High Sierra Hike, June 22

The trailheads for these 2 hikes are near the Tioga Pass entrance into Yosemite (the entrance that comes up from Highway 395).  From here in Modesto it will be a 3 hour drive and will cost $20 per carload to enter Yosemite at the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. Once in the park, we will not go into Yosemite Valley, but onto Tioga Pass Road.  If you've never been on this road, you're in for a treat even to skip the 2 hikes and to just wander around in Tuolumne Meadows. But for those who want some high country hikes, here are the 2 options I have for you on Saturday, June 22.

Option 1 (the one I will be doing)

Mono Pass, 7.8 miles round trip

This is one of my favorite hikes; I have day hiked and backpacked it too many times to count over the last 17 years, and it was where we took my son on his first backpack trip when he was 6.  My daughter has day hiked this since she was 5. 

Although it starts at a high elevation (9,700 ft), its 900 feet of elevation gain is spread over the 3.9 miles it takes to reach spectacular views of Mono Lake, so the hike isn't strenuous.  

The Mono Pass hike takes about 5-6 hours if you account for resting along the way and hanging out for awhile to enjoy the spectacular views.  

http://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/mono-pass/mono-pass.htm

Looking over to Mono Lake, October 2012

Option 2 (I will NOT be along on this one)

Gaylor Lakes, 3 miles round trip

This hike starts with a steep climb, but rewards you with incredible views.  Once you've hiked up to the pass you will see the main Gaylor Lake, and once down there you can wander around to upper Gaylor and over to Granite Lake.  

My 6 year old and 10 year old did this hike with us last week - we just took it slow and rested a lot on the steep uphill.  Allow 3-5 hours for this hike to include resting and then exploring the lake area.  

http://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/gaylor-lakes/gaylor-lakes.htm

Main Gaylor Lake with great views of the Sierras

Exploring the Gaylor Lakes basin

At such high elevations there is less oxygen to breath and the weather can change in a heartbeat. Following are some High Elevation hiking tips:

• start out and stay well-hydrated
• eat lots of carbs the day before and while hiking
• hike slowly, rest often
• bring along headache medicine
• sunglasses and sunscreen are a must
• long sleeves, pants, knit hats, gloves to protect from sun, wind, & cold
• adjust breathing to slow, deliberate, and deep and keep it in rhythm with walking

As always, if you are already on the email list, you will get an email with specific trip meet-up details about a week before the hike. (Feel free to share the Blog link with others, but not the emails, as those are intended for those already signed up.)

If you are not signed up yet, you can sign up by going in to Modesto's incredible new outdoor gear shop, Jaunt Adventure Gear, 1508 10th Street, or feel free to send an email to Nicole at

jauntwithus@gmail.com

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