John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, CA
DatesAug 8th - Aug 14th 2010 Service ProjectTrail maintenance Free DaysDayhiking, fishing, swimming, photograpy AccommodationsBackpack camping Trip RatingStrenuous : 4-mile backpack, high altitude, moving rock, digging, hauling, lifting. Pack animal supported LeadersKathleen Worley Equipment |
The John Muir Wilderness encompasses 581,000 acres and brings together the best of the Sierra Nevada wildlands; numerous streams, tarns, lakes, and glacially carved canyons sculpt the area. Designated in the Wilderness Act of 1964, the John Muir Wilderness spans over 100 miles along the Sierra crest. It contains the highest peak in the lower 48 states: Mt. Whitney at 14,495 feet. The wilderness also houses the headwaters of the South and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River as well as the North Fork of the Kings River. This is dramatic high-altitude country. Our service project involves much-needed trail maintenance in the Gem Lakes area at around 10,800' elevation in the beautiful Little Lakes Valley. Surrounded by imposing 13,000' peaks and filled with a chain of lovely alpine lakes, Little Lakes Valley is a special place even for the Sierra Nevada. With a trailhead at 10,200' elevation, spectacular Sierra high country is more accessible here than anywhere else in the range. We'll backpack about 4 miles past a string of lakes to our base camp at Chickenfoot Lake. For the rest of the week, we'll make short 1/4 to 1/2 mile day hikes to the worksite; moving rocks to make steps and water bars, crushing rock to make fill, digging, and moving soil around. This is strenuous physical work at high altitude, but it will make a big difference in the trails and reduce impact on fragile areas. The Forest Service will provide pack stock to bring in the tools, food, and commissary. On our day off, we can explore, climb nearby peaks, swim in clear lakes, and soak up the wilderness.
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