Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Help with Trek Suggestions Please

Hi Gang,

I'm associated with a Boy Scout Troop out of Lake Forest, CA and we're looking for suggestions for a summer backpack. Boys range from 13 and up with some of our adults being the backmarkers. Group size will be 8-12 and we're thinking about a week's trip with 40-50 miles or so.

To give you some background, our past hikes have included Rae Lakes Loop (great trip), North Lake to South Lake (too hard for some of us), High Sierra Trail (great trip, but too little time to enjoy the scenery). Our group has done Mt. Whitney several times, Mt. Langley and all of the southern California peaks numerous times.

We'd love any suggestions from those more experienced than us.

Thanks!

Might be hard to get the (golden ticket) wilderness permit now, but how about a Mammoth - Tuolumne fishing trip with some wanderings included...Banner, 1000 Island, Marie lakes, maybe a Lyell Glacier side trip included too.

Here's a couple of loop trips that I really enjoyed:

A northern Yosemite Loop (We took 6 days - our third day was almost a rest day). We saw a lot of boy scouts at Benson Lake, which is beautiful:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California-...#97447587_VKNHW

A nice loop starting/ending in Mineral King:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California-...#97426031_iBjKD

Can't help you with anything new, but you could really help me out. On the High Sierra Trail. Did you do that as a loop? I have it set up as a very expensive shuttle, but if you know of a good loop route, I would really be appreciative.

Thanks

What about Death Valley? Telescopic peak:

http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Telescope%20&%20Wildrose%20Peaks-2.pdf

Or what about Zion, or is that too far?

Many years ago (1976, to be precise), a couple of friends and I did a loop through the Evolution Basin. Seems to me we did about 40 miles on that trip. Beautiful scenery and reasonable trails.

Long before the days of the 'net, so no trip report to point to.

On the High Sierra Trip, we were fortunate enough to have people drop us off at one end and pick us up at the other. The downside to this was that our schedule turned out to be a little more ambitious than we had thought. While it took some of the enjoyment out of the trip to be on the move constantly, it sure was nice to see our friends who had hiked up a few miles from the Portal.

THanks for the reply. Yes, there are a number of different mileages given by various sources for this trip, and I think 80 is the best total estimate. SOunds like you are getting some good suggestions for one around 45 though, best of luck to you

I highly recommend the Silver Knapsack Trail
While only 36 miles, it can be supplemented with peakbagging, or side trips. There are many options!

It is remote hiking, where you will see few people

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Knapsack_Trail


Plus, they can earn a patch!

Hi Jeff,

It sounds like your Scouts have had many great adventures. I am sure that many years from now they will reflect upon these experiences and will be very indebted to the efforts of the adult leaders who guided them.

From September 4-8, 1960 my Dad, brother, and I had a splendid out and back trip up into Evolution Valley. We entered on the west side of the Sierras and started hiking where the road then ended about half a mile from the NW end of Florence Lake.

The water level in the lake was so low that year that the ferry service could not operate (which will likely not be the case this year!) and we progressed on foot along the south edge of the lake over to the hot springs at Blayney Meadows. Then we passed a "dude ranch" (now known as the Muir Trail Ranch) and joined the JMT. After following the South Fork of the San Joaquin a few miles, we took a left and headed up Evolution Creek into Evolution Valley. We fished and explored the Evolution area a few days and then hiked out the same way we entered. The only person we saw in Evolution Valley was the ranger at McClure Meadow.

I think an outing of this nature would provide a range of opportunities for the Scouts. Some could relax, fish, and take short hikes while absorbing the stunning scenery. Others could hike up to the Muir Memorial Hut or into the Ionian Basin or Darwin Bench. Simple peaks to climb might include Spencer or the Black Giant.

We hiked the High Sierra Trail in 1959 and found the Evolution Valley hike to be significantly less taxing. Also no shuttle was required.

I actually have a fairly detailed trip report for this September 1960 hike. If you wish PM me with a mailing address and I will send you a copy.

Best wishes for the Summer of 2011 in the High Sierras.

Jim F

PS: I will be in the Evolution area in early August this year. I will be looking for some Scouts up there!