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

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At a junction with the Scepter Lake Trail (9420’), go ahead (south) and then cross the creek. The trail’s faint tread swings west of Scepter Creek, so that it is out of sight and sound, but it returns to creekside at another meadow. Beyond this meadow, the route leads to another meadow and then continues south to a junction with the Chuck Pass Trail (9255’).

Turn right (west) on this level trail and soon ford the sandy-bottomed, unnamed stream that drains Chuck Pass. Climb moderately up the southwest side of the little creek. The string of forest-bordered meadows along the creek’s headwaters are, in the mountain springtime, narrow emerald ribbons interspersed with lush gardens—one of the finest series of meadows in the Sierra. After topping out at Chuck Pass (9540’), the rocky trail leads down through a park-like, spacious pine forest on a set of steep, dusty switchbacks. Soon, the route passes above a rocky, snag-strewn meadow, and then it descends to pass a series of sweeping green meadows, where the wildflower population boasts a tapestry of colors and aromas. Descending gently, the trail crosses a creek and skirts a large meadow. Soon you arrive at the attractive campsites at the west end of the meadow beside Indian Springs (8890’), between the trail and Woodchuck Creek.