john muir trail

Snowy Spring in the High Sierra

Snowy Spring in the High Sierra

With 2015 being the 4th and most drastic year yet of an ongoing California drought, we thought it would be a good time to do a mid-May trek on a segment of the John Muir Trail (JMT) in the High Sierra.  Seven of us left San Francisco in two cars, and about 5 hours later we arrived at Lake Thomas Edison with a leisurely 6 day, 30ish mile adventure planned.  Of course, there was word of a winter storm on the way, but we were determined to get on the trail and crest some mountains. 

Red's Meadow • Purple Lake • Duck Pass

Red's Meadow • Purple Lake • Duck Pass

In late September 2014, six of us set out from San Francisco over the Sierras to Red's Meadow near Mammoth Lakes.  We would enter the John Muir Trail there for a short segment to Purple Lake, and then back through the Duck Pass Trail where a 2nd car was waiting.  The overall trip was about 25 miles and lasted 5 days with a day off.