Obi's Easy Sierra Hikes For Dads

“My Dad will be 73 tomorrow. Although he had a mild heart attack 3 years ago (he was home after a day in the hospital), he's in great health, despite suffering some of the aches and pains of getting older. Still, he's a vigorous man.

He's taken somewhat of an interest in my new hobby of backpacking, and listens, wantingly, to my descriptions of hikes past and present, and to plans of getting back into the mountains (like this year's Llama-Rama!). I know that he would enjoy the experience, but, as you can probably guess, I'd be very concerned about the strenuousness of the hike.

I'm not too familiar with the hiking trails within, say, Yosemite, or Kings canyon/Sequoia, but there must be numerous trails that wouldn't be too tough for Dad to travel, and yet, would allow us to share the majesty of the backcountry - perhaps even along the Sierra Crest.

Dad says he's coming up from Arizona in a couple months, perhaps even Summer, and has expressed interest in taking a week to camp in the woods, so to speak. I would really appreciate hearing from those "in the know" about appropriate options I might consider.

If your post is a long one, feel free to email me (in my profile) so that I can print and save for future reference.

Thanks!”

“Obi: from the west side, up from Three Rivers you can treat your dad to some excellent dayhikes in and about Crescent Meadow, The Congress Trail, etc. And some reasonably easy overnights. From the Wolverton Parking lot there is Mherton Meadow, Pear Lake.”

“One of the easiest and most beautiful trails in the Sierra is hiking south from Tuolumne Meadows along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. You have to hike in about 6 miles before you can pitch camp but the hiking is level, the views incredible and the wildlife abundant.”

“Hey, Dunk, you took MY idea!
Obi...
There's another spot down to the south of Whitney called Mulkey Meadows.
I haven't been there, but my friend with the other llamas does it every spring.
It's supposed to be a pretty easy three or four miles in, and the scenery should speak for itself, being under the highest part of the Sierras, and all.
Check it out on TOPO.
You could also consider the north side of the Tioga Road near Tuolumne Meadows.
I understand Glen Aulen, and some of the north side of the Meadows are pretty nice.
Easy hikes, too.”

“Obi-Wan, are you thinking backpacking or just dayhikes?

Either way, Mineral King has lots of lakes that aren't too hard to get to, and it's a spectacular place.”

“If you are on the eastside (in Mel's backyard) do the Little Lakes Valley. It's the most scenery for the least work. You can camp in 1 mile or go all 3 miles in. I take all my 1st timers there.”

“Yes, I was thinking more of backpacking than of day hikes. My objective was to come up with a list of options that would allow us to hike in, a few miles each day, and then return - either a circular route, or by backtracking if necessary.

The reality is, I could camp anywhere just by driving. Not what I'm looking for. A nice, liesurely daily hike of 5 or so miles a day would probably be OK.

Thanks, Tehipite, Mel, Dunk, and Stevet. Keep 'em coming.”

“Keep your Dad's pack less than 20 pounds. He may like a hiking stick.

My mom was 68 when she started backpacking with me. She was 80 on our last hike. Toward the end of my Mom's hiking days I just let her carry her clothes and personal stuff in a day pack. If I had not gone ultralight a few years ago I could never have carried stuff for two.”

“If he likes fishing and backpacking, you might want to check out Dinkey Lakes. That here in central California. The lakes are around 9,000 ft. the hike to the first lake is only about 4 miles and no more than a couple of hundred feet of elevation gain. There are about half a dozen lakes all with in a mile or less of eachother. I'd say that it is one of the best places to take someone that you want to have fun without too much of a deathmarch.

ThinAir”

“Toulome Mdws. to Cathedral Lks. Cross country to Echo Lk. Down to the Merced R. Turn right thur the chasm to Little Yosemite Valley. Half Dome is an option there. Continue down pased Nevada and Vernal Falls on the Mist Trail.
I created 2 backpacking monsters on this trip. "When can we go again? huh, when? huh? huh?" 8^)”

“Did you know that there is an alternate route to Cathedrial Lakes. It's not on the map, but it is a ranger trail that many use. The hike is only 2 & 1/2 miles from the highway.”

“And miss Fairview Dome? Are you crazy? 8^)”