Hiking high (as in elevation, not in how fuzzy my brain feels), is inevitable if you are in the Eastern Sierras. The Oh! Ridge NFS Campground where we are hangin’ out sits at roughly 7600 feet so it’s pretty much a given that you will be movin’ on up from there! Since altitude and I are not on the best of terms, I can be plagued with vertigo, headaches and nausea if I’m not careful. Acclimatizing to this altitude has made all the difference in my hiking enjoyment, and we do love our hiking.
The Eastern Sierras are particularly special: 360º mountain views, crisp sunny days, deepest azure skies, striking fall colors, gorgeous alpine lakes, breathtaking sunsets. Hiking doesn’t get much better than this.
We did a couple of hikes early on to get us in the mood and get me acclimatized. Parker Lake, with its golden quaking aspens along the trail and crystal-clear blue lake and Lundy Canyon Trail, with a great overlook sporting golden meadows, aspens, and a lovely waterfall were great starter hikes.
So, I think I’m prepared to stretch myself a bit further, to experience the true grandeur of the Sierras. To ensure a safe hike and stave off altitude sickness, we have called upon our buddy Paul to call forth the Paiute “Great Spirit”, to guide us on our journey. Ok, I’m being a little silly but I love how Paul was captured in this photo so I just had to add it.
On a quest to further prepare myself, our next hike was Yost Lake. With an elevation gain of 1800 feet and ~ 3.2 miles each way, it was fairly grueling from the time we set boots on the trail. The alpine lake at the top was the prize and a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch, basking in the sun.
Yosemite was calling us back so we decided a short hike in the park was not to be missed. The recommendation given us by a couple of friends was Gaylor Lakes. Located just inside the eastern entrance to the park, Gaylor Lakes trailhead sits at roughly 10,000 feet, with only a 500 foot elevation gain – easy, right? Once again straight up we go and then straight down to the lakes. Terry even said it was a b@!ch of a little hike, and when I caught my breath, I had to agree.
For me, the granddaddy of our hikes in this area was to be Virginia Lakes. Our traveling buddies Nina and Paul had already tackled it so I knew what to expect. Beginning at an elevation of ~ 9800 feet, it tops out on Summit Pass at 11,140 feet and is roughly 8 miles round-trip.
Nina and Paul agreed to come along for their second hike to the lakes (oh the beauty of youth!). With a little trepidation (wondering if my body would remember it does not like these altitudes), we hit the trail. Winding through aromatic pine forest and past five of the loveliest little alpine lakes, I decided to go for the summit. Although a little windy and a lot colder at the top, I could not have been happier. The views from the top were breathtaking!
The Eastern Sierras have given us some of the best hiking we have done. If you come, be prepared for a hiking high that will challenge and inspire you. The beauty here is nothing short of heavenly. But all good things must come to an end, and with temps dipping into the 20’s at night, it’s time to head south to Bishop.
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