Glacier Pass Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Loop Drive

I have done things that were comparable or much harder at lower elevations and I was fine. At around 9600 feet I left Monarch Creek and headed up the ravine leading north towards Glacier Pass. Time for another trip to Mineral King! On Day 3 we hiked to Precipice Lake from Big Five Lakes Lake along the High Sierra Trail. This lake is easily one of my favorites.

1. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking loop inn
2. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking loop washington
3. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking look du jour
4. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking loop north

Glacier Pass Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Loop Inn

The old trail eventually loops back to Monarch Creek above some cliffs and then you can either take a ravine to the left or follow the creek to the right. You will reach the unimproved Cliff Creek crossing (a dangerous ford early in the season), along with a camping area on each bank, at 5 miles. There are pit toilets and garbage bins at the dirt parking lot. It's difficult to find another more stunning alpine lake in the Sierra, and equally as difficult to describe the tranquility and grandeur one experiences in its presence. The trail vanishes for a bit, leaving you to wander around in search of it. Columbine Lake is a stunning place to camp! So, we continued on until we reach Eagle Scout Creek and set up camp next to the creek (there were a few campsites here). Note: there is an unmaintained trail from Groundhog Meadow that leads to Glacier Pass, but it is steep and isn't likely to save time if you are carrying overnight gear). Anybody hike sawtooth pass to big 5 lakes. This whole section of the High Sierra Trail is great. Roasting over a fish over a wood fire would be easier, if 30, 2011 at 9:00 am #1764641Ken HelwigBPL Member. Having eyeballed it from both the north & the south sides, it looked very easy navigation-wise (everything is line-of-sight), but that snowfield on the north side looked freakin' steep and exposed, and still substantial in August last year. The Mineral King Loop is breathtaking in views and physicality. Central Little Five Lake, Lake 10, 476 - This is one of the lovliest of the Little Five Lakes and it is arguably the most central. Our efforts were deservedly rewarded.

Glacier Pass Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Loop Washington

I asked them why they did not glissade, and they noted that with their heavy packs they were worried about punching through the snow. Stop for a bite here and soak in the scenery, but keep a watchful eye on your bags as the marmots are anything but shy. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking loop washington. The snow was a little crispier here than at Glacier Pass since it had been in shade for a while. Along the way you can see Sawtooth Pass and Franklin Pass in the distance.

Glacier Pass Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Look Du Jour

The upper ~1500 feet up Sawtooth Pass is cross-countryish, slip-n-slide. I might be just a bit less ambitious the first day due to elevation and acclimatingJul 30, 2011 at 10:08 am #1764654. Glacier Pass, Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Loop. These lakes had trout in them so you could do some fishing here. I put down the same dates for both applications (mid-September)—of course Mineral King being a much shorter loop. Secure in a diaper fashion with lanyard or rope.

Glacier Pass Sawtooth Pass + Big Five Lakes Hiking Loop North

Once you do reach the summit of Sawtooth Pass, you can enjoy the view 4, 500' down into Mineral King Valley to the west and beyond to the San Joaquin Valley if the weather is clear enough. I've never woken up to frost on our backpacks. If you are looking for a more laid-back trip, I would take 4 or more nights to enjoy the loop. Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking look du jour. If you're used to 15+ mile days and XC travel, it shouldn't be a big deal.

The elevation was the only thing stopping us. When we were done, the frost on the ground had nearly all melted. My typical timing for this trip was late in August or early in September and I never had any problems with snow along the route. The next morning we woke up and headed to the Mineral King Ranger Station to check-in and get our backcountry permit. That's actually an interesting idea. Next, we got back in the car and drove ~1 mile to the Sawtooth trailhead and parking lot. Lightweight spork (Snow Peak Titanium Spork). Glacier pass sawtooth pass + big five lakes hiking loop north. "I would work my way over to the saddle btwn Big Five Lakes Basin and Spring Lake and drop into Spring Lake. You also pass through a redwood meadow, which has some very large redwoods and a horse camp. Our trip itinerary for the WT was approved and we were given a permit!!!

After another half mile of hiking, we reached the middle and largest Big Five Lake and found a great campsite with good access to the lake. When I stepped out of the car, I froze. How did we get so lucky? 6 miles, an unmaintained spur trail splits away to lead west into the upper four lakes of the basin. Obviously I would keep it small, stomp out all the coals into a fine powder, and bury it to not leave any trace. Mountains all around! • Mineral King Valley above the Ranger Station.