Lembert Dome and Dog Lake 9/17/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

 

 

 

9/17/2017


This short hike to the top of Lembert Dome offers a spectacular view of Tuolumne Meadows and some of the notable peaks of Yosemite's high country.  It's less crowded and breathtaking views from the top are worth the trip. Also, Dog Lake is just a short distance from Lembert Dome.

Every time when I passed by this big granite rock rising near Toulumne Meadows along Tioga road, it always caught my attention and made me wonder....what it would be like to stand on the top of it. Don't be surprised as you trek up to the top....it's gigantic!....even though it looks much smaller than Half Dome or El Capitan. The views from the top are spectacular! Sweeping vistas in all directions....Toulumne Meadows, Cathedral Peak, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana and more.
 

Use caution as you ascend the face of the dome. There is no obvious trail on the granite slabs, so choose a safe route aiming to the top.

Video by Lifeisamt

Alamere Falls 9/11/2017 - Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

9/11/2017

Alamere Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Point Reyes National Seashore. It consists of upper and lower falls flowing into the ocean. It cascades over steep bluffs at Alamere Creek Beach. Upper falls separately fall along the stream on the ledge of the bluffs. Lower falls cascade down the bluffs directly into the beach.

Alamere Falls hike starts with Coastal Trail  from Palomarin Trailhead in Bolinas. The hike to the waterfall is about 8.5 miles RT, and there is a slight elevation loss/gain, but not significant. Trail is in good condition overall, except some uneven eroded sections here and there. After passing two lakes (Bass Lake and Pelican Lake), you come to a cairn (arrow sign of rocks) pointing to the route to the waterfall. The path looks like a narrow tunnel covered with vegetation. Be wary of poison oak as you go through the narrow path. If you opt out taking the path to the waterfall at the cairn, there's a route recommended by NPS....continue Coastal Trail north to Wildcat Camp and trek south along the beach at low tide to reach the waterfall.

Scrambling down/up the shale bluffs from the path to upper falls and further down to lower falls at the beach can be a bit challenging as it is steep. Make sure of secure handhold and footing as you go.

Bring enough water to stay hydrated as half of the trail is exposed and provides no shade.  Parking is free and restroom is available. Plan the journey according to tides for viewing the waterfall from the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

Hike up Kearsarge Pass to Kearsarge Lakes 9/16/2017 - Onion Valley, CA

 

9/16/2017

Amazing hike with a series of alpine lakes, waterfalls and towering mountain peaks of High Sierra. Kearsarge Pass (11,760') is one of the most direct and shortest routes connecting eastern and western High Sierras. Kings Canyon National Park is situated just on the other side (west) of the pass. This 5 mile long hike gaining 2,660' elevation provides spectacular mountain vistas all along the journey. Kearsarge Pass Trail traverses John Muir Wilderness and connects with John Muir Trail and PCT. 

From the beginning of the hike at Onion Valley trailhead, breathtaking views amaze you. Trail is well maintained and climbs in switchbacks. Along the trail there are a series of waterfalls and alpine lakes....Little Pothole Lake, Gilbert Lake, Flower Lake, Heart Lake and Big Pothole Lake. University Peak (13,589'), which is named for the University of California, looms over the lakes as you go, and Mt. Gould (13,012') comes in sight as you approach the pass. 

Take in breathtaking views from the pass....to the west are peaks and lakes of the King-Kern Divide in Kings Canyon NP, whereas Kearsarge Pinnacles and Kearsarge Lakes dominate the foreground. To the south, University Peak towers along the jagged ridge running from the pass with Big Pothole Lake sitting just below the pass. Zoom in grand vistas down towards the east, and Onion Valley and Independence/HWY395 are visible. 

Kearsarge Pass Trail offers such a breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Crest landscape with high mountains and alpine lakes in relatively easy and short hike. Two thumbs up!

 Video by Lifeisamt

Hiking Big Pine Lakes to Sam Mack Meadow in High Sierra 8/2017 - North Fork Big Pine Creek, CA

Second Lake and Temple Crag

August 27, 2017

Overview

Big Pine Lakes hike takes you to one of the most beautiful areas in eastern High Sierra. With jaw-dropping vistas of pristine glacier lakes and peaks of the Palisades in Sierra Nevada, this is a two thumbs up hike and popular destination for passionate Sierra hikers.

The route runs along North Fork of Big Pine Creek. The trail never gets monotonous as it keeps entertaining with a variety of terrains and dramatic scenery one after another....bridges, waterfalls, creek crossings, mountain peaks, forests, Lon Chaney cabin, alpine lakes, meadows and wildflowers. The trail is well marked and in good shape, ascending gradually from trailhead/7,800' to a series of lakes above 10,000'. After Third Lake, the trail comes to a junction splitting into two trails.....either hike to Fourth Lake or take Glacier Trail which ends at Sam Mack Meadow/11,100' with an option to head further up to the Palisade Glacier.

My plan was to hike up to the first three lakes and continue on to Sam Mack Meadow as I started late/1pm after driving 6.5hrs to get to trailhead. Although I left an option in mind to hike further up to the Palisade glacier if time allowed, time ran out when I reached Sam Mack after 5pm. And yet, the journey was entirely worth the effort and exceeded my expectation with absolutely gorgeous views all along even though it was a strenuous day hike of 8 miles one way/3,300' gain.  

My advice for this amazing hike is to start early or overnight (permit required) so that you'll have adequate time to explore and enjoy leisurely instead of a grueling march. Also, bring enough water or filter to stay hydrated as the trail is exposed after the tree line and the journey can be rather long depending on how far you want to go. 

First, Second and Third Lake 

The trail gradually ascends from trailhead and travels along Big Pine Creek. From the beginning, this hike provides stunning views all along the trail near and far. Take time and enjoy the views as you go. After the first bridge, the trail climbs steeply for a short distance. At the trail sign, take North Fork Big Pine. Crossing the second bridge and through the treeline, the view opens up into Big Pine Basin with Mt. Alice rising majestic. The trail continues to climb in long switchbacks on the hillside and passes by a waterfall. The view from the waterfall down toward the basin is spectacular. Trekking 4.5 miles from trailhead, you come to First Lake/9,960'. Take in the first view of the stunning color of the glacier lake. As you continue on the trail for another mile, Second Lake/10,059' comes in sight. It's a wow moment as you overlook the stunningly beautiful color of the lake with Temple Crag towering on the other side. It's quite dramatic and sensational.  Feed your soul.

Lon Chaney Cabin

Lon Chaney was one of the famous actors of early Hollywood. He starred in The Hunchback of Norte Dame and The Phantom of the Opera. He was also known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces" for his extraordinary talent of makeup techniques. Interestingly, Lon Chaney had a cabin built in the pristine wilderness in High Sierra which still exists today. The cabin is located right by the trail in 3.5 miles from trailhead.

Glacier trail to Sam Mack Meadow 

After Third Lake, the trail splits into two ways; one continues on to Fourth Lake and the other is Glacier Trail. Glacier trail travels through a lush alpine meadow with a creek and wildflowers. After the meadow, the trail climbs steeply in switchbacks, partially rocky, and then into Sam Mack Meadow above 11,000'. Sam Mack Meadow is beautiful with a wide stream running through it and wildflowers are blooming. The meadow is surrounded by walls of mountain ridges. From the meadow, the tips of the Palisade peaks are visible. Sam Mack Meadow reminds me of "Shangri-La" in James Hilton's LOST HORIZON....a paradise valley hidden deep within the high mountains of the Himalayas.

First Lake

 Temple Crag

Third Lake reflecting Temple Crag

Third Lake and Temple Crag

Temple Crag seen from the meadow

Wildflowers in Sam Mack Meadow

Sam Mack Meadow

Peaks of the Palisades seen from Sam Mack Meadow

Hike up Mount Dana (13,061') 8/15/2017 - Yosemite National Park, CA

August 15, 2007

Mount Dana 13,061' is the second highest peak in Yosemite after Mount Lyell (13,120'). The trail reaches the summit in 2.6 miles. It's relatively a short hike; however, the journey to scale Dana is challenging due to high altitude climbing up to over 13,000'. So, pace yourself as you go.  

There's no trailhead sign for this hike. The trail starts right behind the staff parking area ("Authorized Vehicles Only") across the road from Tioga Pass East Entrance of Yosemite NP. The trail is in good shape over all. The first mile is loaded with wildflowers, wow! Their display is quite impressive. 

The trail climbs steeply after meadows with lakes and flowers. Soon the forest thins out and steep rocky terrain begins. Enjoy views as you go. There's a short snowfield to cross around 11,600', but not difficult to traverse. The last 700' to the summit gets tough with the trail climbing up the steep slope of scree and talus rock above 1,2000'. Follow cairns as you go.  

Although the journey started out with blue skies and broken clouds, by the time when I reached the top, clouds rolled in covering the west side of the mountain while the east side remained clear. Hence, there was no view to the west, but the view to the east was spectacular with Mono Lake, Dana plateau/glaciers and beyond. Although the western views were blocked with the clouds, it actually created such a surreal beauty surrounding the summit. It was worth the effort. 

Big mountains like Dana make their own weather. Keep an eye on cloud formations for whiteout and thunderstorms. Mountain weather can change very quickly. Stay vigilant as you go. Happy hiking! ;)

 Video by Lifeisamt