How was the drive into the trailhead? I've driven in the Buttermilk road before, but not that far. Wondering if you can do it without a high clearence vehicle? Also, what source did you use for directions? I've had a few freinds get lost trying to drive in there and end up spending the day hiking around - perhaps they are just directionally challenged, but I keep hearing that it's easy to get lost the first time.
Thanks Tom, I probably won't make any of the SC08, but hope you guys have a great challenge.
KBurnett, I used the description in Peter Croft's book “The Good, The Great, And The Awesome" for both the drive and climb.
I’d recommend a high clearance vehicle. There’s a rocky section about 1 mile before the creek crossing that I scraped (RAV4) on the way up and on the way back down. Beyond the creek, I took a wrong turn once, but it dead ended after about ½ mile. So I just backtracked and took the other branch. Croft recommends parking at the Aspen grove about ½ miles from the TH, but I drove up to the TH without too much difficulty. If you can make it to the creek crossing you should be able to make to the TH.
I’d give yourself plenty of daylight to find your way up the first time. Just remember to keep heading towards Mt Humphreys.
Also, some folks at the TH said Longley Lake it is one of the best areas for viewing Sierra wild flowers.
bechtt - Jul 23, 2008 11:47 pm - Voted 10/10
CongratsOn another great climb! It really is a great mountain -- worth doing several different ways. Are you coming out for SC08? Tom
KBurnett - Jul 24, 2008 12:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Nice ReportHow was the drive into the trailhead? I've driven in the Buttermilk road before, but not that far. Wondering if you can do it without a high clearence vehicle? Also, what source did you use for directions? I've had a few freinds get lost trying to drive in there and end up spending the day hiking around - perhaps they are just directionally challenged, but I keep hearing that it's easy to get lost the first time.
graham - Jul 25, 2008 2:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice ReportThanks Tom, I probably won't make any of the SC08, but hope you guys have a great challenge.
KBurnett, I used the description in Peter Croft's book “The Good, The Great, And The Awesome" for both the drive and climb.
I’d recommend a high clearance vehicle. There’s a rocky section about 1 mile before the creek crossing that I scraped (RAV4) on the way up and on the way back down. Beyond the creek, I took a wrong turn once, but it dead ended after about ½ mile. So I just backtracked and took the other branch. Croft recommends parking at the Aspen grove about ½ miles from the TH, but I drove up to the TH without too much difficulty. If you can make it to the creek crossing you should be able to make to the TH.
I’d give yourself plenty of daylight to find your way up the first time. Just remember to keep heading towards Mt Humphreys.
Also, some folks at the TH said Longley Lake it is one of the best areas for viewing Sierra wild flowers.
KBurnett - Jul 26, 2008 12:23 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice ReportThanks a lot for the information. We'll start early!