Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Advice on Western Sierra hikes?

Hi,
I've been all up and down the Eastern Sierra, but very little on the Western side and I'm looking for some good hiking ideas, preferably in the southern portion (I live in Los Angeles). I have friends visiting from out of town and would like to give them a nice overnight backpacking experiencing in the Western Sierra, something that doesn't require a ton of elevation gain, maybe around 5 miles each way, but takes in some nice views and has a nice campsite. The areas I would pick in the Eastern Sierra would either be a bit much for my friend or are places I've been to a zillion times before, so I'd like to find something that is a new experience for all of us.

Any recommendations? All advice appreciated!

Jason

May I suggest looking into Mineral King, while there, an overnight hike to Monarch lakes, Franklin lakes.There is also a day hike to Farewell gap.

Stay at Silver City resort in one of their cabins, see below:

http://www.silvercityresort.com/

paul

Thanks for the suggestion. Mineral King is one of the few places on the West that I'm familiar with, though I've ruled it out for this particular trip because I think the immediate elevation gain out of there would be a bit much for my friend, and the drive there is a bit agonizing.

I'm wondering what would be great to hike more South, maybe closer to Lake Isabella or along Sherman Pass Road (which I've never done before), to limit my drive time from LA?

Fair enough......

how about Dome Rock, or Needles Lookoutin Giant Sequoia National Monument.

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/needles-lookout-sequoia-national-monument/

or

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/dome-rock-sequoia-nationa-monument/

or some video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYa1NNEUa-Y

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcsT406dabA

How about Alta Peak from Wolverton Meadows? Somewhere between 6 and 7 miles one way, a great one nighter if you don't want to day hike it, and the view from the top can be incredible if conditions are right.