Photo: Pamela Chisum Writing the Emigrant Wilderness, California Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09117A Price: $595 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 13 Rating: L/M Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Pamela Chisum Just north of Yosemite, the Emigrant Wilderness contains thousands of acres of pine forests, grassy meadows, glacier-carved granite ridges, and hundreds of sparkling mountain lakes. This 7-day, 35-mile trek highlights some of the most scenic lakes of the High Sierra. Geared towards new backpackers or those looking for a not-so-strenuous trip, we will combine our exploration of the area with afternoon/evening writing workshops, writing in whatever genre you prefer. Two layover days provide ample time to rest up. Most of our hiking is on established trails; however, the optional day hike on our second layover day will include a bit of cross-county to reach our goal: the spectacular small lakes and golden trout of Granite Dome (over 10,000 foot elevation). Our circular route from Kennedy Meadows is designed to allow participants to enjoy a scenic array of the lakes that make up this beautiful wilderness.
 Photo: Pamela Chisum Each day there will be the opportunity to write in the afternoon and share what you've written during an evening workshop (only if you feel like it). All genres are welcome. Day 1: We will meet in Kennedy Meadows mid-afternoon on August 1, where we will take time to review equipment, weigh packs, and discuss wilderness etiquette. We’ll camp here at a modest elevation of 5,800 feet and, for those who wish, enjoy our last “real” meal at the local restaurant (this meal is not included in the trip cost). Day 2: We begin our uphill trek past Relief Reservoir and into Lower Relief Valley, where we’ll spend the night next to the river, having gained a little over 2,000 feet in elevation. In the evening, we’ll have a short writing workshop around the campfire, or you may choose to relax after a hard first day. Day 3: Today we hike a little over six miles through Upper Relief Valley, and then head downhill to spend the night at the beautiful Wood Lakes. Day 4: It’s a short and spectacular 4-5 miles past Buck Lakes to our campsite at Emigrant Lake. We’ll have plenty of time for swimming, fishing, and, of course, writing. Day 5: Layover day. For those interested, there will be a day hike up to Frasier Lakes, where we’ll have lunch. Day 6: We walk the length of Emigrant Lake and turn westward, hiking up over Mosquito Pass and camping in Saucer Meadow. Day 7: Layover day. The day hike up Granite Dome is truly spectacular. Bring your cameras, writing pads, and, for the fishermen, your poles, for the rare opportunity to catch a golden trout. Day 8: It’s an easy 7-mile jaunt downhill and back into Kennedy Meadows for showers and, for those who are interested, a final post-trip meal together (not included in trip price). Getting There  Photo: Pamela Chisum We will begin and end our trek in Kennedy Meadows, just off of highway 108, at the base of the Sonora Pass. The leader will provide a roster and contact information to help facilitate the sharing of rides. Out-of-state participants will find it most convenient to fly into Reno, Oakland, San Jose, or San Francisco (each a good 4-5 hour drive from the trailhead).
All food and group equipment will be provided starting with breakfast on day two, and ending with lunch on the final day. Dinner on day one is not included. Food will be contained in bear canisters. All trip members are expected to share in the cooking and cleanup duties. A variety of high-energy, easy-to-prepare meals are planned, including gourmet dinners. This trip can accommodate vegetarians and the gluten-intolerant; however, the leader must know well in advance of any dietary restrictions.
This loop trip of about 35 miles will take five moving days. The trip is rated light/moderate. However, the first two days are long and involve significant elevation changes. On average we will hike 5-7 miles per day on established trails. To enjoy this trip, members should be in very good condition and capable of carrying 45 lbs of personal gear and commissary in rugged terrain. Rain showers should be expected in the late afternoon. Although this is a beginner’s trip, participants need to be in good physical shape and have some prior high altitude experience.
Shared equipment will include cooking utensils, stoves, wash tubs, toilet paper, repair kit, iodine for water purification, and fuel. You will need to carry a lightweight notebook and pen for daily writing. The leader will provide a detailed equipment list via email to all accepted participants. In the meantime, a typical list is provided here: http://www.knapsack.org/basic_equipment.html
Maps
Books
Conservation The impact of civilization on the Sierra Nevada is the conservation focus of this trip. Logging, roads, small communities spreading into wilderness areas, even the management of lakes affects the wildlife and our experience and appreciation of it. Many of Ansel Adams’ photographs can no longer be replicated due to the impact of civilization. The Emigrant Basin was designated the “Emigrant Basin Primitive Area” in 1931, which began the protection of this special area. It became a part of the Wilderness system on January 4, 1975. The Sierra Club was instrumental in passage of the Wilderness Act of l964, which has placed much of the Sierra under Wilderness protection. Unfortunately, controversy continues over how much protection is conferred by wilderness status. For the past several years, many environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, have been fighting ballot measures to open up the Emigrant Wilderness to snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Leader:
Pamela Chisum has been backpacking in California and the Rocky Mountains since she was three years old. After her third trip with the Sierra Club, she concluded that 10 days in the wilderness was not long enough to undo all the stress of city life. She left Los Angeles, moved to the Sierra, got her Master’s and now teaches college-level English. Besides being an avid photographer and professional writer, Pamela is a creative cook. She was recently diagnosed with celiac disease -- meaning she’s allergic to foods containing gluten -- and has come up with a scrumptious set of meals that even non-backpackers beg her to cook frequently. Feel free to e-mail her with questions. General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
|
