Rock Lake, Dinky Lakes Wilderness

Check out the photos! Yes, we got caught in a snow storm. All my buddy and I had to sleep under was a tarp. The snow would cause the tarp to sag until it rested on my nose. The pressure would wake me and I would have to knock the snow off the tarp before I could go back to sleep. That same weekend, several other backpacking groups in our area got trapped by the snow and had to be rescued. Two climbers even died in Yosemite in that storm! Luckily, we were fairly prepared for weather.

Rock Lake is a great destination for beginners and those of you looking for a relaxing weekend without a lot of stressful hiking. The trail is fairly flat with relatively little elevation gain. The trail passes several other lakes including First Dinky Lake and is a good staging area for day hikes to Island Lake, Dogtooth Peak, and the Three Sisters. Dogtooth is known for it’s rock climbing and is a very prominent landmark that can be seen for miles around.

THE DESTINATION
Rock Lake is in the Dinky Lakes Wilderness, Sierra National Forest. Lots of camping sites with large, flat areas around the lake.

THE DRIVE
About 45 minutes from Shaver Lake, CA. About the last 20 minutes of the drive is on a dirt road that can be difficult for a car. A truck or SUV is definitely recommended, especially if there has been recent rain or snow.

THE HIKE
Gradual incline, well marked trail. About 2-3 hours hike to the lake and some nice places to stop and rest along the way. Because the trail follows a canyon of sorts, it is almost impossible to get lost. Apx distance is 4 miles.

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Isberg Lakes, Ansel Adams Wilderness

The further in you hike, the more rewarding the trip. At least that has been my experience when choosing a backpacking destination! Last summer, I was in the mood to get away from some of the more frequently traveled lakes in my “neck of the woods” so I chose Sadler Lake. I estimate that it’s about a 8-10 mile hike and I didn’t expect to see many people up there. Unfortunately, Sadler Lake is flat and grassy - it should be called “Mosquito Hatchery”. I kept hiking about another 45 minutes up to Isberg Lake which was well-worth the extra hiking.

Isberg lake (lower) is a great backpacking destination and rates very high on my personal favorites. It is a great staging area for bagging Isberg Peak as well as Sadler Peak, Post Peak, etc. It sits up on a rocky outcropping so it gets a breeze at night to keep the bugs away. There is also a killer view of the sierras from one end.

My only beef with this destination is that it is a LONG hike. Most people you see back there have horses. I estimate that it is 9-12 miles to the lower Isberg Lake.

THE DESTINATION
Isberg Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra National Forest, California

THE DRIVE
2 hours from Oakhurst. Take Beasore Road from Bass Lake all the way to the Granite Creek Trailhead. A truck is recommended due to dirt roads and occasional bad road conditions.

THE HIKE
Well marked trail, 9-12 miles, fairly steep in sections. Not for the beginner! Count on hiking for most of the day. If you poop out early, you can always stay at Cora Lake, which is about 1/2 way there.

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Backpack to Lady Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness

If you are heading to Vandenberg Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, it is worth the few extra minutes it takes to get to Lady Lake. Nestled at the bass of Madera peak, it is a great staging area for a day hike to the top of serveral peaks including Madera, Sing, and Gale. Just watch out for the Marmots… I had one eat my favorite hat last time I was there!

DESTINATION:

Lady Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra National Forest, California

THE DRIVE

About 2 hours from Oakhurst. Take Beasore Road from Bass Lake for about 28 miles, all the way to the Fernandez trail head turn-off. The Fernandez trail head road is 2 miles long and dead-ends in the trail head parking area. A truck is recommended due to dirt roads and occasional bad road conditions but it is travelable by car.

THE HIKE:

5.25 miles. Average incline. Well marked trail. There are several ways to get there, and I do not recommend the Walden trail. I prefer to go via the Vandenberg Trail.

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Backpack to Upper Jackass Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness

THE DESTINATION

• Upper Jackass Lake
• Ansel Adams Wilderness
• Sierra National Forest

THE DRIVE

Take Beasore Road out of bass lake about 1.5 hours. The trail head is Norris and it is about a 40 mile drive from Oakhurst, CA. I recommend taking a SUV or pickup due to the rough dirt road.

THE HIKE

• Trail conditions are good and the path is clearly marked
• Based on an average hiker’s pace, the hike will take you about 3.5 hours in and 2.5 hours out.
• The trail is apx 5 miles long
• Day hikes include Madera Peak

OTHER INFO

Upper Jackass Lake is perfectly positioned to stage a day hike to the top of Madera peak. About a 3 hour hike (round trip), the peak features 360 degree views of the Sierras and serves as a vista to several lakes, valleys, and notable peaks.

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Backpack to Lillian Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness

Destination: Lillian Lake
Mountains: Sierra Nevada, California
Wilderness Area: Ansel Adams Wilderness

THE DRIVE
The Fernandez Trail is about an hour and a half from Oakhurst and about 2 and a half hours from Fresno. Take Beasore road from bass lake. It is a long dirt road and a truck is recommended. The turn off to Fernandez trail head is clearly marked.

THE HIKE
There are several trails to Lillian Lake and the old timers have a way they like to hike there and back. Take the Fernandez trail past Vandeberg lake on the way up. It’s a little longer, but not as steep. On the way back to the trail head, take the Walton trail. It’s a little shorter. The hike is about 7-8 miles one way.
DAY HIKES
Sing Peak, Gale Peak, Madera Peak, Stanford Lakes

OTHER INFO
Lillian Lake is a large lake with some good fishing and is located near beautiful lakes and magnificent peaks. The outlet creek was dammed up prior to the wilderness act, creating an interesting historical feature on the lake.

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Backpack to Upper Chain Lake, Woodchuck Country

Don’t miss the day hike to Castle Peak. There is no trail so you’ll have to use your topo map, but it’s not far from the upper chain lake and it’s easy to find. Great views of Kings Canyon and many other peaks.

THE DESTINATION

• Upper Chain Lake
• John Muir Wilderness
• Sierra National Forest
• California

THE DRIVE

• Rancheria trail head
• Drive out to Wishon reservoir from Shaver Lake and cross the reservoir dam. The trail head is not far past the dam. It is about a 2 hour drive from Fresno, CA.

THE HIKE

• Trail conditions are good and the path is clearly marked. However, you may find that the trail tends to be wide and dusty from the horse traffic.
• Based on an average hiker’s pace, the hike will take you about 5 hours in and 4 hours out.
• I estimate the trail to be about 6.5 miles long.
• Day hikes include Castle Peak.
• The hike to the lake will take you past finger rock (right)
  

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Backpack to Chittenden Lake

Chittenden Lake is fairly secluded and perfectly positioned to stage day hikes to Sing Peak, Madera Peak, and Gale Peak. From your camp, you will have views of many peaks as well as views of the high country in the distance. There is little vegetation so bugs will not be much of a problem. I recommend taking the trail to Vandenberg Lake rather than the Lillian Lake or the Walton Trail. That way seems to be shorter with less ups and downs. Search the photo gallery for more photos.

THE DESTINATION

• Destination: Chittenden Lake
• Location: Sierra National Forest
• Wilderness Area: Ansel Adams Wilderness
• Elevation: ?

THE DRIVE

• Trail Head: Fernandez
• Road Conditions: Dirt road for 45 minutes. SUV or light truck recommended. Not accessible during winter due to snow.
• Directions: Drive 1.5 hours up Beasore Road outside of Bass Lake. There will be a sign for the Fernandez Trail Head.
• Nearest Town: Oakhurst, CA

THE HIKE

• Trail Conditions: Good trail, clearly marked.
• Apx. Hiking Time In: 5
• Apx. Hiking Time Out: 3.5
• Apx. Distance: 7 Miles
• Day Hikes: Gale Peak, Shirley Lake, Sing Peak, Lillian Lake, Stanford Lake

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