August brings cooler weather and fall colors (hopefully) to the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The aspen trees start to burst out in gold and red, framed by a backdrop of evergreens and rugged granite peaks. Our stream-side campsites, located on Lower Rock Creek in East Fork Campground, at 9000 feet, are in a beautiful wooded section of the canyon. Anglers, hikers and photographers enjoy this scenic location in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Join Great Outdoors as we explore and hike this magnificent valley and its many lakes carved by ancient glaciers. There are numerous hiking options, or you can spend the day relaxing in the campground.
Mammoth Lakes is nearby (about an hour), where you can visit the Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, Reds Meadow Valley, or spend the day exploring the village. If you’re feeling daring, rent a mountain bike and ride down the ski runs, or take a gondola up to the top of Mammoth Mountain for the spectacular view. This would be a good Friday activity.
You may arrive anytime after 2pm on Thursday. You may need to acclimate to the high altitude, Take it easy! Drink lots of water! On the way up Highway 395, you might want to stop in Bishop for last minute groceries and gas, and visit Schat’s Bakery to choose from a wide variety of yummy pastries, cakes, cookies, or signature breads (hint: make sure to try the chili bacon cheese bread.. OMG!)
Burgers 'n Brews
Arrive in time on Thursday evening and chow down on burgers, sides, and desserts provided by Great Outdoors, and dress ‘em up the way you want with pineapple, bacon, cheese, Ortega chilis, veggies, or all of the above. Feel free to bring your favorite brew to enjoy and share with friends. (but not too much.. lots of alcohol should be avoided as you acclimate to high altitude).
Potluck:
Bust out your culinary skills for the traditional potluck on Saturday evening. Please plan on a main or side dish (Great Outdoors will be providing desserts.) All other meals are on your own.
Agenda:
We generally are pretty freeform without a set schedule.
We plan to hike (probably Saturday) from Mosquito Flats starting at 9500’ (the highest vehicle accessible trailhead in the Sierra Nevada’s) , and only gains about 500 feet over approx. 4 miles, during which you see numerous high country views and lakes.
Getting there:
Campground is East Fork Campground, off of 395 at Tom's Place.
GPS 37.492709, -118.719388, Click here for a Google Map. Once you leave Bishop, it's about 21 miles further up 395, and you'll turn left at Tom's Place onto Rock Creek Road. Go another 6 miles up the canyon, and the campground will be on your left.
Cancellations:
A full refund will be given if cancellation notice is sent to trip leaders by July 25th, 2019. Afterwards, a half refund will be given until August 3rd. No refunds after August 4th.
Trip Leaders:
Steve Sisneros (951) 318-0530, hiknsteve@ca.rr.com
Wes Stieringer (818) 497-8654, fwsj69@gmail.com
