June trip in the Sierra

[balzaccom]

Just back from a great trip in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness just north of Yosemite, off Highway 108.

This isn't what we had planned. First choice was in Desolation Wilderness...so we got our permit weeks ago. And realized there was no way we were hiking in that snow. Then we thought about Carson-Iceberg Wildnerness of 108. Both Arnot Creek and Disaster Creek sounded vaguely possible until a few days before our department. They both entered the snowline with a mile or two of the trailhead.

And that's when we thought about Lost Lake, Sword Lake, and Spicer Reservoir. The top elevation would only be about 6700 feet, and snowline was just about that. How bad could it be? Or how good?

We started from the Wheat's Meadow trailhead, because you couldn't get to the nearer County Line trailhead. A beautiful trip, and we had the place to ourselves. Admittedly, day one was a bit of problem. Threatening weather and poor trail conditions made this the longest five miles we've ever hiked. The first two miles were a simple climb up and down a ridge. But that was followed by two miles (and more than two hours) of wandering up the Dardanelles Creek watershed in the woods, tromping through the snow, trying to find places to cross the swollen creeks. The trail was either under snow or under water, but we managed to navigate with map, compass, and a lot of stopping and looking around. The last mile was a piece of cake/ Once at the lakes, we got amazing views--we camped on the western rim of Lost Lake, and admired the views of Spicer, the Dardanelles, and the rest of this part of the Sierra. Definitely one to keep in the back of your mind. And a great start to the summer!

http://picasaweb.google.com/balzaccom/LostLake2010#

[KC]

Sounds like a great trip. And, it appears you guys took the longer way to Lost Lake. It's the least traveled path though, and must have been a great journey.

Honestly, for beauty, solitude, and affordability (it's free) it's tough to beat Carson-Iceberg. It makes Desolation Wilderness and Yosemite seem like Disney theme parks. I make at least one trip up there every year, if not more.

Was up on highway 4 for work two weeks ago and could not believe the snow. Lake Alpine was pretty much frozen over. Two years ago at this time, I was hiking over the Bull Run-Henry Peak saddle, avoiding minor patches of snow on my way to Hiram Meadows. Last year, I was camping along McCormick Creek between Dardanelles Butte and the Dardanelles proper. Isn't happening this year, though, not for a while.

[balzaccom]

Agreed on both points--great place...and man! There is a lot of snow this year!

[DTOlness]

Amazing pictures, looks like such a perfect place to go. That stream crossing looked to be an interesting adventure in itself:) Thanks for sharing

[hotrod4x5]

Great Report!

[balzaccom]

Ha! That stream crossing was a walk in the park. Just climb down a steep snowbank in your Crocs, wade the icy stream that was up to your knees, then climb back up the steep snowbank on the other side!

Refreshing.