Lamarck Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, CA

Dates

Jul 20th - Jul 26th 2008

Service Project

Trail Maintenance

Free Days

Dayhiking, fishing, swimming, photograpy

Accommodations

Backpack camping

Trip Rating

Strenuous : 4 1/2-mile backpack, moving rock, digging, hauling dirt

Leaders

Kathleen Worley
Bill Sheppard

Equipment

The John Muir Wilderness encompasses 581,000 acres and brings together the best of the Sierra Nevada wildlands; numerous streams, tarns, lakes, and glacially carved canyons sculpt the area. Designated in the Wilderness Act of 1964, the John Muir Wilderness spans over 100 miles along the Sierra crest. It contains the highest peak in the lower 48 states: Mt. Whitney at 14,495 feet. The wilderness also houses the headwaters of the South and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River as well as the North Fork of the Kings River.

This is dramatic high-altitude country. We will meet Saturday afternoon and camp near the trailhead so we can get an early start on Sunday morning. Our backpack is approximately four and 1/2 miles from the trailhead just above North Lake where we will set up a base camp around 10,000-ft. Our project will be trail maintenance including brushing, treadwork and cleaning waterbars. The Forest Service will provide pack stock to bring in the tools, food and commissary. This is physical work that includes moving rocks, making fill, and moving soil. It will make a huge difference in the trails, and reduce impact on fragile areas. On our day off, we can explore, climb nearby peaks, swim in clear lakes, and soak up the wilderness.

This trip is suitable for beginners to service trips who are in good shape.