Gardiner Basin Loop with Rae Lakes. I am posting this trip to gauge interest from the club, please add your name to the waiting list if you want to join. I will update once permits are in hand in mid-February. If you are willing to be alternate trip leader on the backcountry permit please let me know.
THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER TRIP. This trip passes through some of the most beautiful parts of the Sierras including Rae Lakes. It is also high altitude, starting at Onion Valley (9200) and going up from there. We will cross 5 high passes (Kearsarge (11,800), Gardiner (11,200), Sixty Lakes Col (11,700), Glen Pass (11,900), and then Kearsarge again) over 5-6 days. Sixty Lakes Col is a class 2 scramble. Daily mileage is around 10 miles per day. Bear barrels are required.
Route details via CalTopo https://caltopo.com/m/072PR . The majority of the trip is an off-the-maintained-trail-system loop requiring navigational skills. Bring a compass and a map. Although rugged, this trip will be conducted at a relaxed pace with no more than 12 miles per day. Your trip leader likes to stop, breathe, take pictures, and enjoy being in the wilderness.
Carpooling from San Diego to the trailhead will be arranged once the attendees have been finalized.
Itinerary:
Saturday August 16th- drive to Onion Valley (approximately 7 hours drive from San Diego), car camp at or near trailhead
Sunday Aug 17th – Enter wilderness via Onion Valley Trailhead, over Kearsarge Pass to Charlotte Lake. From start at Onion Valley (9200′) over Kearsarge pass (11,800) 8.3 miles, elevation gain/loss 2745/1539
Monday Aug 18th – Over Gardiner pass into Gardiner basin, camp in the basin. From start at Charlotte Lake (10400′) over Gardiner pass (11,262) and descend to Gardiner Creek (8900) 6.6 miles, elevation gain/loss 1757/3122. Should have time to explore Gardiner Basin after setting camp.
Tuesday Aug 19th – From Gardiner creek (8900) follow the creek upstream to lake 11407, then over Sixty Lakes Col (11,732) and descend into Sixty Lakes Basin to camp there. 6.8 miles, elevation gain/loss 2800/1270. Short mileage as the climb over the col may be challenging.
Wednesday Aug 20th – From Sixty Lakes Basin (10630) over Arrowhead Gap (also noted as basin notch on some maps) to rejoin PCT north of Rae lakes at Arrowhead lake, proceed south through Rae lakes and over Glen Pass (11991) to camp at Kearsarge Lakes. 10.7 miles, elevation gain/loss 2672/2304
Thursday Aug 21st – Back to Onion Valley Trailhead. 5.7 mi, over Kearsarge pass (11818) and down to parking lot (9200). Should get back in time to drive back to San Diego.
Disclaimer: You are responsible for yourself and your safety. The trip leader is not a professional guide. You are responsible for making good decisions. Be prepared for the terrain, weather, distance, and elevation. As with any trip, the unexpected can happen including inclement weather. A go with the flow attitude is always a good thing.
By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on the trip. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers or trip leaders. We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
