Hoover Wilderness
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Barney Lake Hoover Wilderness |
September 17, 2018
Because of the plethora of forest fires in August, this is only my second
outing of the year in the beloved Eastern Sierra. This also is a 'tweener
season' of sorts, being after the glory days of mid-summer yet before
the fall color arrives.
Upper Twin Lake at Mono Village
There is no official trailhead — just a couple of signposts
This is my first visit here since a foray southward into Horse Creek Canyon (Hike #95) some nine years ago. Today's route leads westward around the north side of the magnificent Sawooth Ridge, which forms part of the northern boundary of Yosemite Park.
Getting started
Two men approach me on the trail, riding electric 'fat bikes', meaning that they
have tires that can be as big as those on some full-size motorcycles.
The idea is provide a more comfortable ride while utilizing electric power to assist
the rider with the additional weight.
This fireman is ready
Would-be climbers also need to be ready
Hello! The wilderness signpost inexplicably is located a good mile closer to the trailhead than the border indicated on my old topo map. Was the border actually moved a mile eastward for some reason? I doubt it, but the data definitely don't jibe. Perhaps they moved the signpost just in order to spare unprepared climbers an addtional two miles of wasted walking.
He's heading out solo
I am delighted to head out as well, on this thirteeth different access to my favorite wilderness area. But who's counting? I am.
Water hazard
I am noticing some telltale tire marks, meaning that those bikers have been riding illegally in the Hoover Wilderness. An encounter with a ranger would cost them a bundle.
Aspen groves are fun
The forest path finally opens up to some views
More aspens
A typical Hoover Wilderness color variety on the northern slope
Nifty rocks to the left
The destination is up in there
Elderberry
(Woods' Rose)
When I was little, our family would venture over to Genoa in Carson Valley every September to pick elderberries, which make good pies. This is the first time I have seen them on a trail.
The climbing begins
The easy walking must end sometime. A series of switchbacks ensues.
Standing water on a trail invariably attracts butterflies.
California Tortoise Shell
As I pass by a granite cliff, the trail levels out. It can't be far now.
Starkly white
And there it is. Wow!
Barney Lake, 8258'
Overlooking the scene from two miles away is Crown Point, 11346'. Just behind it is the Yosemite border.
Four backpackers on the beach
A lone fisher
This is the nicest beach I have seen on a high lake, and that is saying a lot. Just sitting here in the sand is a pleasure and a joy.
This is why Carmine goes hiking
Although I could happily lounge here indefinitely, it still is more than a hundred miles to my friends' cabin in the mountains above Bishop, and I certainly don't want to be late for dinner; so it is time to start back.
Farewell to the wonderful beach
The lake's outlet is alive
Those butterflies are everywhere
This Paintbrush is one of few remaining flowers
No climbers are in evidence in Little Slide Canyon
Scrambling up that canyon to Maltby Lake and Ice Lake is on my bucket list, but doubtless it would be pretty rough going on just a primitive climbers' route. It clearly would be worth the effort, though; for that wall of rock is spectacular.
Upper Twin Lake
As high as an elephant's eye
Looking back
North-side reprise
Two or three weeks from now, this grove will be bright orange
Aged Mule Ears
Rabbitbrush
Back near the wilderness border, a couple has taken their pet jeep out for a walk.
Remotely controlled vehicles aren't legal in a federal wilderness, either
But are we actually in the wilderness here? In any case, I won't be the one to complain.
Over to the right is a bridge leading to the Horse Creek Canyon trailhead. I amble over for a look at the stream.
Robinson Creek
Back in 1961, I worked for the U.S. Geological Survey out of Carson City. One of my monthly duties was to come down here and measure the streamflow in Robinson Creek. I fondly remember standing in the middle of the stream and watching the pink fish swimming by my feet.
Preparing for the cold weather
Almost finished
Painted on the Snack Bar trailer that has closed for the season
§: Well, Barney Lake is gorgeous. The trail itself is pretty
easy walking and offers some nice close-ups of the Sawtooth Ridge environs.
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