I have not been up to Sunrise Lakes before and was wondering about the best places to set up camp. My California Hiking guide mentions that there are sites available by the upper lake or that we can continue 2 miles to the backpackers camp. I have 3 questions/interests/concerns:
1) It sounds appealing to stay near the upper lake since we are heading to Clouds Rest the next morning and it would be nice to save 2 miles each way or 4 miles round trip on the day hike. Although we would then need the bear cans and I am assuming we can get by without the bear can if we only camp at the backpackers camp.
2) On the other hand, I am wondering where the backpackers camp is with respect to the beautiful sunrise views I've seen of some meadow areas. Would we miss out on the views by staying near the upper lake versus at the backpackers camp?
3) Would it be better to shave off the 4 miles on the round trip day hike to Clouds Rest? We have some new people to backpacking and I wondered if the day hike is doable.
Any advice would be appreciated!