Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Dayhike tomorrow any sugestions?

Hi folks,

The family want to do a dayhike tomorrow. Last year we did the Lone Pine Lake hike. I was thinking Horseshoe Meadow to Cottonwood lake or something over in Onion Valley? Any ideas?

A little info: I have two boys 10 and 7, we all hike pretty often, we vacationed two weeks ago in Lassen Volcanic National Park and we hiked Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain along with a bunch of other trails.

Would like to keep it under 10 miles and not a lot of elevation gain. Any help or ideas would be appreciated. Trying to stay out of the hot San Gabriel's this week.

Thanks

Ron

Kearsarge Pass Trail out of Onion Valley is one of my favorites. We'll be there tomorrow.

The Cottonwood Lakes hike is nice in that you have barely any elevation gain over the six miles in. It is a hot and dusty trail if any pack animals/horses are out.

Thanks for the tip Richard, looking at more information the Kearsarge Pass Trail looks a lot more interesting. Even if we don't make it all the way to the pass there seems to be a lot of lakes and creeks to keep the boys occupied. I'll pick up a map today and it looks like an early start tomorrow from Palmdale!

Thanks!

It's an easy 2000' to the pass. Just take it slow. It's an awesome view over to the other side.

Also, at the far end of Gilbert Lake is a huge boulder that's a great spot to stop and have a picnic. The views down to the lake aren't bad either.

I suggest to keep an eye on the weather! I believe thunderstorms are returning. Good Luck, Have Fun!

Once you reach Gilbert, just travel a little farther up the trail until you parallel a stream that flows out of Flower. At that point, you will come to the junction of the Matlock trail. Take the trail (cross over the stream) to Matlock Lakes which are about 30 minutes farther (over a small ridge of no consequence). Very beautiful lakes...... great for lunch, and at the far end pf the lake is a granite slab that jets off into the water. We go swimming there. It's nice because it's off the beaten path and not too far.

paul

That sounds really worth taking a dip, Paul. Do we need to go off the trail to see this rock. Is it jutting into Flower lake or Matlock lake? How cold is the water at this time of the year. Thanks, you paint a really nice picture!
Krishna

the big rock by Gilbert Lake:

Ok,

The kids are in bed and Linda and I are making lunches and packing up the gear. I have cut and pasted all your suggestions onto one page and will bring it with.

We plan on leaving Palmdale at 0630 so we'll see how long it takes to get there. Hope the weather holds out and the bugs aren't to bad.

If you see us we will be the family of four probably yelling at the boys to be quiet and not terrorize the masses. I'm sure every animal within a mile will run!

Thanks for everything!

Ron:

Have a great time with the boys tomorrow. At least you won't have to worry so much about nasty rattlers up in ONion Valley! Matlock and Bench Lakes are really awesome and clear, and lots of great skipping stones!



Or bigger if you want...



Have a great time with the family!

-Laura