A Cross Country Day Hike
A young boy thought this small lake, off the beaten track, should be named "Grampa" but he couldn't pronounce that yet, and actually said, "Umpa", which the park adopted.
Because it was so beautiful, I have posted more photos than usual.
The trip delivered skies with clouds roaming freely from horizon to ranges above, winds playfully unrestrained and cool, then a sunset and sunrise equally rewarding. Fall colors splashed all around, even in rocky crevices. It was a photographers play land!Umpa Lake from the west side looking east to the notch in the saddle leading to Twin Lakes. Taken in Sept. 2012 |
At the first junction, there is a wooden sign giving directions; take the trail heading eastward, to the right, on a fairly steep uphill section of clearly marked trail. (My trek was counter clockwise, but either way works, and a map is posted at the bottom of this article, as well as a link for GPS Tracks.)
You will pass a sign clearly marking the entry into Desolation Wilderness. |
The next junction has a easily visible post pointing left to Twin Lakes and right to Grouse Lake. Follow it left across the open granite where you will head gradually upward.
There are some creek crossings, although at this time of year (September) most are dry or close to it.
There are also unnamed ponds, swimming holes, and a lake.
As you climb you are treated to some sweeping views of the valley; have your camera ready. |
Hikers are also treated to colorful views of the peaks ahead. In the spring and summertime the colors are from wildflowers. |
If you feel you have lost sight of the trail on the granite, do a visual sweep and most likely you will see the obvious trail marked by rows of rocks, or stacks of large rocks, resume.
Volunteering at Twin Lakes western shore. |
Looking back up toward Umpa. |
I made the loop by hiking cross country downhill to the west, looking for a place to camp in less wind! As the day grew shorter, the wind got a little blustery with me! The pressure was on! I spotted sparse trees on the southwest but the wind was still more than I wanted to battle overnight and there wasn't a water supply.
I didn't have an exact destination and I ended up camping near Enchanted Pools largest pool. I got there at sunset and quickly set up camp. |
Please respect the no fire orders for this reason. One tiny mistake could forever change the wilderness.
I hiked out going downstream, from one enchanted pool to another pool, each brighter and more beautiful than the one before! |
Once I reached the point where the trail leads back up onto the granite and away from the creek, I headed southwest across the granite.
To the east you won't miss these tall dark cliffs. |
You will head back into these woods, already brightly dressed for autumn, |
Overnight permits
GPS Tracks
More trails to discover:
Desolation Wilderness
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2015-07
|
10+ miles
|
Strenuous
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2014-08
|
30 miles
|
Moderate to Strenuous/Difficult
| |
2014-07
|
18 miles
|
Moderate-Difficult
| |
2014-06
|
12+ miles
|
Moderate to Strenuous
| |
2013-06
|
13+ miles
|
Moderate to Strenuous
| |
2012-09
|
Umpa Lake & Enchanted Pools
|
8+ miles
|
Cross country ~ Moderate
|
2012-08
|
Horsetail Falls via Pyramid Creek TH
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Aprox. 10 miles to lakes at the top of the falls
|
"Difficult, and potentially dangerous" miles
|
2012-07
|
10 miles
|
Moderate
| |
2012-07
|
8 miles
|
Moderate-Strenuous
| |
2012-06
|
Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail
|
10+ miles
|
Strenuous
|
2012-08
|
9.2 miles
|
Moderate
| |
2012-06
|
6+ miles
|
Strenuous
| |
2011-07
|
Lyons Creek Trail with melting snow
|
9+ miles
|
Moderate
|
2011-02
|
3.8 miles
|
Moderate
| |
2010-09 We hiked 12 days.
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167 total
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Moderate to Strenuous
|
See the Full Table of Contents.
Added updated links and Table of Contents 06-2016
Happy Trails!
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