Backpacking in the Sierras in California

This summer my wife and I went backpacking for the first time with a group of friends. We hiked the North fork of the Big Pine Creek Loop starting at 7,500ft (2,286m) and camped at 10,400ft (3,170m).

This is relatively near the beginning of our climb. We had to go up to the large rock in the center and then up a valley behind it.

Near start of the climb

Dead tree seen on the way up

 

The next day, we hiked up to about 12,000ft (3,658m). Here is what we saw.

This is why they are called the Sierras (Sawtooth in English)

The peaks around us rose to 14,000ft (4,267m)

then we climbed down the valley back to 11,000ft (3,353m) and up the other side again to about 12,000ft (3,658m). And here is what we saw on the other side.

Crossing a snow field looking back down the valley

Looking at the alpine lakes down the valley

I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of the Eastern Sierras in California. It was hard carrying over 40lbs (18kg) on my back, but most definitely worth it. I did have to compromise on the camera weight so I couldn't take the DSLR. This was all shot with a Panasonic Lumix point and shoot.

Radzfoto