Late Season Backpacking

At this time of year, it is even more important to check the weather before hitting the trail. A mild snowstorm can still have major impacts on your hike---the most obvious one is that even a few inches of snow can hide the trail. More snow, and the access roads may be closed. You'll want to add an extra layer or two of warmth for your clothes, and that will add weight to your pack. That said, wonderful adventures await:

Lyons Lake in Desolation Wilderness. Make the effort to hike that last steep section of trail past Lake Silvia, and you will find a superb lake set in a granite bowl. Slabs east of the outlet also offer solar heated viewing platforms for the stars after dark!

The Lakes Basin in Yosemite. A great hike that gives spectacular views on the pass on the way into the basin. Once there, you have a choice of lakes (not ten--maybe seven) and campsites.

The Lakes above Carson Pass are easy to reach, and easy to escape if the weather gets nasty. Winnemucca and Round Top both require permits and specific campsites. Keep going over the pass, and the same is true for 4th of July Lake. Around Silver Lake, you can backpack to Hidden Lake, Granite Lake, Shealor Lakes, or Lake Margaret.