John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, CA
DatesAug 5th - Aug 11th 2012 Service ProjectTrail maintenance & campsite rehabilitation Free DaysDayhiking, fishing, swimming, photography AccommodationsBackpack camping Trip RatingChallenging : 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 starts at South Lake at the end of the South Fork Bishop Creek Rd. We'll do a 4 mile backpack and set up camp for a week in the vicinity of Saddle Rock Lake. The trail maintenance project is at Bishop Pass, above our campsite. We'll be moving rocks to make steps and water bars, crushing rock to make fill, digging and moving soil around, building causeway, and rehabilitating campsites as needed. 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. Check out more photos from last year's John Muir Inyo project in our gallery.
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