Katie is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. however, there are no quotas or fees within the Emigrant. Immediately I noticed that something wasnt right. There were remnants of recent visitors (Aspen Meadows Pack Station leads multi-day horse packing trips out here), but on this day we had the entire place to ourselves. The trail flattened out a bit as we walked through Saucer Meadow and then we descended to our camp spot near Summit Creek. A one-night, 32-mile trip starting at Hunting Hollow, passing Kelly Lake, Coit Lake, and Pacheco Camp on the way to Mississippi Lake. When shes not guzzling instant coffee in the backcountry, you can find her down the ski slopes or using inappropriatelanguage around children at the climbing gym. A few of the lakes are a bit swampy, and you will want to wade out into the water to collect away from the mud. Emigrant Wilderness is in Stanislaus National Forest, North of Yosemite. The 113,000 acre Emigrant Wilderness; bordered by Yosemite National Park on the south,the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on the east, and State Highway 108 on the north; is an elongated area that trends northeast about 25 miles in length and up to 15 miles in width. The next morning, the smoke had cleared and we headed out early for our climb back down to Louse Canyon. A #10 Dave Davis or Model-T Ford Fender with a crawler behind it can produce astonishing results on these unpressured fish! I planned to camp at Wood Lake. Precipitation averages 50 inches annually, 80 percent of it in the form of snow. Want to find the best trails in Emigrant Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Ultra-light Krocadiles, Rooster Tails, Mepps and Panther Martins can also be trolled or fan-casted from the bank on almost any of the Emigrant Wilderness Lakes. We didnt cross the creek until we hit the meadow. Watersheds drain to the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. Please be mindful of falling rocks. Food storage: Bear canisters are not required in Stanislaus National Forest, but are highly recommended. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. About This Home. Snow Lake Tail Hiking Trail, Bridgeport, California Snow Lake Tail Intermediate 4.0 (1) Areas CA High Sierra Emigrant Wilderness " Head past 3 beautiful lakes with Quartzite and Bigelow Peaks as backdrops and impressive views of the Sanchse Monument. The northeastern third of the Wilderness is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks; the remaining areas consist of many sparsely vegetated, granitic ridges interspersed with numerous lakes and meadows. Fortunately, the other end of the lake was much more suitable for camping. Be the first to know about new adventures. This 2-night backpacking trip in Emigrant Wilderness lets you soak in nature in solitude. I didnt see any signs of fish, so I continued hiking to Buck Lakes. No trail head marker exists at the beginning but the single track begins at the parking turnout. If you're looking for elevation gain, Emigrant Wilderness has you covered. The temperature had gone from freezing to summer in the hour I had been on the trail. Waste MUST be packed out from November to May. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Crabtree to Bear Lake. Because of that, I brought 2 sleeping pads and my 10-degree sleeping bag. After a restful night, we hiked up the rocks to perhaps our favorite part of the trip. Casey and I have a penchant for off-trail exploring and navigation, and the Emigrant is a granite wonderland perfectly suited to this endeavor. Great trail. Enter at Kennedy Meadows. For trips entering Yosemite National Park Wilderness from the Stanislaus National Forest and staying overnight at Kibbie Lake or Lake Eleanor (near Cherry Lake), you must call the Groveland Ranger District 1 day in advance of your trip. The road to the trailhead is accessible to most passenger vehicles with decent clearance at low water levels, but high clearance 4WD is needed for any creek fords at high water levels. Kennedy Meadows and Relief Reservoir trailhead to Granite Dome Lakes. The fall months are much cooler and provide less water, but there wont be any bugs. " Lee Watts OpenMapTiles OSM 4.3 Miles Point to Point 9,748' High 8,476' Low 464' Up 1,378' Theres none in the wilderness or Crabtree Road. Summit District. After spending over an hour at the camp enjoying our snack lunch, we decided to do a little cross-country navigation over to Pingree Lake. The trail was really pretty, following Relief Creek most of the way. Bear Lake sits just inside the Emigrant Wilderness nestled in a granite valley accompanied by a sea of conifers. Route finding: There are a lot of trails in the area, so be sure to carry a GPS map. United States. Permits are required for overnight trips. It was also mostly downhill, which was great. But to be a good wilderness steward when youre off-trail, there are some key points you should follow. SWV members provide education to wilderness visitors, perform work projects, and monitor wilderness resources in support of the US Forest Service. Author: United States. Emigrant Wilderness - Emigrant Lake, Pinecrest, 6 miles away : Hotels Near Sharon Lake: Super 8 Gardnerville Topaz Lake, Gardnerville, 25 miles away: Best . Congress designated the Emigrant Wilderness in 1975, but most of the area was protected as a Forest Service Primitive Area since the 1920s. Where is the best place to hike in Emigrant Wilderness? . Heads up, on the drive to access this route you may come across a few creek crossings that may be unpassable or difficult if the water level is high. Which lake trail has the most elevation gain in Emigrant Wilderness? Where is the best lake trail to hike in Emigrant Wilderness? In the western parts of the Emigrant, though still a granite and lava landscape, there are more lakes, meadows and patches of pine. Most of the 11 miles were downhill. I thought we would see the lakes at the ridge, but I was mistaken. Large groups are not recommended during busy times. 2021 Valet marketing - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Valet Marketing. They included a few small cabins, a barn, a hitching post, an outhouse, and various dilapidated items. Since we went slower in this area on the way in, we almost sprinted through here on the way out, just ready to get back to the cars & find some real food to eat on the drive home! And we needed a little wiggle room in case our newly planned route wasnt successful. FAX (209) 533-1890 I still had almost 11 miles to the car, so I conjured an ibuprofen and acetaminophen cocktail to get me going. Choice to use NF parking lot, or pay at Kennedy Store (puts you 1/2 mile closer to trailhead). 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. Ever since the Clark Skidmore party crossed Emigrant Pass this area has been an important part of Californias heritage. Like Yosemite, it has towering granite mountains and spectacular alpine lakes. but muddy this time of year. There is not much mosquito. This time we chose a lesser known wilderness area within the Stanislaus National Forest called the Emigrant Wilderness. Camp: Gem Lake. While at the lake of High Relief Valley, I realized that the abundant scat on the tops of granite boulders was caused by marmots. We crossed the dry creek bed and climbed a steep, rocky slope up to beautiful Rosasco Lake. There was a faint use trail, and a cairn (stack of rocks) on the other side of the creek. Backpacking Hyatt Lake, Emigrant Wilderness (2D/1N) Trip Details: Total distance: 13.0 miles Total elevation gain: 2,527 feet Route Type: Cross country out-and-back Wilderness Area: Emigrant Wilderness, Stanislaus National Forest Season: Early (early June in a low-snow year) For more information please visit the Stanislaus National Forest Recreational Opportunity Guides listed below: Operated under special use permitwithin the Stanislaus National Forest. Camping, there would be a wet and cold ordeal. SmallMouth Bass Lures and Everything to Catch Bass, From Tent to Fire: Essential Steps for Overnight Camping, Spotting Freshwater Fish and Freshwater Fish Dangers. You can also take the short spur to Bear Lake, on the junction directly after Camp Lake. At this point, it had been over two full days since Id seen another person, and over a day since Id even seen a footprint. I cannot recommend this trip enough for beginner backpackers. Subscribe Today & Support Regional Efforts Dismiss, Join our growing community and receive the latest Adventure and outdoor news and updatesrom around the Sierra Nevada. I found a cliff overlooking the lake with a fire ring and a sheltered spot for my sleeping pad. Trail engineers had carved stairs into the granite in a few sections, and we marveled at the high cliffs along the way. Call the ranger station for more information on these campgrounds. CaseyKaty Sometimes on marked trails there are very obvious signs that say no fires above this elevation. The Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108, with many visitors entering from near Pinecrest Lake or Kennedy Meadows. I decided to sleep under the stars without the tarp. Sand and dirt are also good choices. Visitors are required to camp at least 100 feet away from water, trails, and no camping posts. 93 Acres located on the scenic Old Emigrant Trail near the historic ghost town of Unionville, Nevada. The Fishing Advice 2021. With four distinct seasons and mild weather, this Southern Oregon spot offers year-round adventure. We soaked our tired feet in the cold water and happily ate our dinner. The Emigrant has really went downhill the last few years as well as as other wilderness areas. They were both closed by Sunday, October 18th, though were open earlier in October. Super 8 Gardnerville Topaz Lake, Gardnerville, 32 miles away: Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood, 33 miles away: Best Western Topaz Lake Inn, Gardnerville, 33 miles away: Lazy Z Resort, Twain Harte, 33 miles away : Ski Areas Near . If you're looking for elevation gain, Emigrant Wilderness has you covered. Thank you to my 3 friends who got me through the first day. Avoid wet grasses, meadows, and especially cryptobiotic soil. Beginning at the Crabtree Trailhead, this approximately 4.25-mile hike to Bear Lake is a moderate to potentially strenuous hike. Campsites spread across entire lake. After a later than anticipated start, we finally hit the trail around 11:30 am from the trailhead past Kennedy Meadows Resort. This is an excellent backpacking route in the Emigrant Wilderness. This protects water, wildlife, habitat, and visitors' opportunities for solitude. We sat up at the top for a while, amazed by the amphitheater of sloping granite and patchy trees. Only later did I remember that I had hit the outside of my foot against a sharp rock. There is some controversy about them, and some are being phased out, though not this one. Hike this trail? Went to Chewing Gum Lake over the Labor Day weekend. In places where fires are allowed, make sure to always use smart campfire methods. LockA locked padlock The Backcountry Horsemen of California, Midvalley Chapter (BCHM) assist several National Forests in many capacities, including in Wilderness. An overnight permit is required for backpacking this route. According to AllTrails.com, the longest lake trail in Emigrant Wilderness is. There is a wealth of lakes spread out among the 100,000 acre of this pristine wilderness. The best route up also looks like its near Upper Lewis Lake, and we did not venture over that way. ) or https:// means you've safely There is bear activity in this wilderness. This was a quick 2-mile jaunt to the peak's volcanic summit, where we enjoyed great views. You can read about my most recent pack trip, to Emigrant Lake, on my blog: www.leehaskin.blogspot.com Unfortunately, the Brookies, although big, are taking over this amazing Rainbow fishery. So yes, we did go skinny-dipping. The area was first protected by the U.S. Forest Service as a protected primitive area in 1931, named after the historical mountain pass that follows the West Walker route over the Sierra. Stunning Yosemite-like vistas without the crowds. Be aware that there are no camping signs on the creek side of the trail, so be sure to camp on the other side of the trail. The views are awesome although this time it was a little bit hazy. There are also two First Come, First Served designated USFS campgrounds on the road: Baker and Deadman. Saw a bunch of cows roaming around. The Emigrant Wilderness is best accessible from Hwy 108, either via Kennedy Meadows (no, not that one) in the north or via the town of Pinecrest and then Crabtree Road from the west, leading to several trailheads, including Crabtree and Gianelli. In the spring there will be more options to collect flowing water, but I would not hike this loop without a backup water filtration source. Emigrant Wilderness Think of Emigrant Wilderness as Yosemite's forgotten little brother. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best lake trail to hike in Emigrant Wilderness is Gianelli Trail to Chewing Gum Lake, which has a 4.7 star rating from 315 reviews. In the afternoon, we climbed up the little hill behind our camp to scope out the terrain for the next day, to possibly change our route. The entire route is an official Forest Service system trail. Route finding is required, but this is gentle country. Of course, if there is an actual trail that you can follow, use the trail to reduce impact. The Emigrant Wilderness is the Yosemite backcountrys underappreciated cousin. The hike between Emigrant Lake and Lunch Meadow is incredible; probably the highlight of the route. To the north and east one finds terrain dominated by lava-capped summits with fields of granite spanning for miles. This is a historic route that is no longer maintained by the Forest Service. That being said, the water is plentiful and youll never have to carry more than two liters. Large boulders, epic rock formations, pine trees as far as the eyes can see, and plentiful lakes make this loop a serene escape from Californias busy cities. Also, in October we saw only a handful of other people on trail. There are pros and cons to each month of the hiking season in Stanislaus National Forest. Having climbed nearly 5000 over three days, we were proud of ourselves for adding yet another amazing trip to our memories. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur periodically and nighttime temperatures could dip below freezing anytime. My water bottle had frozen overnight, but I slept warm. The best troutin' is in the more remote lakes, many located in the southwestern portion of the area. If you're looking for elevation gain, Emigrant Wilderness has you covered. overview. Lot of consistent up hill at the start but then youre done and get to enjoy relatively flat trail the rest of the way. Most of the buildings were made with local sugar pine logs and seemed to be in pretty good shape. It is amazing we enjoy some of the most pristine country, anywhere, and a horse pack trip is perhaps the best fishing value, for quality trout fishing. We peeled off our layers as the temperatures started to rise. There arent any excruciatingly long climbs, and the weather is pleasant well past August. But, like most things in life, LNT is not black and white. Check here to see if you can apply for an online permit. There are a few rocky sections, where the path is lined with small rocks across slabs of granite. Some of the Emigrant still includes cattle grazing allotments, and you may encounter cows or their signs from July to September. The trailhead at Crabtree Camp is easily accessible by . The hiking was a little slow going at the bottom here, since the trees were thicker, but we all spread out and tried to pick our best way up the slope. If you're looking for elevation gain, Emigrant Wilderness has you covered. From the Box Spring trailhead, you can reach the following lakes: Chain Lakes: 5 small lakes less than 7 acres each at 7586' elevation.2.2 miles from the trailhead . The granite ridges are smaller in scale compared to Yosemite, but the area offers a true wilderness experience with very few tourists venturing into the more remote areas of the region. Inflammations should take longer than that to develop, I thought. However, because we went during the COVID pandemic, we filled out our permit online. Third, I had already planned a 7-day trip in the area as a backup, so I was able to shorten that itinerary and cover 4 lakes instead of the original 8. Historic and scenic, the trail offers magnificent vistas far south into Yosemite and north to the jumbled volcanic peaks of the Sonora Pass country. Terrain varies from rolling hills to ridges and granite domes, with many lakes surrounded by stands of lodgepole pine. Most of the reliable water sources are lakes, which have a varying degree of swampy-ness. It was fun exploring the camp in such a remote area and it felt like a mini ghost town! I stood and watched the lake for a few minutes. Five miles from the trailhead, I ran into a group of hikers. (209) 965-3434. At the trail junction, we turned north and climbed 500ft up a ridge to the intersection with Crabtree Trail, ultimately making our way back to the trailhead. We crossed through the charred tree trunks of Pine Valley, which showed hopeful signs of regrowth after a devastating wildfire ripped through there in 2003. Leave no Trace and off-trail backpacking. My first trip to the Sierras this year was on July 4th for an overnight stay in Emigrant Wilderness. . Chewing Gum Lake is no exception. The best fishing within the Southern Emigrant Wilderness is within it's lakes. All photos taken with our . We enjoyed the different scenery along the Bell Meadows trail, and found a few groves of yellowing aspen along the way. The Department of Fish and Game estimates that 42 lakes in this basin have rainbows, 28 have brookies, 6 have goldens, 2 have rainbows and brookies and 1 has rainbows and brown trout. Hikers with strong backs should also consider packing in a small inflatable boat. The waypoints mapped here indicate suggested places to camp each night to break up the days, but there are other options out there. I also planned to do some off-trail exploration in the high country. Here the colors of autumn were starting to show in the foliage framing the lake. Long Lake is one of the numerous lakes in the Emigrant Wilderness enlarged by a rock dam at the outlet, which keeps the stream flow steadier throughout the summer. View a mapof trail distances in the wilderness. It was a big snow year after a series of late storms swept through the mountains dropping as late as May, so the . The Emigrant Wilderness of Stanislaus National Forest is a wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada. The closest snow to the bay is likely Chews Ridge or Junipero Serra/Santa Lucia/Pimkolam in Los Padres :) If you want snow the Sierra is your choice in Northern California. The best camps for Emigrant Meadow Lake are located on and around the elevated granite formation between us and the lake. The Emigrant Wilderness is a glaciated landscape of great scenic beauty. Every step I took on my left foot resulted in a stabbing pain near my heel. The last few years have resulted in some of the lowest harvests on record as well as a decline in buck age, mostly young forkies are being harvested. The park's runner-up is Granite Dome Loop via Kennedy Meadows, which will get you 5,587 ft of elevation gain. Went to Chewing Gum Lake over the Labor Day weekend. This is because Kennedy Meadows Resort is private property, but it edges right up against National Forest land. This means camping at least 200 feet from water, 100 feet from established trails, and away from fragile terrain such as meadows. The Marines' Mountain Warfare Training Center, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Hoover Wilderness form the Emigrant Wilderness' eastern border. We hustled downhill, except for a surprisingly steep uphill right before the trail junction, again stopping for another snack/ lunch and water filtering break at Grouse Creek. Hiking in Stanislaus National Forest: If this past year taught us anything, its to do your research before you go. The longest climb is less than a mile, and covers roughly 700 feet of elevation gain in that time. Set on the top of a ridge, sprinkled with forested islands, and surrounded by inlets and white granite points, it would make a great place to spend a day exploring. The trail is dotted with lakes and streams, offering frequent water sources and campsites. We took a cross-country shortcut to Emigrant Meadow Lake along Cherry Creek, where we stopped for the night at 17:18. The longest stretch between lakes is ~4 miles, so two liters of carrying capacity is plenty. The last 2 miles of the road was unpaved, but passable with a car. This trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. Varying terrain including forests, alpine lakes, and rocky ridges make for fun and enjoyable trips. I ate dinner, watching the sunset reflect off the calm lake. Emigrant Lake has county recreational facilities and good amenities, including several campgrounds, two developed boat ramps and more. After a co-worker of mine lamented that he got snubbed for all of his backpacking trips this year (COVID, fire, smoke), I knew we had to plan a great trip to change that luck. Where is the best place to hike in Emigrant Wilderness? Explore Gardisky Lake; Explore Ansel Adams Wilderness. Based on trip reports, I was dreading the first part of the hike because of horse poop, but it actually was really fine, probably because it was late in the season. Thankfully, a group of us were all able to get time off, so we set off for the mountains! From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park. Purchase maps at any Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Stationor the Forest Service online store. The water was so clear, we were a little sad that our day was too short to stop and soak in them. 2022 Backcountry Emily Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions. From Modesto, take the 120 toward Yosemite and merge onto the 108 toward Sonora. Return via Willow Ridge and Los Cruzeros. Great weekend backpacking trip. Referred to as the granite superhighway, there is this giant, smooth granite bowl between Hyatt and Big Lakes that empties into Cherry Creek Canyon. There is not much mosquito. Its possible to hike this trail in the winter with traction, but be sure to check the national forest road conditions and be prepared for winter conditions. Here's our recommended gear list With its eastern edge running along the spine of Sierra Nevada range, the Emigrant Wilderness encompasses a vast diversity within its borders. Gradually at first, crossing over two footbridges, and then climbs more steeply until Relief Reservoir comes into view. The DF&G does a kill survey every year off the main hwy during the entire opening weekend. Region: Pacific West (Stanislaus National Forest, Northern California)Length: 19.5 miles, 1-3 days, Elevation (average): ~7,000 feetTotal Elevation Gain: 3,172 feet. Be sure to file a trip itinerary with the local rangess and obtain necessary permits before heading out into this remote wilderness. We stood in awe of the immensity of the bowl. This website uses cookies. Campfires are prohibited above 9000 feet, and no campfires are allowed within mile of Emigrant Lake. Both Salt Lick and Spring Meadows are phenomenal; Long Lakes is an option for sleeping as well. In the morning, my foot was feeling worse. Kibbie Ridge, Kennedy Meadows, Crabtree and Bell Meadow are the most frequented. After a lengthy break in the shade, we continued our trek. Thankfully, this large creek was still flowing well, even in October. We chose to start our trip on the Crabtree Trail and return via Bell Meadow Trail for a change of scenery. Short, remote hike to some beautiful lakes. Posted September 11, 2015. Closest Major City: Modesto, California(three hours). But when you go off-trail, you dont have man-made signs to tell you that. The mosquitoes are thick near wet areas during June and July. on official, secure websites. This parking lot also has trash cans and pit toilets, and has a water spigot that was not working as of Sunday, October 18, 2020. After that, it becomes an off-trail route with little evidence that there was ever a trail. Learn how your comment data is processed. Access overall is good. October 24, 2020. Share sensitive information only Its alpine lakes are warm enough to swim in during summer months, and they're also great fishing spots. I gave it a few quick jigs and boomthe trout slammed the fly. We enjoyed the spot, and we had it all to ourselves! Like many of the other reviews, this is a great trail. I returned to do this loop again in 2020, and it felt just as special even after hundreds of backpacking miles under my belt. I planned for a short first day, stopping either at Jewelry Lake or Deer Lake. Hyatt Lake is a great place. One night camping limit per trip at the following lakes: Bear, Camp, Grouse, Powell, and Waterhouse. Trip report for Iceland and Ridge Lakes. Instead, I headed South, toward Huckleberry Lake, passing Blackbird and Maxwell Lakes. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Best Hiking Trails in Emigrant Wilderness - California | Gaia GPS United States California Emigrant Wilderness Best Hiking Trails in Emigrant Wilderness 66 reviews fullscreen link Driving Directions Seasonal Popularity J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 200 400 600 Overview Emigrant Wilderness is a protected area in California. There are opportunities to camp at every lake, with plenty of spots featuring man-made fire rings. We enjoyed some flat/ downhill trail as we walked above the reservoir, which was a nice break from the constant up. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Was too muddy near the lake, so we camped before the lake. Ridge Lake was really pretty, but due to the large size of our group, we needed more room for camp, and I had read that Iceland Lake had more space. There wasn't a soul around, the moon. Lake Elevation: 7,525 feet. TDD (209) 965-0488. Trash Collection: No trash collection at the trailhead in the off-season. We followed our route over another rise and eventually made our way down the granite terrain to Hyatt Lake for the night. Like much of the Sierra Nevada, the Emigrant Wilderness is a land of endless granite landscapes carved out by glaciers and water over millions of years. Elevations range from below 5000 feet near Cherry Reservoir to 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak. All Rights Reserved. We had identified this area from above, but still made the mistake. We dodged a bunch of cow patties, and our group spread out to avoid stomping out a trail through the dead grasses. I pulled out the barbless hook, snapped a quick picture, and released it. A view of Lake Rosasco in the Emigrant Wilderness. We visited in July 28 from San Jos and it was the best experience at Bears lake we ever had.The water level was perfect it was super quiet and it was . While this trip was originally planned as an out-and-back, we were able to identify a path down to Relief Creek and Lower Relief Valley and see some new terrain! Pets must be kept on leash or under immediate voice control at all times and are not allowed to harass wildlife. This trail is well-blazed and mostly dirt. After taking a ton of photos that wouldnt do it any justice, we skirted around the upper flanks to a notch where our route would take us over to Big Lake. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best lake trail to hike in Emigrant Wilderness is. The evening was chilly, but I stayed warm by my campfire. Pinecrest, CA 95364 Top 10 Backpacking Trails John Muir Wilderness; Emigrant Wilderness; Explore Granite Chief Wilderness; Explore Golden Trout Wilderness; Jennie Lakes Wilderness; Destinations . According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Emigrant Wilderness is Emigrant Wilderness and Sachse Monument Loop. What is the longest lake trail in Emigrant Wilderness? How many trails are in Emigrant Wilderness? For this trip, we decided to explore several lakes in the southwestern portion of Emigrant. At the time, I didnt think much of it as the pain subsided in minutes. So continue south, passing by Ridge Lake before going to Iceland. The Emigrant Wilderness is over 100,000 acres with over 80 lakes within a granite basin filled with granitic domes, ridges, and small hills. The Cherry Creek, including the East Fork and North Fork, contain small 4-7" Rainbows and Brookies. Starting Point: Kennedy Meadows. My 12-foot rod bent as the line whizzed through the water. An overnight camping permit is required if camping along the route. Though the weather will be extremely pleasant in the summer, bugs will be out in full force. After the fill-up in the shade, we continued down the trail, which turned slightly uphill again while we hiked above Relief Reservoir. Backcountry permits are easy to obtain without much advanced notice, and trailhead access is straightforward. I hiked from Crabtree Campground past Rosasco Lake, and that was pretty easy. Their knowledge of traditional non-motorized skills and stock use are invaluable in moving heavy logs and rocks, especially in wilderness where motorized equipment is generally prohibited. The trout leaped into the air several times before accepting its fate. It is a place where the pines, cedars, and firs of the Stanislaus National Forest gradually thin as granite cliffs, mountain tops, and monoliths take over.