Comments on: Ebbetts Pass To Noble Lake Trail

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:07:03 +0000

Hi, Joe,

Thank you so much for posting this article. Wish I would have read it before I took the Noble Lake hike today. My hiking book was not very descriptive and I got confused when I got to the Noble Canyon/PCT intersection and wasn’t sure which way I was supposed to go since the book didn’t mention it. Finally decided to continue on the PCT but wasn’t sure if I was heading toward the lake so a half mile past the intersection I turned around and went back to the trailhead. By reading your article I realize I was going the right way and next time I’ll be able to find the lake. The wildflowers were spectacular, though, so even without making it to Noble Lake it was an awesome hike. Thank you for posting such a specific description of the hike.

By: sierrajoe

sierrajoe — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:17 +0000

Hey BillK
There is WAY too much snow on the ground… several feet and I would guess there will be well into July this year!

By: BillK

BillK — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:53:39 +0000

Joe:

Fine article. I was thinking of hiking from Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake then on to Bull Lake and Wolf Creek Trial to Wolf Creek Meadow. And, I had been thinking about doing it this coming Friday (6/18/11). Your article was instructive. I suspect the stream crossings will be formidable not to mention the snow.

By: sierrajoe

sierrajoe — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:04:48 +0000

Hi April,
The last time I checked, there was a huge amount of snow even as low as Lake Alpine. I can only guess that if the pass is open on memorial day, there will still be a ton of snow on the ground at the pass. Wherever you go above Spicer Lake, you’ll probably need snowshoes, maybe an ice axe, and depending on temperatures, maybe crampons. If you have not done snowshoe backpacking before, I’d suggest doing something at lower elevation first, like a snowshoe around Lake Alpine.
Since you have an early date for Whitney, you might consider trying to use this opportunity to learn how to use an ice axe and crampons. I’d suggest contacting SNAC and see if they know anyone who could do this with you.
Make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back. Also, in conditions like we have now, I would definitely recommend against going out alone.

By: April

April — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:17:59 +0000

Hi Joe,

I’m visiting friends near Bear Valley and read your blog about Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake Trail. I’m going there over the Memorial Day weekend (MDW) and want to do some training hikes in preparation for my climb on Mt. Whitney (end of June). No doubt there is lots of snow, don’t even know if Ebbetts Pass will be open MDW and should I bring snowshoes? I want to get some altitude training with a 35 lbs pack – can you recommend a good place to hike and get a good workout? Just this weekend I did Upper Yosemite Falls and Vernal via Mist Trail to Nevada Falls with 35 lbs pack (just to give you an idea of where my fitness level is currently). Thanks!

By: sierrajoe

sierrajoe — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:12:00 +0000

I think you’re right about it being more difficult than the hike from woodchuck basin to the ridge, but if you go all the way down to Wheeler Lake I think the climb back out is a bit tougher.
Both are beautiful but for camping Wheeler Lake is far better than Noble Lake IMHO.
Glad you enjoyed the hike!

By: Dawn Humphrey

Dawn Humphrey — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:59:31 +0000

We did this hike today with my 13 and 8 year olds. Gorgeous vistas, much more difficult than Woodchuck Basin. The uphill climb at the end was a killer. Totally worth it for the views. Best part was from parking lot to the waterfall. That last climb up the scree slope was hot with winds gusting at least 40mph. Hubby did the last 2/10 of a mile to the lake while the kids and I ate lunch. Great hike, but more difficult than we had anticipated. Thanks for the detailed description. We love finding out about places/hikes that will work for our family.

By: Greg Moore

Greg Moore — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 06:18:44 +0000

Great site Joe. The trail discriptions and pictures are great.

By: sierrajoe

sierrajoe — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:55:08 +0000

Yes, the trail is well defined. As part of the PCT it sees a lot of use, and is well maintained. That said, I would still recommend always carrying map and compass.
Glad you liked the video!

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:47:56 +0000

Great Article. I especially liked the video – It is nice seeing what the hike would be like before attempting it. I also liked seeing that the trail was extremely well defined and looked like it would be tough to loose the trail when you are walking on it.