Gambolin’ Man just posted a sweet review of the Vasco Caves in the East Bay Regional Park. Tom’s review of the VASCO CAVES REGIONAL PRESERVE offers a first hand review and excellent photos. You’ll really enjoy the writing on this blog as it’s more than just good reviews.
The clear waters of South Gap Lake nestle up to the side of Medicine Bow Peak
Hike of the Week: The Shelf Lakes
Highlights: A high alpine lark from lake to lake – seven in all — cutting through and along the great white granite of the Snowy Range.
Location: West of Centennial near the high point of Hwy. 130 in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Elevations: Trailhead, 10,785’; The Gap, 11,040’; 4th Shelf Lake, 10,860’
Distance: Approximately 2 miles each way.
Maps: Medicine Bow National Forest (Snowy Range inset is excellent), free Forest Service pamphlet “Snowy Range Trails”, USGS quads Medicine Bow Peak, Sand Lake
Guide: Marc Smith’s Hiking Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National Forest
Trailhead: Take I-80 west through Laramie to exit 311. Follow Hwy. 130 west (Snowy Range Road) continuing 11 miles past Centennial. Turn north into the Sugarloaf Recreation Area, pay your five dollar day use fee and drive on for a mile to the popular Lewis Lake trailhead. You’ll find toilets, picnic tables, grills and benches but no potable water.
The Hike: Come fall many hikers hang up their boots, wanting to stay clear of hunters. Yet it’s a great season to hike. The colors are often vibrant. The cool air is bracing. And the mosquitos are dead. So what’s a person to do?
One is to go to parks where hunting is prohibited, such as Curt Gowdy here in Wyoming; Lory, Horsetooth, and, of course, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Another is to hike higher than deer and elk and hunters are likely to go. This sub-alpine hike in krummholz and rock fits that bill perfectly.
The trail begins at Lewis Lake with a fine view of Sugarloaf and Medicine Bow Peak. From this vantage point the great Snowy Range is always whiter and longer than I remember it, contrasting sharply with a fall sky of blue brilliantine. When here I always wonder why I don’t come to the range more often. Head north on the Gap Lakes Trail.
It’s a heavily used rocky track, crossing a streamlet and up the hill to stunning South Gap Lake, hiding in the lee of the great peak. “The Gap” is the break separating the two peaks of the Snowy Range, Medicine Bow and Browns. As you crest the saddle North Gap Lake is just below, nestled under the high wall.
Along the North Gap Lake shore the trail crosses a rocky moraine. Late this summer the well tracked route was under water pushing hikers a little higher up the slope on rocks that were less stable. Just past the moraine a sign marks your exit onto the Shelf Lakes Trail.
You’re back on comforting earth again, quickly climbing to the first of the four Shelf Lakes, each long and narrow, pressed against the north side of Browns Peak. The first two are popular fishing spots, two of only three Snowy Range Lakes that hold golden trout. According to John Baughman’s excellent the Most Complete Guide to Wyoming Fishing
Shelf #2 has the best action. Shelf #3 is good for 6 to 11 inch brookies.
The Second Shelf Lake offers a unique view of Medicine Bow Peak and the best fishing for Golden Trout in Southeast Wyoming
After Shelf Lake #2 the trail becomes intermittent, disappearing in moist areas and reappearing in the dry. The views from Shelf Lake #3 and #4 are well worth the extra half mile. Just keep going at the same elevation and approximate distance from Browns Peak and you’ll reach the last two lakes. Notice the great perspective of Elk Mountain on the north horizon and the many glacial lakes below.
After the last Shelf Lake no trail is visible. For most, this is the place to retrace your steps.
Pointers: The old USGS Sand Lake quad at the library shows the “Circle Trail” continuing past the fourth Shelf Lake curving east and south to climb Browns Peak, crossing at the eastern most saddle before dropping steeply to Lost Lake. Try as I might I could find no trace of it on the ground except for large cairns on the Browns Peak ridge.
Hiking up Browns is not difficult from the north beyond the Shelf Lakes. The slope is a large alpine fellfield, reaching tundra toward the top. Browns is home to many rare cushion plants lying low on the thin layer of soil that fills the glacial rock.
The Lewis Lake trailhead offers many superb alpine choices. From there you can head up to Medicine Bow Peak or take the lower Lakes Trail to Mirror Lake. The Glacier Lakes trail, aka Lost Lake Trail, to Brooklyn Lake is beautiful. Continuing north past North Gap Lake is also a good option. All should be safely above the fall hunt.
For more hikes reviews from Wyoming and Colorado check out www.AwayFromTheGrind.com
If you live in Atlanta granite countertops are easy to find and have installed. If your cabin is in a more remote area, like Telluride, you may think getting granite countertops for your cabin is out of the question. Now that granite has become very popular it’s easier to find than ever. If you want to install granite in your log cabin or weekend home go ahead and look as you may be surprised to find that there are many providers and installers in your area.
Wildcat Peak Trail
Once a land ‘o plenty teeming with salmon, shellfish, grizzly bear, elk, bald eagle, and mountain lion, once home to Ohlone hunter gatherers for tens of thousands of years - in other words, Paradise on Earth — today, this open space, set on the ecotone of the urban and the wild, where East Bay metropolitan sprawl meets Mother Nature’s organic green blanket, covers more than 4500 acres of pretty valleys, modest peaks and ridges, attractive meadows and healthy woodlands, tropical-like riparian corridors, chaparral sage-scented hillsides, and a rich aquatic biota composed of ponds, marshes, lakes and creeks. In other words, it’s still Paradise on Earth.
Living as we do, so close to the “Berkeley hills”, has the psychological drawback of tending to take the beauty and ecological integrity of our local Tilden and Wildcat parks for granted. But the secret is, Tilden and Wildcat is wilderness right in our back yard! I’ve spotted more birds - ducks, hawks, golden eagles, hummingbirds, kingfishers, black phoebes, herons, egrets, wrens, sparrows, finches and flycatchers; I’ve encountered more amphibians - Pacific tree frogs, bullfrogs, California newts, salamanders; I’ve stopped in my tracks for more reptiles - Western fence lizards, skinks, rattlesnakes, gopher and garter snakes; and I’ve observed more species of mammals making their rounds — deer, fox, raccoon, bat, coyote, bobcat, feral cat, and skunk — in these two parks than seems possible in such a heavily populated / urbanized area.
Wildcat After the Rain
I’ve witnessed surreal sunsets atop the seemingly insignificant 1250 ft. Wildcat peak, a modest but stand-out eminence offering up nonpareil 360 degree views. I’ve hiked my butt off from Richmond to Orinda and still haven’t covered all the trails. In the rainy season, I’ve marveled at hard-flowing Wildcat Creek cutting deep bedrock channels, and sought out hidden, amazing waterfalls in secret ravines off South Park Drive, one of the busiest arteries in Tilden, when it’s not closed for seven months out of the year (November to May) to allow for the safe passage of migrating, sexually active newts. There is just so much to do in these two parks, for every walk of life — biking, horseback riding, swimming, exploring, picnicking, golfing, calliope and steam train rides, and, of course, aerobic hiking for superb views, west, of the Marin headlands and San Francisco’s glittering skyline, north to hills and glistening reservoirs of San Pablo and Briones, and east, twenty miles distant, to Mt. Diablo rising to 3849 ft. It just doesn’t get any better than this, for urban living / nature retreats / wild escapes on your doorstep.
Read more great trip reports and adventures from Gambolin’ Man
Garabaldi
Guest Trip Report from WilderMiss of A Mountain Top High blog
If you are looking for bang-for-your-buck on a trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park (between Squamish and Whistler, BC, Canada) you’ll be blown away by Garibaldi Lake. A gigantic glacier lake, panoramic views, and wildflower meadows await you after only a few kilometers on the trail. This trip is a must-do for local hikers and I highly recommend it to an outdoor lover planning a visit to south western BC.
Suggested Itinerary
You can hike all the way to Panorama Ridge in one epic day trip (bring your Power Thirst ) but for the most enjoyment I’d recommend a leisurely 3 day trip.
Day 1: Hike from Rubble Creek Parking Lot to Garibaldi Lake campsite. 9 km (5.5 miles), steep grade. Mountain Man and I are confident in doing this hike after work on Friday mid-summer (our northern latitude gives us very long days in June and July, check online for sunset time). Make sure that you’re used to climbing endless switchbacks with your pack on and have your headlamps handy if you attempt to do the same.
The hike from the parking lot to the lake isn’t fun. It’s switchbacks. ALL switchbacks. It’s steep and feels endless. But it’s not. If your quick you can cover the distance in about three hours. Budget for up to five hours.
But the reward makes it worthwhile. Garibaldi Lake is a gigantic, sparkling, glacier lake surrounded in a ring of white topped mountains. It’s breath taking and it’s untouched except by the hikers who schlep up 9km of switchbacks. Water skiers would be so jealous. Come on a sunny day and you’ll never want to leave.
Set up camp at West Garibaldi Lake, jump in the icy cold water, and make friends with like minded campers.
Day 2: Day hike to Panorama Ridge
The lake is fabulous. But Panorama Ridge on a clear day is what this whole trip is all about. They don’t use the term “panorama” lightly here. 360 degrees of stunning. Like, when-I-die-scatter-my-ashes-here stunning. Le sigh.
The trail from the campground is 5 km (3 miles) each way and is delightfully varied. You’ll encounter woods, meadows (with wild flowers if your lucky) and sheer mountain tops above the tree line. The final ascent is steep and covered in patchy snow fields year round. Hiking poles are recommended.
I’m not even going to say more about how magical the ridge is. So here are some facts: the pointy topped black mountain you see is the Black Tusk, you can see your campsite on the right (west) tip of the lake below, and the mountains to the north include the famous ski resort Whistler Blackcomb. Figure out how to take panoramic pictures on your camera before you go. Trust me. I also highly recommend enjoying a lunch of bread and cheese (a la Heidi) atop the ridge, just to extend your time. And bring a jacket, it’s usually windy.
A lot of the other hikers you’ll meet will be day hiking to Black Tusk. Don’t be fooled. Panorama Ridge is the way to go. Black Tusk is really better for observing from a distance. If you have a fourth day or want a longer day trip, knock yourself out and head to Black Tusk. But bring a helmet (seriously) lest the lose rocks kicked by other hikers scrambling for the top knock you out.
Mountain Man and I had loose plans of heading over to Black Tusk after the ridge. But extra time on the ridge and a nap in a meadow below won out. I have no regrets.
Day 3: Garibaldi Lake to Rubble Creek Parking lot
Make it a leisurely morning, take a dip in the lake, and head back down to earth on the final day of your trip. The 9km (5.5 mile) hike down is easy (if a little boring) but you can punch it up by taking the turnoffs for view points and stopping by pretty creeks.
Getting There
Garibaldi Provincial Park is between Whistler and Squamish BC. You’ll find the Rubble Creek parking lot 37km north of Squamish or 19km south of Whistler off highway 99. Four wheel drive is not needed to access the parking lot.
Camp user fees are $10/person/night and must be paid in cash at the drop box at the trail head. Make sure to leave one receipt with your car and bring one with you in order to claim your campsite.
When to go
I recommend this hike for the sunny and warm months of July and August. Clear skies and warm temperatures are a must for enjoying the views from the ridge and the icy cold lake water. You will find crowds during these months, but I find that like-minded back country enthusiasts make great company.
Note that this area is open year-round and is also a destination for winter sports. If you plan to make the trip on skis or snowshoes plan a lot of extra time.
Campsites
There are only two campsites available: Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake. Both are first-come first-served and the only way to know if there is space is to show up and look around. Garibaldi Lake is better so head there first. Taylor Meadows will get the job done but it’s not on the lake.
Camp amenities include
Pit outhouses
Shelter huts including critter boxes to store your food (bears and other animals are par for the course in these parts, please store your food appropriately); Rushing stream for water about 15 minute walk from camp (on the trail back towards the parking lot). The water is pretty clean but treat it just in case. Raised plots to pitch your tent. Remember to bring your receipt from the parking lot in order to secure your spot. The ranger patrols regularly. Lake for your swimming pleasure.
What to Bring
I recommend bringing gators and hiking poles to contend with the steep snow fields on the final ascent to Panorama Ridge. And don’t forget your hill climbing legs.
Hopefully I’ve encouraged a few of you to try out this fabulous trail next time you find yourself hankering for a hiking trip. Feel free to contact me on my blog amountaintophigh.blogspot.com or at amountaintophigh@gmail.com if you would like any more information.
Happy Wanderings
WilderMiss
Having Fun on the Trail
Trail Map
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Spring is here finally. Are you ready to get outdoors again? Oh, you never went inside anyway. Well, then are you ready to get outside more and not freeze to death?
A new tree identification book has just been released by the Arbor Day Foundation. I’ve had my copy for a few days and have been very pleased with this handy little book, What Tree Is That?: A Guide to More Common Trees of North America
The step-by-step approach to identifying trees is really cool and reminds of the Choose Your Own Adventure books I read as a kid. This tree book is as much fun now as those books were then, except that you never fall into an endless, black pit with the Arbor Day book. To identify a tree you follow various paths based on questions until you’ve narrowed the search down to your tree.
Other tree books I own use photographs as illustrations. While photographs have value they usually don’t show texture or other identifiable characteristics of a particular tree making identification difficult. What Tree is That? uses illustrations hand-drawn by artist Karina Helm. Helm has extensive experience creating natural history and scientific illustrations and her experience and talent shows in the beautiful and detailed images, images that make identification easy.
I read several books per month and own dozens of outdoor manuals, travel guides, and nature identification guides and I rate this book among the best. I highly recommend getting your own copy of What Tree Is That?
There are over 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Each section offers unique and beautiful valleys and mountains with breathtaking views. One of my favorite sections starts at Hogpen Gap and ends at Unicoi Gap. This 14 miles section starts on Hwy 348 of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway and ends about ten miles north of Helen on Hwy 17/75 of the Unicoi Turnpike.
This trail is best hiked from south to north as the grade is easier. I’ve hiked south from Unicoi before making the first two miles steep and rocky. Starting from Hogpen Gap is not only beautiful but offers a slower start with more gentle climbs. The most difficult uphill section of this is the section between Chattahoochee Gap and the Blue Mountain Shelter. After that it’s mostly downhill.
There are two shelters (at Low Gap & Blue Mountain) as well as numerous camping spots. There are plenty of creeks and springs so you shouldn’t have to carry more than a quart of water at one time for this section. Your water should be treated or filtered of course.
The Hike 13.8 Miles
START Hogpen Gap Hwy 348 Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy
Low gap Shelter at 4.4 miles
Blue Mountain Shelter at 7.2 miles
END at Unicoi Gap Hwy 17/75 (north of Helen)
Anyone who has hiked the hills and switchbacks of the Appalachian Trail knows how heavy gear can get. No matter how hard you try to cut weight or to find a better fitting bag you still end up feeling like a pack mule on long uphill climbs. I’ve finally found a solution to the gear issue: Skunk Costume
This insight came to me after trip that involved skunks and food. During the night skunks arrived and stole all the food that wasn’t secured. My friends watched motionless, in fear of being sprayed, as the skunks took their time eating all our food. My friends reacted as most would. Now what if you were to convince hikers you were a skunk. Then all you would have to do is show up at a campsite, take what you need, and then leave it when done. No gear to carry, no food to carry, just a good pair of boots and a skunk costume.
