Читать книгу Sierra South. Backcountry Trips in California's Sierra Nevada онлайн

77 страница из 140

For Crown Basin: Follow the gentle, sloping ridge southwest above Portal Lake and continue along the open granite slabs south to several shallow unnamed lakes. From there, follow Crown Creek downstream to a small tributary that is fed by Hummingbird Lake (10,365’).

DAYS 4–6 (Blackcap Basin to Woodchuck Trailhead, 20.5 miles): Retrace your steps.

6 Crown Lake

ssss1

Trip Data: 11S 33567 4100360; 25 miles; 4/1 days

Topos: Rough Spur, Courtright Reservoir, Blackcap Mtn.

Highlights: The broad, gentle terrain surrounding Crown Lake allows excursions off the beaten path in search of solitude. This trek provides the opportunity to commune peacefully along one of the finest series of meadows in the southern Sierra.

DAY 1 (Woodchuck Trailhead to Woodchuck Lake, 8 miles): (Recap: ssss1.) From the trailhead, the trail climbs nearly 400 feet, curves east, and joins a dirt road for 30 feet to a signed junction. Go left (southeast) and continue climbing steeply 500 feet, swing north, and begin a scenic traverse. After nearly 2 miles, the path turns east, tops a moraine, and then descends into Woodchuck Creek’s canyon. The trail curves north and descends to ford the creek (may be difficult in early season). From the ford, the path ascends north and then bears east to switchback 500 feet over a minor ridge. The route meets a signed junction (8510’) with a trail to Chuck Pass; note this junction for your return on Day 4.