Ano Nuevo and the Sierra 2019
As promised in an earlier post, I am going to give you a round-up of where Western Trekker has been over the past few weeks. I’ve also acquired a new Canon Rebel this year and I am still learning to use it so I’ve been taking it everywhere! We’ve visited Ano Nuevo on the coast above Santa Cruz, and we were off to the Sierra twice. Hopefully more next year. If you haven’t been, you need to go. As John Muir said, “the mountains are calling.”
Ano Nuevo State Park is a refuge for northern elephant seals along the California coast off of highway 1. Look for the town of Pescadero, CA and you can’t miss the park. It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline and it is a very refreshing stop on your way up or down highway 1.
There is ample space for the kids to romp and lots of trails to hike. This is also a good wildlife area in general and not just for the northern elephant seals. I saw a San Francisco garter snake; and there’s lots of deer, birds, and other critters. One forlorn looking view is of the old, 19th. century lighthouse that has long since been abandoned.
In our two trips to the Sierra this year, we covered a lot of ground. And yes, I've made galleries for each so you can check the Gallery page of this website to see the photos in large format if that works for you. The Sierra, especially the Mono Basin around Lee Vining, CA and south to Mammoth Lakes, CA is a particular favorite destination. You’ll probably see lots of posts and pictures over the years. If you ever need a recommendation on where to stay or what to see or do, feel free to reach out and ask.
My Kinsho bento box at 12,600 ft. No reservation required!
On challenge for this year was Mount Dana. This mountain is on the very eastern edge of Yosemite National Park and is the second highest peak in the park at 13,061 feet. Only Mount Lyell is taller at 13,120 feet. Both are stunning, as is the Tioga Pass area where Mount Dana is located.
We started out spur of the moment, but next time I will be more prepared. Still, we made it to the last snowfield near the top before we decided to have a well-earned lunch. Climbing Dana yields amazing views across Yosemite, over to Saddlebag Lake, and to Mono Lake to the east. I really wanted to see the Sky Pilots this year but we decided after lunch to head down instead of crossing our fourth snowfield for the day. Late in the season those snowfields and the suncups can be a huge challenge, not to mention tiring.
In another visit to the Sierra, we stayed in Mammoth Lakes with friends. Our adventures led us to Mack Lake in the Little Lakes Valley area (Rock Creek), Parker Lake, and rockhounding in Fletcher, Nevada. As an add-on, Randy and I visited Green Lake. More on Green Lake below.
Mammoth Lakes is a very convenient, year-round community for travelers. You’ll find the town is very scenic and provides for most all your creature comforts. Just don’t forget something like your laptop charging cord like I did. The lakes around Mammoth are full this year thanks to our heavy snowpack.
Mack Lake in Little Lakes Valley
Mack Lake is the first lake you come to in Little Lakes Valley along the Rock Creek trail. It’s one of many lakes. Little Lakes Valley is full of lakes and the lakes are full of trout so it’s a great place to hike and fish at the same time. Or, stop and lunch and fish as we did.
Fletcher, Nevada for rockhounding was a lot of fun. It stormed while we were out, but that only added to the drama. After the lightening, hail, rain, and wind the stones we had been looking for were easy to see. We were able to find lots of agate, carnelian, obsidian, and other fun stones. Some old glass from the 1930s was fun as well.
Parker Lake was particularly fun. It’s a mostly easy hike and you are rewarded with magnificent views and beautiful Parker Lake. If you like wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, fishing, hiking, and good access, this is the hike for you. The beginning of the trail is a little bit of an uphill grade, but not for long and then the trial levels off and it’s a pretty easy walk to the lake. We accessed the lake trail from Parker Lake road. You can also do a much longer hike or trail ride from Silver Lake over the Parker Bench for even more stunning views.
Randy and I also visited Green Lake. This was new to me but only his second time. Lots of maps say it is a 2.2 mile hike but it is not. We clocked just over 7 miles round trip from trailhead to lake. Be prepared for a longer hike than you think. It’s not difficult, but as with any of the trails in the Sierra, if you are not used to the altitude, you may need to slow your pace, take breaks, and have plenty of water with you.
Dunderberg Peak at 12,379 feet in elevation looms over the trail to your left as you are going to the lake. It makes for a very impressive guide. On this trail you can also visit East Lake and West Lake and even Gilman Lake at the base of Dunderberg if you are so inclined.
The Sierra is drop-dead gorgeous and offers endless picture postcard views. You will not run out of trails, streams, lakes, rivers, and mountains to occupy yourself. Whether you are hiker, into fishing, photography, running, painting, drawing, or just sight seeing, you’ll always have a surprise just around the bend. If you go, be prepared. We always have a lunch with us. In heavy snow years you need to have mosquito repellent with you in the summer. Lots of shady areas and along water sources are mosquito heavy. We also always take LOTS of water, a hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, our camera, and usually a lightweight rain jacket in our packs. The weather can change on a dime in the Sierra but it likely will not ruin your day if you are prepared. Many of the trails are at high elevation, so acclimate yourself before you head out. Get out there and go, ‘the mountains are calling'.