Suggestions for first time backpacking i n Sierras?

“Hey, im new here and was looking for some suggestions. I want to go backpacking in the sierras around june. It will be the first time in the sierras for me besides day hikes in yosemite. The most backpacking ive done so far was 4 days along the AT in the great smoky mountains last June. I want to do something longer (1-2 weeks maybe?) & was looking for suggestions on trips/trails that would be good for me. thanks.”

“There are several trips in the works. Take a look at the trips page (link at top). There also was a recent thread on this.

Also, do a search and then come back with questions about specific trails. There are waaaaay too many to list.”

“Carry a big stick.”

“Keep warm!”

“Head down to Chico for some Pale Ale!
;-)”

“Type "Sierra" in the search box and read through a few of the threads. The recent "Sierra Trips" thread is very appropriate.

Also, for some very knowledgeable advice see:
http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/index.php

How many miles/day would you consider reasonable and what degree of difficulty (easy, medium, strenuous)? Also, would you you need to exit the same place you enter? Those would make a difference on recommendations.

The Sierras rock! You won't regret going.”

“Go in late June, if not July. Though this is a very low snow year, normally the mountains aren't really assessible (i.e. snow free at the passes) until late June. If you go early, be prepared for really bad mosquitos. (Lots of DEET, tent, possibly a head net.) Be prepared for thunderstorms in the afternoons. Bring lots of sunscreen. The thin air can be brutal.

Have fun. It is beautiful up there.”

“so, I'm tagging along with my uncle and some of his old fogey buddies for a trip to the Sierras for the first week of august. Despite living a stone's throw from them, I've never actually backpacked in the Sierras (I'm a desert rat). Anyways, they're kicking around two different trips and I know absolutely nothing about the places they're discussing. Does anynoe have any input, advice, or even just any idea what I'm getting myself into?

In my uncle's words:

Trip 1: "on the east side of the Sierras, over Paiute Pass, into Humphrey's Basin, maybe climb Seven Gables and come out around Bishop 6 days later."

Trip 2: "Going out of the west side, somewhere above Shaver Lake towards Blackcap Basin, Mt. Goddard, whatever."”

“It ain't like walking on level ground...”

“good, where's the fun in level ground?”

“I'll be in that area between 7/28 and 8/3 doing McClure Meadows, Evolution Valley and Lake, Muir Pass, Leconte Canyon, Dusy Basin.
I went last year, flew in from the east coast, then camped at Cottonwood Lakes at 10,000 ft then hiked over New Army Pass at 12,200 ft, so really felt the altitude that afternoon.”

“I'd definitely ask for a more defined route.”

“well, these guys are doing all the planning and mapping - they know their Sierras. I'm just gonna be following whoever's in front. I'm just kind of curious what's in store for me”

“Be ready for the skeeters and the altitude, possible sickness, depending on how high you will be at the onset. Best if you can get at least a night at the highest altitude you can before hitting the trail to help acclimate. You will definitely be huffing and puffing while ascending but it gets better the longer you are out. Hot days, cool nights with regular potential for afternoon thunderstorms means varied clothing. Most national parks (sequoia, yosemite) have a ban on fires in the backcountry. Fishing is generally good. Bear cans are usually required. gaiters are good to keep the rocks out. hiking poles or a pick up hiking stick help with the steep decents and water crossings. you'll be hooked.”

“sounds about right - looking forward to it”

“Yup... What Rosey said...”

“Skeeters in August?”

“we done over 100+ miles of the PCT over the last 2 years, be sure to take a good camera and enjoy the views”

“I've heard that Avon Skin-so-soft crap is the best bug repellant out there... never tried it, but they apparently make specific bug-repellant wipes now... has anybody tried those?”

“i like the Off towlettes.”

“I think it will be too late in the season to be much of a problem. Bring a little DEET and a headnet just in case.”

“My guess is that bugs will probably be bad, especially since it was a late water year this year with snow falling in Spring. My buddy is thru hiking the PCT and blew into town to resupply. He said the skeeters have been terrible. I doubt they are going to die off in the next two weeks. At least 30% DEET and a headnet are a must. Skin so soft is a joke.”

“We were out by some lakes in the Truckee area a week ago, bugs were still a little bit miserable. I finally put some DEET on though.”

“lastdayshere, where are you coming from? That would affect which areas are closest to you.”

“Skin So Soft = Skin covered in Bites! In the Sierras use Deet. Those guys are HUNGRY and can bite through fleece.

If you are in Yosemite you can have campfires until you reach 9700ft then no more. Don't know about Kings Canyon.

I was over at Ebbetts Pass last week-end and while it was gorgeous and perfect weather the mosquitos were especially bad and we had a fire so the smoke didn't bother them.”

“thanks for the advice guys, I would've totally brought Skin So Soft and had a miserable trip.”

“so, it ended up being a pretty good trip. We went up Paiute Pass and spent a couple nights on the shore of Muriel Lake. We tried to climb Muriel Peak, but the weather chased us down (windy and heavy clouds that looked like they'd bring rain at any moment). Then we hiked across the basin and over Puppet Col, and spent another couple nights on Paris Lake, day-hiking into French and Paiute Canyons. Tried climbing Pilot Knob and once again the weather turned us back. Thursday night, it got down to about 21 degrees and none of us slept. Then, we hiked out Pine Creek Pass, staying one night at Lower Pine Lake.

For a first real trip in the Sierras, it was pretty awesome - cold/windy weather and all. The skeeters were only a problem at Lower Pine Lake, and the deet kept them at bay.

I'll definitely be heading back to the Sierras soon and often. Great trip”

“Glad to hear it! Wind is a mixed blessing as it drops the temp and can bring in the weather, but works wonders at keeping the bugs away.

Those Sierra have yet to disappoint me and I've been in them quite a bit. This past weekend I hit the northern Sierra at the Sierra Buttes and they blew my mind. Always amazed at what this natural world has to offer...”

“yeah, I don't think it'll take the place of the Colorado Plateau as my "special place," but I'll definitely be coming back again and again”