This rather easy day will revitalize us for the hike out! Group camaraderie and memories to last a lifetime, Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. Elevation: 11,401 ft (3,475 m) The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is INDEPENDE which is approximately 9 miles away and has an elevation of 3,950 feet (7,451 feet lower than Golden Trout Lake). The introduction and stocking of rainbow trout, a non-native species in the watershed of our journey, is endangering native golden trout and also native amphibians. Driving directions, maps, and information about places to stay before and after the trip will be sent to all participants. And as to the quantity, our goal is that you’re well-fed at each meal, without any waste to carry out. In 1968, Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System with the support of the Sierra Club. Whoops! First protected in 1978, it is a land of diversity – from rolling forests and meadows up to high rugged granite summits. Depending on the amount of snow that falls this winter in the Southern Sierra, springtime may come early or late to the area in which we will travel. In addition, good balance and sure-footedness is required to safely navigate stream crossings and possibly snow. The Cottonwood Lakes and Golden Trout Wilderness in the Eastern Sierras are one of those places that helped to grow my love for adventure travel in California. Personal gear should be limited to less than 20-25 pounds so that total pack weight is less than 45 pounds, including 2 liters of water. Anyone interested in fishing Golden Trout Lake or nearby fishing Lakes should consult with guides and other local resources before heading out to fish. We will also go over trip procedures, finish preparations for our journey, and give ourselves one more night to acclimatize to the high elevation. Day 6: We depart Rocky Basin, descend to Big Whitney Meadow, and then work our way off-trail to a “secret” idyllic lake nestled below Siberian Pass. We will gain and lose about 7,500 feet of elevation during the backpacking portion of the trip. Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies and/or strong food preferences must contact the leader to see if accommodations are possible. Giving the body extra time to adjust can often make a big difference in trip enjoyment. Anglers can also catch California golden trout, rainbows, bass, catfish, and crappie. We will discuss successful efforts to remedy some of the problems created by the “rainbows.". Hence, our adventure accordingly has variable conditions that are difficult to predict. Golden Trout Lake (Inyo County) (1) northeast lake Inyo County Back Country Driving Directions. Although this trip is designed for experienced backpackers, beginners with superior fitness may be considered. Since space is tight in the bear canisters the amount of personal food is limited to a 1-quart bag. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Some will want to tackle Kern Peak, a rugged 12-mile day hike. Day 5: Our second planned layover day will be used to explore Rocky Basin and its numerous lakes. Recent efforts by local groups to "retire" grazing permits, which would allow watersheds to recover and rejuvenate themselves, are being fought in the state legislature. ... Mount Whitney, Mono Basin, White Mtns, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Monache Mdws, Golden Trout Wilderness, Cottonwood Lakes, Sierra Lakes, Mono Lake, John Muir Trail & JM Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Lake Crowley, Hot Springs, Rock Creek, Inyo … Desert Hiking and Wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park, California, Backpacking Paria Canyon: A Week of Visual Surprises, Arizona and Utah, 20s and 30s Secrets of Kanab Creek, Grand Canyon, Arizona, http://www.knapsack.org/basic_equipment.html, Gliding Through Glacier National Park, Montana, Enchanted Day Hikes in a Desert Paradise, Arizona, National Outings Training Trip: Base Camp Superstition Wilderness, Arizona, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Visit a less known, little-visited area of the Sierra, Climb Kern Peak and swim in Rocky Basin Lakes, Repose in cool meadows before peak season crowds. ©. Expect about 1,000 feet of cumulative elevation change over 6 miles. There are currently no trips planned. Others will want to relax, swim, read, or explore the area, which has quite an interesting history. USGS Topo Map: Kearsarge Peak Raised in the Eastern Sierras in the small town of Bishop, I was very fortunate to be exposed to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world at a very young age. Visitor permits are required. Laurel Lakes CA 4×4 trail, off roading Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo Mountains, and golden trout This little gem of an off road trail is no secret, carvings in poplar trees downstream from Laurel Lakes for instance, in what is known as Laurel Creek, are dated from the 1930’s. Contact Us : Golden Trout Lakes Trail Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. Traveling off trail, and possibly on snow at times, increases the difficulty of the trip and contributes to a true wilderness experience. If snow travel is likely, boots must be at least ankle high and waterproof. While on this trip, feel free to ask your leaders about conservation issues that are relevant to this outing. After about a mile, the trail crosses the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek. An optional group meal in Lone Pine (not provided) is the usual destination upon returning from a backpack of this duration and magnitude! The Eastern Sierras themselves are full of adventures to be had, with some only 30 minutes off the main Highway 395. Anyone who is interested in visiting Golden Trout Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. We provide healthy, nutritious vegetarian-friendly meals. Air pollution from the Central Valley is weakening trees and other flora. The leader will also send out a trip roster to facilitate ride-sharing arrangements unless you request not to have your contact information distributed. Regulations & Recommendations. Participants who have previously been on 4-rated trips might consider this trip an “easy 4” based solely on mileage and elevation gain; however, travel in snow may increase the trip’s difficulty. Inyo National Forest partially reopens The Inyo National Forest partial reopened parts of the forest on Oct. 3, including most areas outside of officially designated Sierra range Wilderness areas. Golden Trout Lake California fishing map and location information: Golden Trout Lake is a Lake in Inyo County, California and can be found on the Kearsarge Peak USGS topo map. The Sierra Club will provide the food (including hot drinks and trail snacks), pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, and bear-resistant canisters. Inyo National Forest. The Sierra Club believes that its outings program provides a perfect opportunity for members to enjoy the fruits of past conservation victories and to learn about current concerns. 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