We heard from groups earlier in the day that we should continue climbing up towards Sawtooth Pass for some decent sites. You could camp here (I would camp here if taking 5 days), but if you have the energy and a shorter itinerary, it is better to push on to Pinto Lake. Continue up one of the approach trails until you are roughly 300 feet below Sawtooth Pass, then head north (turn left) toward Glacier Pass – the low point in the ridge between Empire Mountain and Sawtooth Pass. The nicest campsites lie upon a rocky moraine along the lake's northeast shore. Around 1:30, we returned to retrieve our backpacks and began the next segment to Lost Canyon. Hearsay stories tell of marmots hitching rides back to civilization by stowing away in engine compartments. Thank goodness for trekking poles. In less than an hour I was in Lost Canyon heading toward the Big Five Lakes turnoff. I mustered the will to creep out of my comfy sleeping bag and braced the icy air. This hike ended up being quite tough as the climb up over timber pass was long and laborious. From Glacier Pass, descend cross-country through alpine meadows and bristlecone pine to Spring Lake. I strained my ears to listen.
After a few hundred yards, I looked back toward Columbine Lake and decided it would be a much better place to spend the night than Lost Canyon, so I returned to the fine campsites near the outlet. Although, with time (like one year later), I've come to appreciate Mineral King a lot more. A few things to note: when we told the ranger at the front gate our itinerary, he was completely against it because of the glacier pass/spring lake route finding bit. When we entered the meadow, the ground was peppered with frost and the lake stood statue still, reflecting mirror images of the adjoining mountains and lines of trees. You'll backtrack to the main trail from the upper lakes and switchback down to the lower Big Five Lake. The Kaweah Peaks, crowned by Red Kaweah, Black Kaweah, Kaweah Queen, Mt.
It was a beautiful apex. This spectacular lake lies directly below Sawtooth Peak. I think I always feel more ready for climbs after about 1-2 miles of hiking in the day, not right off the bat. We got there before we knew it, and descended towards the lowest Big Five Lake. Time for another trip to Mineral King! A lot of people talk about doing THE Mineral King Loop, but there are actually a few variations. Also looking at your first day hiking it looks like you guys are in for a long day. I will keep that in mind in case we need to take a 30, 2011 at 7:57 pm #1764775. We mistakenly thought there were campsites once we ascended the treeline. Jump to Day 6: Eagle Scout Creek to the Sawtooth Trailhead. They'd been backpacking for a few days and warned about the frigid nights. If you're used to 15+ mile days and XC travel, it shouldn't be a big deal. All the while, Reko was sleeping like a log.