Summer Break 09

Ok, considering the fact that It's been a while since I last hiked, and that this is the second week of the summer vacation, I think it's about time I plan my next hiking trip. I was going to go alone, and then was joined by Hakim and Fred, then by Omar and his brother and yesterday, by Andrew. So now it's a full blown backpacking trip of 6 people, and better yet, we are going to summit 3 peaks over 12500ft....!!! So here's the planning info,

Getting there:

from LA, 5->14->395 then Old plant road right before Lee Vining (320mi)
from SF, 80(or 13)->580->205->120 and the same as above (240mi)

final coordinates,
lat=37.8804756313, lon=-119.156441542

We are going to leave around 3.00~3.30 from the valley, pick up the wilderness permits from Lone pines or Lee Vining ranger station, and head to the Walker Lake camp-grounds. It's about 5mi from the highway and at about 7800ft (1000ft higher than the highway) We will get there around 9~10pm, and Omar and his brother will be there.


Walker lake (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1075989)


Hiking:

First day is going to be the toughest. We have to hike around 8mi to get to the place we are going to camp. Starting from ~7800ft to the highest point ~11500ft. If we start early in the morning, we will be able to pass Lower Sardine Lake(9900ft - 4mi) before noon, and get to the Parker pass (11100ft - 7mi) around 3~4pm. Then we'll have enough time to find a nice camp-ground and acclimatize to the high elevation playing Hakim's mini guitar...:D

The next day is the main day, we are going to leave the tents and summit Parker peak (12858ft) There's a lot of switch backs and it's not going to be easy. Then continue to the Kiop peak (12962ft) and sign in the names on the register (hopefully we can find one) Then try the Kuna, which is the 3rd highest peak in Yosemite and the highest we are going to get, at 13002ft. Then we can head back to the camp, and if feeling adventurous, can come down on a different route.


Kuna Peak

The next day is just hiking back down; however, if we feel full of energy, -this is my surprise hike- we can summit mt Gibbs (12774ft) on the way out.