July 23 - Little Lakes Valley (and other things)

Heading to Little Lakes Valley today. I wasn't planning on going here BUT since my Yosemite hiking did not work out as I expected, I'm heading here for the 3rd time. This is my 2nd favorite hike in the E Sierras. Based on dead legs the last two day, I'm definitely hitting Long Lake (2.3 miles) and maybe Chickenfoot (~3 miles); Gems Lake is not even in the picture today.

This is a very popular trail so if you want main parking, you need to get there early like before 7:30am. So it's up even earlier this morning by 1/2 hour (5:15) as it's 50 minute trip (plus it's moving day). I'm up at that time anyway so it's really no big deal.

Easy beautiful drive (more mountains). I arrive just before 7am and the lot is about 1/2 full already. I gear up, stow my groceries from bears and start up the trail. Once again I downloaded this trail to AllTrails but I forgot to save it. :(

I'm over 10K again starting at 10,220 ft. But I'm acclimated at this point after 2 prior days above 10K.

The trail starts sandy w/ flowers that could be interesting on the way down - a lot of Buckwheat. Then comes the uphill.

I don't remember a rocky uphill climb but it there it is. (Now I wish I brought my poles - Oops.) I'm wondering if I'm on the right trail but the only other option leads to a campground (so says the map at the TH).

The trail peaks out and then goes downhill where there is a creek and a bridge to cross.

(There are 2 more stream crossings; one with a bridge and then other is dam built with rocks to hop across (pretty easy).

The first lake is Mack Lake. I take a spur trail for better views.

And then comes Heart Lake (1.3 miles and 10,400 ft). (And my favorite lake of the day.) Again, I take a spur trail to get a better view.


The trail wraps around Heart Lake and I take another spur trail to a small waterfall as an incoming creek enters Heart Lake. Great stop! 

Then I continue on. The whole trail is smaller ups and down as I am climbing.

After walking for a bit and another uphill, I'm looking down on Box Lake. (1.8 miles and 10,515 ft)

Then it's a longer stretch before reaching the one end of Long Lake (2miles and 10,560). And my the wind is blowing! 

It was 42 degrees when I started and I'm not sure its not much warmer now and add the wind - chilly, chilly.

I track down Long Lake with a rocky wall/boulders on my left (and in the shade). I get just short of the other end when I see a nice rock down by the lake and in the sun for my final destination (2.3 miles). (My light winter coat and gloves comes out of my pack as I'm freezing.)

The water is so clear and the views are priceless! I can hear the waterfall on the opposite corner of the lake.

I find Shooting Star (one) at the lake.

After about 20 minutes, I've had enough of the cold so it's time to head back.

Obviously I'm passing many people on my way down but while still at Long Lake, I hear a loud squawking. I scan the rockside and locate a Pika!

I stop at the far side of the lake to enjoy those mountains one last time and a hummingbird flies by and stops to nectar on some Paintbrush. How exciting!

On the way down, I finally catch one of those scampering chipmunks (tons of them) and I'm seeing butterflies! The 1st one is a Lustrous Copper. And a Edith Copper nearby.

Then there's large gap before seeing a Greenish Blue.

Then I spot a really large Variable Darner dragonfly on a rock. Oops! Part of that length is just a shadow.

While there, a Lorquin's Admiral makes quick stop (yea!)

Farther along is a 

- Glaucon Blue (Lifer)!!!

- Edith Copper

- Boisduval's Blue


I'm back at the TH around 11am. The parking lot is full and I get asked twice if I'm leaving my parking lot troll. I say yes but it'll be some time because

I need to drop my stuff at the car, go get my stuff in the bear container and prep to leave. And yes, a couple of young guys stay the whole time - lazy, lazy.

That was an awesome hike and a great day! So happy for the detour!

But its only 11am and I have til 3pm til check-in. Also, I'm hungry so I decide to head south to Bishop (only 20 miles) to get some food. I'm hoping for Del Taco but I only know there is a McDonalds there because I've eaten there before when hunting for the Alkali Skipper 12 years ago. (I was successful seeing just one!)

I arrive in Bishop and am surprise that the area I was searching is still there; thought it would have houses/apartments by now. Happy it's the same! I stop to google my choices and no Del Taco so it's McDonalds again.

Then it's time to head north and a stop at Hot Creek Geologic Area. I've always wanted to go so I have the time. (Continued)

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