Our friend read about this 51 mile hike in the Sierra’s and we all decided that it sounded like a great trip. We planned to meet them in Mammoth Lakes, Leann wanted to see Mojave National Preserve and best way to do this was fly into Vegas. It was a nice direct flight, we rented a car and got out of town. Leann read about the Hotel Nipton which was near the preserve, it sounded quaint so we decided to give it a try.
We arrived at the hotel after dark, found the key and let ourselves in since a manager is not always on duty. Little strange but we had the place to ourselves.
There is a central room for guests to share and the bed rooms are on the side. Bathroom is shared which I don’t like but that didn’t matter since we were the only guests
We did some hiking in Mojave and then headed to Mammoth Lakes to meet our friends
Since we had another day before our backpacking permits began we did a day hike to Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls
The postpile, looks like Playdoh.
Rainbow Falls
Gear check on the night before the trip, lots to carry
Most of the hike was in Kings Canyon National Park and Muir Wilderness. We had to do a quick shuttle, left one car at South Lake and then drove to North Lake and the start of the trip.
Welcome to the Sierra’s, lots of elevation change for this trip and three really nice passes.
Loch Leven, no we are not in Scotland but I would like to go some day.
You can see the pass above the last lake
Piute Lake
Almost to the pass
Looking back the way we came
View to where we are headed
We lose a lot of elevation today which means we are going to gain a lot on another day
Beautiful morning and weather stayed nice all day
This part of the trail was on a massive granite slab
Headed down, down, down
Looking back to where we camped
Piute Creek, almost to camp
The quote was from a backpacker we talked to while taking a break. She really liked where we were headed, time will tell.
Aspen Meadow
We had to descend to and then hike up Evolution Creek
Evolution Creek was one waterfall after another, it was an amazing stretch of trail.
After all the waterfalls you end up in McClure Meadow, classic Sierra scene
Leann on the climb to Evolution Lake
Evolution Lake is just over the last little climb
Home for the night, our tent is just to the left of the trees
I have to agree, Evolution Lake is a special place.
Sapphire Lake, I wonder how it got the name?
Wanda Lake
We found a packed tent around the corner. Somebody was going to be disappointed when they got to camp.
Almost to Muir Pass
Leann at Muir Pass, we had lunch in the stone building
Yours truly
Helen Lake
Marmots are common in rocky areas out west, they whistle
Weather was not looking good as we headed into Goddard Canyon, fortunately it turned out OK
Somebody had a lot of time on their hands
Short day today but lots of great scenery
This is one well fed Marmot, he must get treats from backpackers because he was close to the trail and did not run away
Our destination for the night is the lakes on the left.
I liked this campsite tucked in the rocks and trees
The longer days earlier in the trip provided shorter days at the end and more time for exploring around camp
Last climb to Bishops Pass
Leann at the pass
Ready to start down the other side, one beautiful lake after another
Leann on the switchbacks
I always wanted a lake front home, this will do.
The Whytes above South Lake
South lake and the end of another great trip
“The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go” John Muir
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE