Our objectives are to enjoy this iconic area of the Sierra Nevada and complete the trip safely as a group. Beautiful Alpine Lake. Inyo National Forest partially reopens The Inyo National Forest partial reopened parts of the forest on Oct. 3, including most areas outside of officially designated Sierra range Wilderness areas. Lakes with Golden Trout make it even more exciting. Others may enjoy our lakeside camp to spend the time as they wish. Fantastic day hiking is nearby. Inyo County Streams (128). The Golden trout is native to only two streams, the South Fork of the Kern River and Golden Trout Creek, just south of Mt. Sturdy, well broken-in boots with rubber lug soles are required for this trip. Historical Weather. Golden Trout Wilderness, West Golden Trout Wilderness, West. Wash your spirit clean.” - John Muir. Anyone who is interested in visiting Golden Trout Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Cattle grazing at the edges of wilderness areas poses a direct threat to water quality and fish habitat. Participants who have previously been on 4-rated trips might consider this trip an “easy 4” based solely on mileage and elevation gain; however, travel in snow may increase the trip’s difficulty. Raised in the Eastern Sierras in the small town of Bishop, I was very fortunate to be exposed to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world at a very young age. Hence, our adventure accordingly has variable conditions that are difficult to predict. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until July. We will meet at 5 p.m. the evening before at our campsite near Horseshoe Meadow (elevation 10,000 feet) about 20 miles by car from Lone Pine, CA. Personal gear should be limited to less than 20-25 pounds so that total pack weight is less than 45 pounds, including 2 liters of water. If there is significant snow at the pass, the day could be exhausting for those marginally fit and poorly acclimatized. Giving the body extra time to adjust can often make a big difference in trip enjoyment. The area was named for the native trout of this area and its subspecies, the Little Kern Golden Trout the California state fish. Cottonwood Lakes - Inyo National Forest, CA Filming Nature's Extremes. We do provide a variety of energy bars and snacks; however, participants may choose to bring their own. This will be a long but incredibly rewarding day – about 8 miles with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Participants should come prepared to meet the variety of challenges that outdoor travel brings when exposed to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. Contact Us : Golden Trout Lakes Trail Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. Traveling off trail, and possibly on snow at times, increases the difficulty of the trip and contributes to a true wilderness experience. Conservation The Golden trout has fallen victim to the careless stocking of non-native fish and … If necessary, we will be able to take our time since these are the longest days of the year. Daytime temperatures can soar into the upper 80s, while nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s or lower. The Eastern Sierra’s hidden alpine lakes and streams, Owens River, Owens Valley tributaries, and annual trout derbies offer year-round reel and fly fishing. ... Mount Whitney, Mono Basin, White Mtns, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Monache Mdws, Golden Trout Wilderness, Cottonwood Lakes, Sierra Lakes, Mono Lake, John Muir Trail & JM Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Lake Crowley, Hot Springs, Rock Creek, Inyo … Visit the Gallery in Mammoth Lakes. It is bordered by the John Muir Wilderness to the west. Whitney in the Inyo and Sequoia National Forests. Now, those same landscapes provide me with artistic expression and a budding career. Recent efforts by local groups to "retire" grazing permits, which would allow watersheds to recover and rejuvenate themselves, are being fought in the state legislature. Car rental or sharing a ride to the trailhead will be necessary because public transportation options are very limited in the Eastern Sierra. Latitude: 36.7811193°N Keep in mind the pack must accommodate a Bear Vault BV 500 canister plus some additional group gear, and all your personal gear. Golden Trout Lake is displayed on the Kearsarge Peak USGS quad topo map. Fire is an ever-present danger. Car rental or sharing a ride to the trailhead will be necessary because public transportation options are very limited in the Eastern Sierra. USGS Topo Map: Kearsarge Peak From the west, various roads stem from Hwy 190 near Giant Sequoia National Monument. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. Day 3: Leaving Tunnel we meander alongside the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Kern River. All cooking gear and stoves are provided, but participants must bring their own utensils and personal water treatment. This will be a great time for us to get acquainted and relax over a meal before beginning our adventure. It is best to ask before buying an item if it is specifically for this trip. Depending on winter snowfall, the meadows could be golden and dry, green and boggy, or packed with colorful wildflowers. The reopening included campgrounds that were not already closed due to seasonal closures, resorts, lakes, trails and other facilities and recreation opportunities NOT IN WILDERNESS areas. Warmer than other lakes in the area, it provides fine swimming. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified by the trip leader. Two subspecies of golden trout are recognized; South Fork Kern golden trout and the Little K… We encourage participants to arrive a day or two early to begin acclimatizing. Given the early season departure of this trip, it is conceivable that we may travel through some snow, usually stable and well consolidated in spring, or possibly need to set up camp on or adjacent to it some nights. “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. We successfully caught … Copyright © Locality, LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About | Contact. For shelter, a tent with a rain fly is recommended. Previous backpacking experience is ideal, but exceptional baseline fitness is essential for this outing. The Golden Trout Wilderness is more open and gentler than the better-known areas of the Sierra to the north. SierraWild.gov - Golden Trout Wilderness; USFS - Golden Trout Wilderness; Nearby. The portion of our journey along the South Fork of the Kern River is designated Wild and Scenic, affording the strongest protection for our nation’s free flowing rivers and streams. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 36.7811193 (latitude), -118.3680695 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 11,401 feet (3,475 meters) above sea level. Challenging, optional day-hikes are bound to satisfy even the most energic in the group. Golden Trout Camp desde Mapcarta, el mapa libre. A favorite is Gaia GPS, which allows maps of an area to be downloaded to most devices. The GTW was named for the brightly colored native golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) which is the California State Fish. We have a group commissary, with everyone taking turns preparing food. I must say this was the most difficult video I've ever filmed. Loading ... the Golden Trout (as seen at 1:10). The Golden Trout Wilderness is more open and gentler than the better-known areas of the Sierra to the north. Depending on the amount of snow that falls this winter in the Southern Sierra, springtime may come early or late to the area in which we will travel. A quota system for travel in Cottonwood Lakes area is in effect for the last Friday in June through Sept. 15 and for travel over Cottonwood Pass to Sequoia National Park from the last Friday in June through Sept. 15. Our final day will be long; however, we will be fully acclimatized, and our packs will be light so 10 miles and 1,700 feet of climbing over Cottonwood Pass will be a breeze. and Little Whitney Meadow, purportedly the most beautiful in the Sierra. Climbing to the Boreal Plateau, perched high above Sequoia National Park, we will be able to simultaneously gaze at Mount Whitney, the crown of the Sierra Crest, and the Great Western Divide. Inyo National Forest Map. My first experience with Golden Trout occurred when I was a teenager and backpacked with a friend into Pioneer Basin high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Vehicles are not permitted in wilderness areas. Our loop takes us deep into the Wilderness, to visit one of the most spectacular high alpine lake basins in the Southern Sierra: Rocky Basin Lakes. This rather easy day will revitalize us for the hike out! Visitor permits are required. The distance to the lakes is approximately 2.2 miles, and the elevation gain is approximately 2,200 feet. Whoops! Your message will be delivered to John Plander and David Melton. The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. Offices. Giving the body extra time to adjust can often make a big difference in trip enjoyment. Participants must arrive prepared for the rigorous physical demands of backpacking. Lakes 1 and 2 hold golden and brook trout, while only goldens are found in lakes 3 and 4. The leader will also send out a trip roster to facilitate ride-sharing arrangements unless you request not to have your contact information distributed. Climbing to the Boreal Plateau, perched high above Sequoia National Park, we will be able to simultaneously gaze at Mount Whitney, the crown of the Sierra Crest, and the Great Western Divide. There are many phone navigation apps. Golden Trout Lakes trail is a 5 mile out and back hike to a beautiful alpine lake in the Gallatin Range of SW Montana. Carrying a 35- to 45-pound pack, possibly on snow at times, with daily elevation changes up to 2,800 feet is physically demanding, particularly at altitude. Indeed, the Club was instrumental in passing the Wilderness Act of 1964 that established the National Wilderness Preservation System and which afforded the High Sierra the highest level of protection possible. Golden Trout Lake California fishing map and location information: Golden Trout Lake is a Lake in Inyo County, California and can be found on the Kearsarge Peak USGS topo map. Elevation: 11,401 ft (3,475 m) Day 2: Today we layover in the vicinity of Tunnel Meadow. If you’re flying, airports in Los Angeles (230 miles), Reno (280 miles), Mammoth (110 miles), or Las Vegas (250 miles) may all provide reasonable options. After about a mile, the trail crosses the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek. Day 1: The trip officially starts at 7 a.m. with breakfast, the first provided meal. Location: The Golden Trout Wilderness is at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada in California, 150 miles north of Los Angeles. Regulations & Recommendations. The leader will send detailed equipment recommendations to participants well in advance of the trip. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Box 8. The Golden Trout Wilderness covers 303,287 acres with two thirds in the Inyo National Forest and one third in the Sequoia National Forest. Highlights are Volcano Meadow (with a real volcano!) Take Cottonwood Lakes Trail from Horseshoe Meadow as it runs downhill heading north through the Golden Trout Wilderness. Since space is tight in the bear canisters the amount of personal food is limited to a 1-quart bag. Please email. The leaders are confident they will be able to provide a safe, mostly snow free, spectacular route in the Golden Trout Wilderness, no matter what the winter delivers! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/golden-trout-lake-loop The Eastern Sierras themselves are full of adventures to be had, with some only 30 minutes off the main Highway 395. Fantastic day hiking is nearby. Logging practices are still extremely disruptive and logging roads leave scars that remain long after the forests recover. After crossing the pass, we will travel to Tunnel Meadow and make camp at around 9,000 feet. The Sierra Club and its one-time president Joe Fontaine were instrumental in establishing the Golden Trout Wilderness in 1978. Day 6: We depart Rocky Basin, descend to Big Whitney Meadow, and then work our way off-trail to a “secret” idyllic lake nestled below Siberian Pass. We encourage participants to arrive a day or two early to begin acclimatizing. And as to the quantity, our goal is that you’re well-fed at each meal, without any waste to carry out. The California Department of Fish and Game stocks Trophy Trout at various Inyo County locations. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the trailhead rendezvous point. Air pollution from the Central Valley is weakening trees and other flora. The 300,000+ acre Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW) was designated by Congress in 1978. Golden Trout Lake is in the Lakes category for Inyo County in the state of California. Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. Although we hike a little over 10 miles we gain only around 1,000 feet. The trip difficulty is rated 4 on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is the least difficult and 5 is the most difficult. We will gain and lose about 7,500 feet of elevation during the backpacking portion of the trip. If you’re flying, airports in Los Angeles (230 miles), Reno (280 miles), Mammoth (110 miles), or Las Vegas (250 miles) may all provide reasonable options. We will discuss successful efforts to remedy some of the problems created by the “rainbows.". Golden Trout Lake, Inyo, United States of America FISHINGCurrent weather report, Golden Trout Lake, Inyo, United States of America, California, United States of America Hour by hour 10 Day Weather Forecast, Historical Weather, Weather Animated Map, holiday weather forecast and more. In short, the areas we pass through on our way to the high-country face many of the same threats that prompted the establishment of the parks and wilderness areas. In 1968, Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System with the support of the Sierra Club. It is celebrated for its expansive meadows, flowing creeks, and the fish for which the wilderness is named. Day 4: We travel a rugged unmaintained trail to our majestic ridgetop campsite (10,800 feet) high above Rocky Basin Lakes. Significantly above-average fitness is required for most individuals to enjoy a 2 or 3 rated backpack. Anglers who are familiar with Golden Trout Lake are asked to submit reviews of the Lake. Split between the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests, the Golden Trout Wilderness covers over 300,000 acres. Check back soon. We provide healthy, nutritious vegetarian-friendly meals. The Sierra Club believes that its outings program provides a perfect opportunity for members to enjoy the fruits of past conservation victories and to learn about current concerns. Please bring your own dinner as the leaders will only provide snacks. We are happy to share successful methods participants have used to prepare for similar 4 rated trips. While pursuit of High-Sierra gold is the allure of a backcountry trip into the Treasure Lakes, proper fishing gear and technique are only pieces of the puzzle of success. Mt. An optional small amount of meat -- along with dairy, nuts, legumes, and soy products -- will be added to ensure ample protein. Stream crossings, possibly challenging, and ascending 2,800 feet over about 7 miles makes this day one of the toughest. The Sierra Club will provide the food (including hot drinks and trail snacks), pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, and bear-resistant canisters. While most of our outings in the Sierra Nevada visit places that have already been protected, either as parks or as wilderness, the lands surrounding them face threats on several fronts: Want to be the first to hear about new trips and exclusive deals? While on this trip, feel free to ask your leaders about conservation issues that are relevant to this outing. Mileage on backpack-carrying days ranges from 5 to 11 miles, with a cumulative distance of 41 miles. There are currently no trips planned. Expect about 1,000 feet of cumulative elevation change over 6 miles. Golden Trout Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. It's 60 miles to Kernville and 75 miles to Ridgecrest. Trekking poles with snow baskets and traction devices might be required. The leader is available and willing to assist beginners in choosing equipment wisely. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the trailhead rendezvous point. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. In addition, good balance and sure-footedness is required to safely navigate stream crossings and possibly snow. Fishing Location Type: Lake, Inyo County Lakes (168) 9,028 feet of variation between top and bottom and 264.9 miles of backcountry backpacking is what you get at Pacific Crest Trail - section 11, a delightful backpacking and hiking trail close at hand. Although Mammoth-Yosemite Airport is the closest, in summer there are only a few flights each day and car rental there is usually more expensive than at major airports. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 36.7811193 (latitude), -118.3680695 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 11,401 feet (3,475 meters) above sea level. Despite the snow and icy lakes, the arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures and long, sunny days. ©. Desert Hiking and Wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park, California, Backpacking Paria Canyon: A Week of Visual Surprises, Arizona and Utah, 20s and 30s Secrets of Kanab Creek, Grand Canyon, Arizona, http://www.knapsack.org/basic_equipment.html, Gliding Through Glacier National Park, Montana, Enchanted Day Hikes in a Desert Paradise, Arizona, National Outings Training Trip: Base Camp Superstition Wilderness, Arizona, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Visit a less known, little-visited area of the Sierra, Climb Kern Peak and swim in Rocky Basin Lakes, Repose in cool meadows before peak season crowds. Most individuals to golden trout lakes inyo a 2 or 3 rated backpack poorly acclimatized canister plus some additional gear. ( 10,800 feet ) high above Rocky Basin lakes specifically for this trip is designed for experienced,! Prepare for similar 4 rated trips those same landscapes provide me with artistic expression and budding... 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