Steve and I made the journey to Owens Valley last Wednesday on our way to Convict Lake. While picking up our permit at the Bishop ranger station, we were advised that hikers can only go a few miles up the Convict canyon trail before the swollen creek prevents further travel.
So instead we opted for South Lake. Starting our hike there around 4 pm, we went up the Bishop Pass trail a mile, then took the north fork of the trail which leads up to the Treasure Lakes. We found a nice campsite just after the 1st stream crossing which is a short distance beyond the turnoff.
On Thursday morning we hiked up to the Treasure Lakes. We encountered snow patches above 10,300 ft. but were able to cross them easily. More difficult were the stream crossings due to the high runoff from snowmelt. In many places we had to abandon the trail and walk upstream to find safer places to cross. We located downed logs or rocks suitable for hopping across the fast moving torrents of water. Large wet grassy areas added to the difficulty in staying on the established route. It became 50/50 between trail and cross country, but we reached the largest Treasure lake and had lunch (see Steve's photo attached).
Returning back down to the main trail (Bishop Pass route), we turned west and went up the familiar path past Long Lake, taking the left turn off to Ruwau Lake (11,000) where we camped Thursday night. No snow at the campsite, but plenty of the white stuff on the rocky shore across the lake, and the Sierra crest was heavily covered. Rangers said that the pass was unreachable, but we heard later that some young guys made it to the top.
Friday morning we continued past Ruwau and took the loop past the Chocolate Lakes down to Buck Lake. The trail between Ruwau and the highest Chocolate lake is thready when clear, but large snow patches made it virtually useless. Again we made our own route down the rocky descent, using the trail more fully as we rounded the lakes below, then rejoined the main trail back to South Lake.
We stopped at a couple of historic monuments on the way home and took a small side trip on the obscure Hopper Canyon road in Fillmore to see how far it went toward condor country (not far).
Except for some pesky bugs at the lower elevations, the Sierras were beautiful and it was a great trip. Lots of green, and a few wildflowers along the streams. A healthy looking marmot kept us company at the Ruwau campsite and birds were chirping. Any suggestions are welcome for the next trip - how about late July?
Regards to all,
Bob
