Emigrant wilderness backpacking loop marcus hellberg. Reminds me of zumwalt meadow in kings canyon national park. Whether you carry your own pack or arrange to be packed in by kennedy meadows pack station, emigrant lake is the perfect basecamp for exploring the dozens of lakes scattered about the wilderness just north of yosemite. The emigrant wilderness of stanislaus national forest is a wilderness area in the sierra nevada. If its related to fishing in the high country of the sierra nevada, this is the place to come. This trip, we decided to go in to granite lake, which is sort of offtrail, though. Emigrant wilderness map wilderness press 15minute map series wilderness press on. Start checking them out and youll be out on the trail in no time. I also planned to do some offtrail exploration in the high country. Camping at bear lake, however, is limited to a single night.
Feb 08, 2017 powell lake trail shoots off to the left here, offering a short side trip to lunch, fishing, or swimming. Aug 04, 20 this was a two days trip going out to gem lake via the crabtree trail and back via the bell meadow trail. This is one of the most popular campsites in emigrant powell lake because of its short campout distance. This guidebook to the emigrant wilderness covers all the areas trails, as well as fishing options, climbing routes. If you should seek other waters, nearby emigrant lake should be just what you were seeking. Backpacking to kennedy lake, emigrant wilderness youtube. Solo fly fishing overnight in the emigrant wilderness. Emigrant lake is a magnificent destination for an extended emigrant wilderness adventure. Wilderness permits and campfire permits are always required. The trail begins at the westernmost point of caples lake, and takes you to emigrant lake. Like the backpacking forum, the collective knowledge of members who frequent the fishing hole rivals anything else youll find on the internet covering this topic. Emigrant wilderness california 2020 all you need to. Due to the stream flow maintenance dam program, the lake is entirely selfsustaining. Kennedy meadows pack station loop via kennedy lake to grizzly peak to tyt north to kennedy meadows.
Youll need a permit for this loop so make sure to stop by the summit district ranger station in pinecrest to. Bear lake rests on lily creek just inside the emigrant wilderness. Jun 14, 2012 granite near big lake, emigrant wilderness ca. It is bordered by yosemite national park on the south, the toiyabe national forest and the hoover wilderness on the east, and state route 108 over sonora pass on the north. Best hiking trails in emigrant wilderness california. Sep 10, 2015 we spent labor day weekend hiking crosscountry to hyatt lake in the emigrant wilderness an adventure were glad we did, but not one that we would recommend without reservation. Emigrant wilderness kennedy lake ben hiking a queer.
The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from august until september. Campfires are prohibited above 9000 feet, and no campfires are allowed within. The most striking thing about the lake is the view from the shore looking northwest across the water to the massive granite wall above it. Gluttons for punishment, we went back to the emigrant wilderness again, this time with nikki, stephs friend, in tow. Ben schifrin in his 1980 book, emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite, says that lower wire lake is his. This peaceful little lake makes a great early season hike as well as an easy trek for those wishing to get away for the weekend without spending all day on the trail. Emigrant wilderness map wilderness press 15minute map. Fishing on emigrant lake can be enjoyed from the shore or on a boat. Home forums campfire posttrip reports emigrant wilderness may 2012 crabtree to buck lake loop viewing 10 posts 1 through 10 of 10 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends.
The trip to sharon lake is best combined with other destinations within the emigrant wilderness. The emigrant is most easily accessible from hwy 108 past the town of twain harte with many visitors entering from near pinecrest lake or kennedy meadows. Only a singledays hike from the trailhead, it is easily done as a weekend trip. Though kennedy lake is a good standalone destination for emigrant wilderness backpackers, it is even better as a part of a longer backpacking loop around the emigrant wilderness.
Wed planned a loop of sorts, leavitt lake, over to high emigrant lake, down to emigrant lake, over to huckleberry, around to cow meadow lake and back to emigrant, exiting via. Headed to crabtree trail, and took the trail to camp lake. Backpack gem lake loop in emigrant wilderness, crabtree trailhead. Buck lakes are tucked away deep in the emigrant wilderness, with 20 other lakes within a three mile radius. Trails into the emigrant wilderness and the carson iceberg wilderness are. This trip, we decided to go in to granite lake, which is sort of offtrail, though not by huge amounts.
Terrain varies from rolling hills to ridges and granite domes, with many lakes surrounded by stands of lodgepole pine. If you are just looking to catch a glimpse of the water, walk down 15 to 20 feet along powell lake trail and turn back to the main trail. Deer lake was also very pretty and had a very nice camp site. Emigrant wilderness map wilderness press 15minute map series. Usda forest service 1400 independence avenue sw washington, d. Emigrant lake backpack trail across the heart of the emigrant wilderness. I woke up as the sun began to illuminate the mountains. Emigrant wilderness trail map topo maps by tom harrison. Whether you carry your own pack or arrange to be packed in by kennedy meadows pack station, emigrant lake is the perfect basecamp for exploring the dozens of lakes scattered about the wilderness just north of yosemite national park.
Info courtesy of oregon department of fish and wildlife. With easy walking distance are a number other great lakes. Buck lakes fishing emigrant wilderness daves sierra fishing. This area is great for trout fishing, horseback riding and of course backpacking. A very popular base for fishing trips since it has good camp sites and is the center of a large group of nearby lakes. I planned a 3night trip to emigrant wilderness to fish emigrant lake and some smaller lakes. Jul 25, 20 the trailhead doubles as a camp where those heading into the emigrant wilderness can spend the night before beginning their trek. Update 1199810 streamflow dams in the emigrant wilderness area. Mostly offtrail route visits all 3 wire lakes and spring meadow creek and lakes. Emigrant wilderness lakes and canyons sierra club outings. The trail to bear lake an easy trek to a secluded lake. The gem lake loop is located in emigrant wilderness, which borders stanislaus national forest and yosemite national park, and offers incredible views, smaller crowds, and diverse terrain.
Backpack, swim, and relax in californias emigrant wilderness with the sierra club. Emigrant wilderness september 1518, 2009 dave boore roy harrington photos by roy visit. We drove an hour from sonora, ca to enter the emigrant wilderness, part of stanislaus national forest. Best trails in emigrant wilderness california alltrails. Beautiful little sharon lake, tucked high on a mountain side above the kennedy creek canyon, offers spectacular views the surrounding country and quiet fishing far away from the crowds. Emigrant wilderness trail map total escape map shop.
Stanislaus national forest, emigrant wilderness, near the town of sorona, ca in northern california east of the san francisco bay area. Emigrant lake is considered one of the premier destinations in the emigrant wilderness. It was the last few weeks of trout season, so i also wanted to bring my fly fishing gear. Emigrant wilderness is a protected area in california. This guidebook to the emigrant wilderness covers all the areas trails, as well as fishing options, climbing routes, mountain biking, winter recreation, natural history, and horsepacking.
Shes one of those athletic types, so we let her carry the stove and water filter to slow her down. The emigrant wilderness is a federal wilderness area directly to the east of stockton, california. The first 23 of the trail is rather flat and appropriate for all skill levels. Backpack gem lake loop in emigrant wilderness, crabtree. P decided to do a little fishing again, but with the wind right in his face, he thought it might make more sense to head over to the north side of the lake. The weekend started benignly enough, roger i met at the kennedy meadows campground on saturday for a week of backpacking and fishing in the emigrant wilderness. Pinecrest lake, dodge ridge, relief reservoir, leavitt lake, leavitt meadows, the dardanelles, eagle meadows. Fishing is good in the lake and even better along kennedy creek. This report also fulfils requests from my fishy friends to enquire what the fishing conditions were, so if youre a fisherman, read on. From the south, the wilderness is accessible from cherry lake, along the border with yosemite national park. The lake is stocked on a regular basis and was most recently stocked in may of 2014. Perfect for a day hike reference or extended backpacking adventures. Emigrant wilderness california 2020 all you need to know. Emigrant wildernessrelief reservoir and kennedy lake.
Enjoy expansive views, alpine lakes, and rushing mountain streams. Lets look at our hiking options on both the east and west sides of kennedy lake. Cherry lake and lake eleanor roosevelt, emigrant wilderness and yosemite national park, california 21581655081. Kennedy lake itself sits east of the midpoint between the tyt and the pct. Usually only found at ranger stations hard to find maps. In the emigrant wilderness the use of bear resistant food storage containers is highly recommended. Fishing guide for sharon lake in tuolumne county, california. Emigrant wilderness loop trail california alltrails. This book has long been the best backpacking book for the northern sierra. Youll need a permit for this loop so make sure to stop by the summit district ranger station in pinecrest to pick yours up. It is an elongated area that extends northeast about 25 miles 40 km in length and up to 15 miles 24 km in width. A wilderness permit is required for camping, you can learn more here.
It involved some basic topo map navigation, a certain amount of real effort, and just enough bushwhacking to keep many people from having a good time on a hike. Soaring peaks cradle the lake on three sides while acres of lush meadow spread at its foot. With all the tent sites, we only saw two other groups, though admittedly it was after 10pm and dark so we didnt look very hard. Anglers often spend a week there, working around its long shoreline. I got out and put the rain fly on around 8am, then set myself to the task of filtering water. Fish species found in the lake include rainbow trout, crappie, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Sure, some of those other lakes require a lot of upanddown and roundabout hiking, but buck lakes will provide enough great fishing to keep you busy for a long weekend in the back country.
The last mile up to the lake schleps up the hill, and has some uneven terrain that may not be suitable for people with limited mobility andor small children. Ive used all of these phrases at one time or another to describe the flyfishing in the emigrant wilderness. Wire lake to spring meadow route hiking trail, twain harte. Emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite schifrin, ben on. There are 12 moderate trails in emigrant wilderness ranging from 9. Hike caples lake to emigrant lake, caples lake, california. For more info on how to protect your food and sierra bears check out the bear section.
Emigrant wilderness may 2012 crabtree to buck lake loop. Kennedy lake has become a classic destination in the emigrant wilderness. Home forums campfire posttrip reports emigrant wilderness relief reservoir and kennedy lake viewing 2 posts 1 through 2 of 2 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends campsaver. My water bottle had frozen overnight, but i slept warm.
Backpack to kennedy lake in the emigrant wilderness. Kennedy lake backpack trip overview high sierra trails. Rosasco lake, passing through en route to big lake we camped here on day 3 glacial polish, on way to big lake. Jul 31, 2014 backpacking to kennedy lake, emigrant wilderness. Rounded granite domes, alpine meadows, cascading streams, and stately forests greet backpackers on the 14mile journey to the lake. Can be a bit annoying when its crowded with backpackersbut amazing when you get to the lake and super refreshing to take a little swim. Emigrant wilderness map trail map, sonora pass map, sierra nevada. We came to buck lake after leaving emigrant and a little after buck lake we ran into a group of 4 who said there was a large fire in little yosemite valley, which had forced them to change plans and backpack in emigrant wilderness instead. For the second year in a row though, fishing was almost a dud. Jul 09, 2016 and after seeing three people at the first ford at emigrant lake in the morning, we hadnt seen another hiker all day.
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