Day 17. Today was the record low temperature for our trip, 19F in
the morning. Our water bucket really froze today.
Fortunately it was not windy which helped us to bear the cold. We were up at six and out of camp at 8:15. We were fortunate to be hiking in the Sierras on the first day of fall after the a low pressure front moved through and dropped some snow.
We got to Dollar Lake, the site of a sushi fest on the Swider family Rae Lakes trip two years ago, about 10:30. The view of "F" "I" "N" Dome (family joke) above the lake brought back memories of that trip.
We continued hiking beyond,
and stopped at Rae lakes for lunch at noon. Just before lunch we chatted with two ladies who had come over Glen Pass the day before, in the middle of the storm. They did not share details about there experience, but did tell us we had made the better choice to stay put at Woods Creek. They were not getting going that day until near 11am.
Due to yesterday’s weather we needed to dry out our bags and tents, so we found a sunny spot fairly sheltered from the wind. Spending the morning walking through the freshly dusted Sierras was a real treat, but also cold. Just needed to dress appropriately. Started climbing Glen pass from the isthmus at 1:30.
The first half of the climb was rather hard, maybe the hardest of the trip thus far. But like the rest of the trip, breathtaking views were to be had.
The second half is also hard but you can see the goal of the pass.
We got to the pass at 3:15. It was good to do it in the afternoon as there was plenty of snow and ice to navigate, as shown above.
View from the top were worth the work put in to get there.
Fortunately it was not windy which helped us to bear the cold. We were up at six and out of camp at 8:15. We were fortunate to be hiking in the Sierras on the first day of fall after the a low pressure front moved through and dropped some snow.
We got to Dollar Lake, the site of a sushi fest on the Swider family Rae Lakes trip two years ago, about 10:30. The view of "F" "I" "N" Dome (family joke) above the lake brought back memories of that trip.
We continued hiking beyond,
and stopped at Rae lakes for lunch at noon. Just before lunch we chatted with two ladies who had come over Glen Pass the day before, in the middle of the storm. They did not share details about there experience, but did tell us we had made the better choice to stay put at Woods Creek. They were not getting going that day until near 11am.
Due to yesterday’s weather we needed to dry out our bags and tents, so we found a sunny spot fairly sheltered from the wind. Spending the morning walking through the freshly dusted Sierras was a real treat, but also cold. Just needed to dress appropriately. Started climbing Glen pass from the isthmus at 1:30.
The first half of the climb was rather hard, maybe the hardest of the trip thus far. But like the rest of the trip, breathtaking views were to be had.
The second half is also hard but you can see the goal of the pass.
We got to the pass at 3:15. It was good to do it in the afternoon as there was plenty of snow and ice to navigate, as shown above.
View from the top were worth the work put in to get there.
We left the top after twenty minutes and started down. 2500 vertical feet down.
Eventually we could see our destination, Vidette Meadow, just below East Vidette peak
We did not originally plan to hike that far, but did so thanks in great part to inaccurate mileage listed on park service signs. Long day, 13 or so miles, with 3500 feet of climbing and 2500 feet of descent. We got to camp at 6. We needed to do just the basics. Food, fire (below 10,000’ fortunately), bake / eat cookie, setup camp and bed.
I considered camping cowboy, but for some reason decided to set up my tent. It was a good decision, as we had some snow flurries overnight.
Eventually we could see our destination, Vidette Meadow, just below East Vidette peak
We did not originally plan to hike that far, but did so thanks in great part to inaccurate mileage listed on park service signs. Long day, 13 or so miles, with 3500 feet of climbing and 2500 feet of descent. We got to camp at 6. We needed to do just the basics. Food, fire (below 10,000’ fortunately), bake / eat cookie, setup camp and bed.
I considered camping cowboy, but for some reason decided to set up my tent. It was a good decision, as we had some snow flurries overnight.
Tomorrow will be very similar to today, climb a lot, go over Forrester
pass, and then descend to the next camp.
On this page you experienced what I feel is the best part of the Rae Lakes loop. I don't recommend you do this 13 mile section in one day, but if you like to backpack it is a great place to go. Unfortunately, lots of people think so, and it can be quite crowded and messy. But in mid-September, it seemed like a ghost town. A great time to check it out.
On this page you experienced what I feel is the best part of the Rae Lakes loop. I don't recommend you do this 13 mile section in one day, but if you like to backpack it is a great place to go. Unfortunately, lots of people think so, and it can be quite crowded and messy. But in mid-September, it seemed like a ghost town. A great time to check it out.
Our inreach location for the day is here
Link to Day 18 is here
Miles hiked: 13.1
Elevation gain: 3450'
Elevation lost: 2430'
Precipitation: slight snow dusting overnight
Morning low temperature: 19F
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