Comments for Trail Tales

Comment on Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake by tmjhsc

tmjhsc — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:42:21 +0000

The family made it into Wheeler Lake from Woodchuck Basin on August 11. Back out on the 12th. Great hike each way, but challenging for some of the family carrying the heavier packs.

The Lake level was full, and on the descent from the ridge, you could still hear one of the feeder streams coming down along with us. Must be artesian spring-fed as obviously there was no more snowmelt coming down from Avalanche Meadow.

Plenty of “noisy company” along the last part of the hike and at the Lake itself in the form of the grazing cattle and their cow-bells We camped on the West side of the lake, keeping clear of the spot designated as no camping due to site restoration.

Saw some great meteors from the Perseid shower, but the most startling thing at the lake was the three different BIG crashes heard throughout the night as some big trees came down. Quite surprising since there was no breeze at night…wonder if that’s a normal occurrence or if the trees are suffering from some kind of stress?

Saw some cowboys from Angels checking on the cattle Sat night. One got bucked off his horse right into the muck at the side of the lake. Ouch!

There was only one other group camping overnight at the lake that we heard. They were on the south/southeast side. On the way out this morning, we saw many day hikers coming in that made us really feel like slow-pokes with our gear.

What a great trip! Thanks “Sierra” Joe for inspiring us to take this one with the Trail Tales overview and video. It was a great experience for the entire family which included 60-something grandpa and 10 and 15 year old kids!

Comment 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.

Comment on Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake by susan

susan — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:47:15 +0000

We hiked there last night. There are some patches of snow along the road but once into the wilderness they are melted and we got to the ridge without problems. But then there is still quite a snowfield on the other side. The hike was beautiful, but many of the mules ears were just sprouts, way later than usual.

Comment on Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake by Sally

Sally — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:04:08 +0000

As of July 5th, 2011, the trail head was still under a lot snow. Enough of a clearing for 1 car, but you’ll still need to go over A LOT of snow to get to the higher parts of the trail to see it clear. In past years, it takes much longer for trail to Wheeler Lake to clear once over the ridge. I’d check it out before committing to a backpack.

Comment on Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake by Mal

Mal — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:55:51 +0000

Did the first part of this hike last summer. It was just as wonderful as the video promised!

Does anyone know if the trail is clear/passable yet for this season?

We are looking at planning an overnight backpack version of this hike from Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake toward the end of July.

Has anyone else camped there and willing to share any details?

Comment on South Grove Loop by sierrajoe

sierrajoe — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:02:04 +0000

I’d suggest talking to Eric down at Mountain Pedaler in Angels Camp. He’s an avid mountain bike rider in the area.

Comment on Ebbetts Pass To Noble Lake Trail 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!

Comment on Ebbetts Pass To Noble Lake Trail 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.

Comment on South Grove Loop by Kim

Kim — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:54:15 +0000

I would love to find a great book of trails and maps for my husband for mountain bike exploration. Any suggestions. Love everything you have contributed.

Comment on Ebbetts Pass To Noble Lake Trail 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.