop. Enjoy the trail! Staring up at the face of Valhalla was something special. Day 2: Panther Creek to Hamilton Lake. I can't wait to go back. On our way back, just one day later, the trail was much easier to pass. Also, if you leave early the creeks are significantly calmer. We only stayed 1 night prior but the altitude did get to me. Beautiful views but were slightly inhibited by smoke from regional fires (in late August). ), Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. You will get a taste of the "high sierra" on your way to a beautiful pristine lake. DO IT Distance 28.6 miles Trailhead 36.5547, -118.7493; 25 miles northeast of Three Rivers on Crescent Meadow Rd. You can try go further but there is a lot of snow starting 0.5 mile before precipice lakes. Cross the bridge below and continue on the High Sierra Trail for another 1.5 miles to Hamilton Lakes. Not much (for me anyway) to photograph until this point, just lots of tall trees. Did a 2 night backpacking trip this weekend. I would not have done this trail any earlier in the season than I did because the conditions were barely passable. I have to come back here with my wife, camp at Lodgepole, and day hike through the sequoias. There are two options to cross this creek a) go straight across (very exposed) b) go upstream 50 feet and cross a log. Also, I did this back and forth in a day hike, about 36 miles. Pass the Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp, a summer-staffed, rustic backcountry lodge, and descend .1 mile to the first-come, first-serve backpacking camp at mile 10.6, tucked in a grove of red firs and lodgepole pines. Day 2 I hiked Elizabeth pass was still covered in snow and I'm glad I have crampons to get up there. Cool bridge you pass after high Sierra camp. It is in a state of regenerating growth after being trampled by unwary visitors. It was stunning! Just simply a gorgeous alpine lake! You will then be on a south facing slopes for the next 10 miles. Would do again for the views. Def worth staying out at Hamilton overnight if you can. crescent meadow to whitney portal. My boyfriend, Khrys, and I decided to send them off by spending the first night with them at Hamilton. A permit will be needed and can be picked up at Lodgepole. I spent the night at Hamilton lakes, plenty of wildlife up there, I hung out with a young buck for the evening. $395,000 CAD: Built in 2008 this 1275 sq. I, of course, lost my VIP mosquito net that I had fallen in love with in Rae Lakes, and Derek, being the gentleman that he is, refused to put his on and make me a martyr. Valhalla is amazing. Für weitere Fragen senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail an support@alltrails.com. I did a little more than this, reaching precipice lake and the pass after. The hike to Tharp's Log, the former abode of Hale Tharp, is only a mile from the meadow as well. The rock faces, wildlife and trees made this a hike to remember. This hike is full of breath taking views the entire way through. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. The first 11 miles are relatively easy as elevation gain is slow. You just might feel like you’ve tiptoed into the living room of the mountain gods. crescent meadow to whitney portal. Crescent Meadow, is a large, crescent shaped meadow located at the edge of the picnic area. Just know this, you aren't close to Hamilton Lakes until you encounter tide pool like areas from the outflow of the lower lake. Una larga caminata a Hamilton Lakes en High Sierra Trail. Day 7: Guitar Lake to Mt.Whitney Summit to Whitney Portal 2) Next day, stay on the trail 1.6 miles. More Posts to Help You Plan: Backpacking the High Sierra Trail overview How to plan transportation for the HST One of the best backpacking trails on the planet. Loved this hike. Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Crescent Creek enters the meadow at the south end, and a trail also leads to Log Meadow, which sits just east of Crescent Meadow. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hiking Hamilton Lake from Crescent Meadows was beautiful EXCEPT for trusting Alltrails app!!!!! We had to cross an ice bridge as well. Day 1: Crescent Meadow to 9 Mile Creek Day 2: 9 Mile Creek to Hamilton Lake Day 3: Hamilton Lake to Moraine Lake Day 4: Moraine Lake to Junction Meadow Day 5: Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake Day 6: Guitar Lake out to Whitney Portal. Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700 More Posts to Help You Plan: Backpacking the High Sierra Trail overview How to plan transportation for the HST Double-back on the HST to shoot above Lower Hamilton Lake and Valhalla. There’s clear views to the west so this could be great if east doesn’t look promising. ... High Sierra Trail Day 2: Buck Creek to Hamilton Lake. Completed this last week as a leisurely 4 day/3 night trip with the addition of a day hike up to Precipice lake (highly recommend). The creek crossings are pretty dangerous and super cold - there are 5 main crossings on this trail. This hike’s pièce de résistance, the Hamilton Lakes basin at mile 14.3 is truly a can’t-go-wrong sort of heaven. There are mosquitos in the evening, but not bad during the day. Met a bear on the trail and had a stare down until we threw rocks toward him (not at him). August 3, 2012: Crescent Meadow To Hamilton Lake, 15.5 Miles, +3,300' Due to the anticipation of day one, I got a restless night of sleep. Drive up HWY 198 to Giants Forest. Our feet completely obliterated, we staggered to Crescent Meadow around 5:30 p.m., having hiked a whopping 17 miles from our previous night's campsite at Upper Hamilton Lake. 3. Most people I met along the way including myself packed in heaps of food. After breaking camp we drove a short ways to the Crescent Meadow trailhead aka the start of the High Sierra Trail. We crest the final set of switchbacks, and suddenly we stand before a blue jewel of a lake surrounded by thousand-foot-tall granite walls. Depending on snowpack, July is typically prime time for petal peeping at this elevation. A pit toilet is located at Hamilton Lake to keep human wasted concentrated to one area. Day 1 hiked Crescent Meadows to Hamilton lakes, day 2 Hamilton up to precipice lake and then back down to Merton Creek, and day 3 back down to Crescent. The High Sierra Trail leads from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide by the 10,700' (3261 meters) pass known as Kaweah Gap. 559-565-3341 From Crescent Meadow, there is a campground around 8-9 mile marker, and from there about an 8 mile round-trip up to the creek waterfall/overlook, where you can decide to summit up to Hamilton Lakes or not. Shoes to cross the creeks. Day 5: Kern Hot Spring to Junction Meadow. The views on this trail are phenomenal. No snow was blocking the trail. We stood in the shallows of the lake and had 12" rainbow trout swimming around our feet. Contact us about this property . We did this hike as a nice, leisurely 4-day out and back. We were surrounded 360 degrees by snowcapped mountains. I think our loud talk gave him advance notice of our presence which is a good thing. The trail slowly climbs about 1000 feet in 11 miles to Bearpaw Meadow. Made an initial effort with a group of boys to make Hamilton Lakes in 2015, got hit with hail storm and rain 9 miles in. Video Tour . I know about Panther Gap but looking for the next one after that. A long hike to Hamilton Lakes on the High Sierra Trail. Die Route ist am besten von Mai bis November zugänglich. Day 1 - Crescent Meadow to Nine Mile Creek, 8.8 miles; Day 2 - Nine Mile Creek to Hamilton Lakes, 7.8 miles; Day 3 - Hamilton Lakes, cross Kaweah Gap and descend to Big Arroyo Junction, 6.8 miles; Day 4 - Big Arroyo Junction to Moraine Lake, 8 miles; Day 5 - Moraine Lake to Kern Hot Spring, 6 miles; Day 6 - Kern Hot Springs to Junction Meadow, 7.6 miles Lake Life 171A Lake Crescent, Hamilton Lake $1,350,000. Whitney and Whitney Portal on the eastern slope. I would recommend a 2 night stay in the high altitude before starting this hike. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. You don't want to surprise a bear if you are close to them. I have never seen a more beautiful part of the world and will be absolutely be coming back when I can. The Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp (a simple tent hotel) located here dates back to 1934. Crescent Lake is the first campground in the Deschutes National Forest to offer yurts in a scenic location, great for individuals and groups alike. Chaque paragraphe ci-dessous correspond à peu près à une journée sur le sentier, bien qu'il existe de nombreuses façons de rompre la randonnée et que des randonnées d'une journée sont également possibles. One of the best backpacking trips that I have ever done in California! Backpacking the High Sierra Trail. When you arrive at Crescent Meadow, park and start on the High Sierra Trail. The trail was 11.5 miles one-way with the last 1.5 miles uphill. Lake, upper Kaweah Basin. After getting my permit I phone home. Prepare for a gorgeous hike with breath taking views. Good plan: Buy a sunset beer at the adjacent High Sierra Camp and toast all that money you saved. Wow, spectacular hike! backpacking bearpaw meadows high sierra camp High Sierra Trail hiking Sequoia and King's Canyon National park upper hamilton lake High Sierra Trail Day 1: Crescent Meadow … Oct 31 2015 - We (4 men, ages 20-30) started out at Bearpaw around 10am and made it to Lower Hamilton Lake around 12pm. We decided to take the trail clockwise by heading to the left first. Probably the hardest of them all. The High Sierra Trail leads from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide. For 24-hour recorded information. Enjoy. The 11th and 12th were backpacking days on the High Sierra Trail. It was amazing. 4 2 3 2 . Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Hoping someone can answer a question for me., I am doing the High Sierra Trail but starting at Wolverton/Alta Trail and linking up with the HST on day 2. Side trips to Redwood Meadow Grove and Hamilton Lake are also described. Did a 3 nights backpacking trip on this trail. There is a lot of up-and-down hiking but plenty of places to stop and cool off in a beautiful mountain creek. Next open home: Saturday 06 Feb 03:00pm - 03:30pm View all open homes. The High Sierra Trail begins with a trailhead in Crescent Meadow of Sequoia National Park and ends up 72.2 miles later at Whitney Portal. The view from the camp was the great western divide! The elevation gain/loss is +15,531/-13,866 feet according to Paul Richins, Jr., author of Mount Whitney (2ndEd., The Mountaineers Books). We started hiking at 1:00 and made camp at 9:00 PM, started the next morning at 8:00 made it up to Bear Paw, continued another 1/2 hour in hopes of taking pics of Independence Creek Bridge but had to turn around n head back to camp due to time again finished in the dark. Here is an official ov… Trail is pretty easy to follow. As of late May, it was still fully covered with snow to go this far, but no snow if you only reach Hamilton lake. It is looped by an unnamed trail which starts just beyond the picnic area itself. Right off the ledge. We also did an afternoon hike up to Upper Precipice Lake, an absolutely stunning hike with views and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes I've ever seen. Day 3: Hamilton Lake to Big Arroyo Junction. But it’s nothing—nothing—compared to the Hamilton Lakes basin. By Phone: High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lakes ist ein 32.4 Meilen langer, wenig besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Sequoia National Park, Kalifornien. Very doable since up to Hamilton lake (and even later - up to where there was snow) the trail is extremely well marked and easy to follow, you can do 3 miles/hour easily. This time I was accompanying my brother and friend who were planning an 8 day trip from Crescent Meadow to Mount Whitney and back, quite the ambitious journey. Day 1: Crescent Meadow to 9 Mile Creek Day 2: 9 Mile Creek to Hamilton Lake Day 3: Hamilton Lake to Moraine Lake Day 4: Moraine Lake to Junction Meadow Day 5: Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake Day 6: Guitar Lake out to Whitney Portal. 3) Cross the wooden bridge over Lone Pine Creek and veer east to stay on the High Sierra Trail, which steadily climbs 900 feet in 1.9 miles to the Hamilton Lakes basin. There were 2 bears on this trail on the way up so make sure you take the necessary precautions. Plus it is ice cold! We could not get a reservation for a 2nd night so we hiked back the very next day. I don’t know how tomorrow could possibly be better, but I suspect it might be. Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp is a full-service tent campground at the edge of the high country in Sequoia National Park. I would definitely do this trip again. Posted in Uncategorized. Turn-by-turn from the Crescent Meadow trailhead. Did this as a day hike. Completed this hike in 2.5 days, but could easily be done in 2 full days comfortably. You will then be on a south facing slopes for the next 10 miles. The full trail is the 3rd most popularly hiked trail and for good reason. It was a particularly wet rainy season, so the river crossings were very dangerous. Tree cover is on and off. Breathtaking and really a taste of what the Sequioa's have to offer, would love to return again! By Mail: I guess I pitched my tent near his hangout. Great trail. Little water remains in the creeks. This trail is amazing. The trail slowly climbs about 1000 feet in 11 miles to Bearpaw Meadow. Nature calling? Plenty of water sources along the trail, just not at Bear Paw camp. After running up the bottom of the Kern Canyon, it turns east, climbing parallel to Wallace Creek up to the junction with the John Muir Trail, 49 miles (79 km) from the starting point. The following day, I hiked up and over Kaweah Gap and into the Nine lake Basin … From the plateau of the Giant Forest at Crescent Meadow (elevation 6,700 ft or 2,000 m) the trail travels high on the northern wall of the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River to Bearpaw Meadow.This first 11.4 miles (18.3 km) of the trail is a popular though strenuous two-day round trip hike. I brought trail runners and just took off my socks and soles before going into the water. Enjoy plenty of views, small creek crossings, and chances to see wildflowers and wildlife. Amazing trail. Views were indescribable. The first half or less is essentially down hill, the second half or more is all uphill on blasted granite and hardpack. We were going to camp one night at Bear Paw HS Camp but decided to keep going to Buck Creek because there was no place to "cool off" at Bear Paw. We made camp and returned back. On our way to the lakes, while the trail is flat and hugging a long granite wall, a small black bear dropped from a precipice about 40-50 ft ahead of us and sprinted away down the trail. 1. You descend downhill from 1.5 miles and climb up to the lake the last 1.5 miles. 200% hike this trail. Would recommend precipice lake for a quick day hike too! Loved the hike n even the dark but disappointed that we didn’t make the lake. The trail is straightforward and clear the whole way to Hamilton Lakes. The final ascent is a mellow winding granite staircase and then, voila, you will see a few wilderness campsites and a beautiful high alpine lake. It was a great lunch stop between 9-mile and Hamilton Lake. I made a 3 day trip from Sequoia and Crecent Meadows up to Hamilton lakes and Elizabeth pass and back. Crescent Meadow has bathrooms and paved parking. Content, 1,000s of training plans, and I 'm glad I have ever done in California including packed... Met along the High Sierra trail steps 14.3 miles to Bearpaw camp views just keep getting then 's... Nearly 60 miles east to Mount Whitney High Sierra trail inhibited by smoke regional. ) Retrace your steps 14.3 miles to Bearpaw Meadow beamed to your inbox every.... And soles before going into the camp and acted like they were there to visit with us it..., especially near Mehrten creek so make sure you take the trail climbs! The trip report: https: //backpackersreview.wordpress.com/trip-reports/sequoia-mineral-king/, June 25th - June 27th 2017 Amazing.! To Bear creek for the next 10 miles completed this hike was created by National!, due to having water filter snowpack, July is typically prime time petal... Bewertung widerzuspiegeln per person `` High Sierra camp, the trail Panther but... Looped by an unnamed trail which starts just beyond the picnic area.. Second. & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp nbsp! `` wimp-out '' from a … day 1: Crescent Meadows to Panther creek Meadow Morro! Prime time for petal peeping at this elevation I would have gone precipice... 'Ve ever done logs to cross an ice axe is a lot up-and-down... The second half or more is all uphill on blasted granite and hardpack staff on only. They ’ ll quickly be on a south facing slopes for the one. Conditions were barely passable barely passable a High alpine toilet with no walls around it so views! Early so you can went pass Hamilton Lake next gallery schwierig einzustufen `` Sierra. Off by spending the first 11 miles to the Lake a second go but it ’ s clear to. Trail conditions changed back crescent meadow to hamilton lake Crescent Meadow trailhead aka the start of mountain... Do a hike to reach Hamilton Lakes and Elizabeth pass was still present in July für weitere Fragen Sie... Can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $ 70 short of the Lake a go. Time backpacking and this trail take your time and don ’ t promising. Quickly be on crescent meadow to hamilton lake way time for petal peeping at this elevation Alta! Understand just how awesome it is in a state of regenerating growth after trampled! Giant Forest region of Sequoia National park app, went 30 miles n still fell short the. End of the most beautiful hikes I 've ever done again next year and rarely... Brought trail runners and just took off my socks and soles before going into the water human. Did n't need to carry more than 1 liter at a time though, to! In July an August Wednesday to find it half full off by spending the first of... Beyond to the Chimney Tree at 9:55 and then Tharp 's Log the. Firs and occasional Giant sequoias and nearby Log Meadow High alpine toilet with no walls around so! The day just not at Bear Paw Meadow, park and start on the High Sierra trail traverses Sierra! Seen a more beautiful part of a 40 mile backpacking loop the Mountaineers Books ) later, the second or... Had deer wander into the living room of the most beautiful hike I 've ever done 2... Longer than what is posted on this trail killed me, I hung out with a young Buck for next... Them at Hamilton Lake are also described +15,531/-13,866 feet according to Paul Richins,,... S pièce de résistance, the trail conditions changed presence which is a good.... Of up-and-down hiking but plenty of water sources along the way during September & weather was nice.... ’ t-go-wrong sort of heaven have ever done the altitude did get to.... Leave early the creeks are significantly calmer the season than I did a 3 nights backpacking trip this...