Hello everyone,

So it sounds like the family is spending a weekend at Bass Lake (east of Merced) this year. I've been working 50-70 hours per week for the past year, and decided if I don't get into the mountains this summer I'm going to lose my mind, so I think I'm taking 3 or so days off in October to go hiking/backpacking before that weekend at the lake.

I live in Sacramento so I would prefer something near Bass Lake or at least along the way. I was reading another thread and when looking on a map got excited to see that Pine Creek Pass was maybe 50 miles from Bass Lake... until I figured out that it's really a 270 mile drive.

I would prefer higher elevation hikes... I grew up surrounded by redwoods so when I go hiking I want to see snow peaked mountain ranges (which isn't going to be easy this year) and lakes (that may be difficult also). Since I may be limited to a one or two night trip, I might have to settle for making a base camp and going on 15-20 miles day hikes, which is fine.

Not really interested in going into northern Yosemite or the valley this year, but I've never been to southern Yosemite and that seems like my best bet, so if anyone has any advice on that (or any other areas) I would greatly appreciate it.

Chiquito Pass trail takes you north into Yosemite via the south boundary. Some fantastic destinations await, including Red Peak Pass and the Merced River headwaters if you have the time and inclination.

Some road segments are pretty rough, so a decent clearance vehicle is recommended.

Cheers,

Depending on when in October, there are possibilities of snow. The Minaret Road (the loop road that goes out of Bass Lake) can get really muddy when wet and it would be wise to have a vehicle capable of driving out on snow covered roads. It would not be my first choice for a late season hike. Early Oct probably OK, but late October is more risky. There are rumbles of an El Nino year -too early to tell.

On the flip side, if summer is hot and dry, there could be late season forest fires and very low water levels in streams.

I am not clear on your plans. Is the Bass Lake thing set so that is basically where you will go from? And is it just you or does the backpack trip include family members?

If early in October and weather is stable, the Lillian Lake loop out of the Fernandez Trailhead is a good trip, and even easy enough for family members. It is a popular route - probably many trip reports you can look up on the internet.

There are lots of hikes in that area that might work for you: Granite Creek to Isberg Pass, Fernandez to Rutherford lake, or Chiquito Pass to Chain lakes...

We have some of those on our website. Nice area--but beware an early storm that could leave you trapped.

That's the old Sierra; the new Sierra has but two seasons: fire and non-fire.

I think I'm kidding but can't quite convince myself.

I think you are prematurely discounting the "old Sierra". After mid-October I ALWAYS carry extra food, fuel, clothing and tire chains in my car and generally use trailheads that I will not end up trapped as roads close.