We left Yosemite and headed back to Mammoth Lakes for the night, with the intention of starting our backpack the next morning ... since all health issues seemed to be conquered. Unfortunately, strong wind advisories were in place for several days later (reaching 100 mph along the Sierra crest, where we would be), convincing us nix that idea. After much consternation, we decided to head a little south for a day hike to Bishop Pass before heading for home.
The hike was a great decision! To reach the trailhead, we had to drive about 20 miles up into the mountains. Now, the Sierras drop very steeply on the east side ... from the crest (at 12-13,000 feet) down to a high desert plateau (at 4-8000 feet), all in about 10 miles. So we weren't really sure how there was going to be 20 miles of road. But this road climbed quickly, then went through a high valley. And it was filled with golden aspen groves, just as the sun was peaking over the the adjacent ridges!! Wow!
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| Sierra Crest from Rt 395 |
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| Aspen Groves |
So we hit the trail with significant enthusiasm! The aspens petered out just after starting the hike, but there were still some lovely fall colors as we made our way towards the pass. And once again, we had crystal clear skies, big granite peaks, and plenty of spectacular lakes. And at the 12,000' pass, still another lake, and more big peaks!
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| Fall Colors in Meadow |
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| Long Lake |
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| Long Lake and Mt. Goode |
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| Pattern in Snag |
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| Aperture Peak and Mt. Agassiz above Tarn |
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| "I ain't backin' off!" |
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| Bishop Lake Basin from Bishop Pass (l to r: Bishop Lakes, Saddlerock Lake, Long Lake) |
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| Saddlerock Lake beneath Mt. Goode |
After returning to our car, we had the lovely drive down the aspen-filled valley, then down to the town of Bishop for a quick bite, before heading towards home. We drove for a few hours that evening, then powered out the rest of the trip (13 more hours) the following day. Why? The storm that was bringing the high winds to the Sierras was also bringing torrential rains to Oregon and Washington, only earlier ... and we weren't very excited about driving in that. And it all worked out perfect ... when we woke from a great sleep in our warm comfy bed, the rains had arrived!
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| Aspens on South Lake Rd. |
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| Aspens on South Lake Rd. |
All in all, a great trip. We didn't get in our backpack (next time!), and Tom wasn't 100% for the first few days. But we went hiking every day, and constantly had a full dose of blue sky, granite peaks, and alpine lakes!! What more could we want? Can't wait till next time!
Activities
5-Star Moments
- Morning light on the east side of the Sierras as we drove down 395.
- Golden aspens along the road to South Lake.
- Views down to Bishop Lake from Bishop Pass.
Random Scenes
- Huffing and puffing his way up the final stretch to Bishop Pass on a "path" through a boulder field, Tom suddenly came upon a deer (outfitted with a radio collar) coming down the trail. The deer's first move was a quick turn and a few steps back up the trail. But then it had second thoughts, and turned right back around, stood firm, and just stared at Tom. Hmmm. Tom, after taking her mug shot, backed off the trail a little ways, yielding the right of way, and the deer continued on his travels. It wanted to go down, and there was only one reasonable path!
Random Questions
- Do deer travel with a destination in mind, or do they just kinda wander aimlessly?
Tom's Daily Stress Points
- Will the car make it the 20 miles and 4000' up to (and then back from) the trailhead with a quarter tank? (stress level = 3/5)
- What happened to Karen? Is she lost? I'm pretty sure she was in front of me (but I have admittedly been spacing out during this hike out). I've hiked really fast for 20 minutes, and haven't caught up with her! She had, in fact, gotten off the trail, but recovered after I had passed her! And caught up with me during a rest break. (increasing stress level to 4/5).
Sleeps
- Mammoth Lakes: Shilo Inn (very hard bed).
- Carson City: Gold Dust West Casino and Hotel (fine).
Eats
- Mammoth Lakes: Roberto's
Mexican (good solid Mex, reasonably priced).
- Bishop: Schat's Roadhouse (ok sandwiches).
Trip Stats
- 10 days
- 2400 miles
- 29.1 mpg (better, perhaps because no bikes)
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