Desolation Wilderness
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Lyons Lake Desolation Wilderness |
July 30, 2016
Nine years ago, I researched a nearby side road and found a way to cut
three miles off this round-trip venture. Heading up that bad
road this morning, I somehow cannot find the critical turnoff that would
take us over near the Lyons Creek Trail.
After two time-consuming attempts, David, Eileen and I finally abandon the
search and retreat to the official trailhead. It is going to be quite warm
today; in fact, it already is 70 degrees as I fill out a wilderness permit.
Getting started at about 10:30 a.m.
It doesn't take long for us to realize that today's walk will be an
unanticipated passage through a garden of eden. The mid-summer
flora being in full bloom, some of the wildflowers are as high as an
elephant's eye. My former visit here was in mid-June, when
the flowers had not yet done their thing.
Meadow Sweet
Ragwort
Alpine Lily
Garden variety
In about two miles we reach the trail junction that would have been
but a fifteen-minute scramble from the car if all had gone according
to plan. From here, some moderate climbing begins.
The trail has turned white
The creek finally has appeared
Although this is called the Lyons Creek Trail, the creek itself rarely is seen, and for a time it cannot even be heard. After more than four miles, the three of us finally get to visit it up close.
The crossing proves a challenge for some of the group
Finally reaching the anticipated trail junction, we could continue through the
meadow to Lake Sylvia; but I've been there and done that. Besides, that lake
isn't particularly interesting anyway. Turning north, we steel ourselves for
what rates to be a pretty steep 400-foot scramble up a terminal moraine.
Lyons Lake is up there somewhere
Pyramid Peak to the east is Desolation's highest at 9984'
The route is indeed steep and rough; many rest stops are in order.
Nice rocks
Approaching the destination
Atop the moraine, the anticipated rewards are forthcoming.
Lyons Lake, 8400'
I trust that this destination fulfills my companions' expectations. Cirque lakes invariably are spectacular.
Can you spot the man in the water toward the lower left-hand
corner of the scene?
Dave searches for a good lunch spot
Eileen takes in the scenery
Settled in
Also settled in
Right beside me on the rock pile, some withering red mountain heather tries to hang onto life beside a bright pink penstemon:
Exquisite colors
Underwater slabs are photogenic as well
One route to Mount Price winds up through those rocks
Someone is napping up there, but don't tell him I noticed
For the upcoming descent, Dave breaks out his collapsible walking sticks; he is going to need them.
Starting back
A small dam cuts off the southernmost several hundred feet of the lake, because that was the easiest place to put it.
Most of the lake is two feet higher now
Because both of my water bottles are empty, I pause here to try out my
new Katadyn water filter — a carbon unit that screws onto a
flexible bag. My old filter bottle had become quite difficult to use,
because the water no longer would squeeze out easily. This new device
weighs just over two ounces and can be stashed in a small sandwich bag.
White Mountain Heather
Down, down...
...and down
Actually, the rough downward climb doesn't take long at all, despite the necessity of extra care.
The water crossing goes better this time
The creek being nearby now, I must pay a visit.
Mountain streams are prettiest at lesser water levels
A hiker takes off her pants, then sits in the creek
Circling around so as not to disturb the woman, I grab my favorite photo of the day:
I love the way that Sierra granite turns reddish-brown when wet
More exquisite colors
A little ways downstream, a foursome and their dog are frolicking near the water. By the time we get down there, the group has rejoined the trail just ahead of us. Immediately, one gentleman starts chatting to Dave about the current slump of the San Francisco Giants, presumably because the team's logo is on Dave's cap.
Enjoying the creek
Blocking the trail
Although the group's pace is reasonable, Eileen clearly is anxious to pass the others. We tend to walk faster than most, especially when 'heading for the barn'. When the other group stops to 'water' the dog, we get our chance.
The Yampah are quite popular
In fact, it is all I can do to keep up while stopping repeatedly to commune with nature. Finally, I get a respite. Dave has some sort of leg problem (as usual), and Eileen is concerned about a possible leg cramp herself. So while those two conduct a drug deal involving Advil, aspirin, and magnesium tablets, I take a potty break.
I'm not complaining, mind you. This is only the second time this year that I haven't had to worry about running over people on the trail because they were proceeding so slowly. Having fit companions is a real treat.
Watch out for that tree!
It is late afternoon now and, visually speaking, this is the best time to be on a trail. I must not squander the opportunity.
The dilapidated Corn Lilies actually are beautiful.
Fireweed invariably steals the show
Yellow Paintbrush among the red
Fireweed up close
§: If you have only ten miles' worth of energy in you, I recommend
that you not settle for Lake Sylvia as a destination. It is beautiful,
but Lyons Lake is much more so.
Today's exceptional flower display relieved the tedium of what otherwise would have been just a long slog for most of the way. Had I been traveling solo, I would have taken more photographs.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty | |
| Flowers |  |
| Solitude |  |
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September 2021: The trail is mostly burned all the way to the lake. |
