SDGO - Treasure Lakes Backpacking Retreat!
Note: Potential attendees must be screened by trip leader prior to registration. The Intermediate rating of this trip is based on distance traveled from vehicles, terrain, elevation, elevation gain, and expected weather. Please contact the trip leader to discuss if this trip is right for you, and to obtain the registration code. The permit is limited to 6 backpackers in our party, and the two basecamp reservations allow for 6 campers and 4 vehicles.
The Treasure Lakes are aptly named – a pair of absolute wilderness gems set within a breathtaking backdrop of pine dotted shores and Eastern Sierra granite peaks.
Every aspect of this trip is stunning, from our 8,300 ft. elevation basecamp nestled beneath ancient Jeffrey Pine trees in spacious campsites along the South Fork of Bishop Creek at Four Jeffrey Campground in Inyo National Forest, the first half of the trail rises steadily through shimmering aspens overlooking South Lake. The second half of the trail continues after the majority of hikers and mules split off toward Bishop Pass and crosses at least four streams that offer plenty of opportunities to filter and refill water to help lighten our loads on the steady climb upward.
This trip is a birthday present to myself to immerse in the spectacular beauty and silence of this place, and you’re invited to celebrate with me. If you’ve longed for space and time to soak in the unfathomable beauty of a place, and love to wander and explore and simply be in the majesty of wilderness without having to pack up and move camp and hike every day or two, this trip is for you!
My friend and I did this backpack around the same time last August. He backpacks regularly with the Sierra Club and is highly skilled and trained. I had not backpacked in ten years or more, and though in good shape, had not been at altitude at all that summer. I was looking for an experience that only involved setting up camp once then exploring from there, with moderate elevation gain, and spectacular wilderness. Treasure Lakes fit the bill perfectly.
Although the elevation gain is only about 1,400 feet, the trail if very rocky all the way up. With just 12 hours in basecamp (we arrived at 4 pm), we found ourselves stopping frequently to catch our breath. Trailhead at South Lake starts at about 9,800 ft. and rises to Treasure Lakes at about 10,700 feet. All Trails:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/treasure-lakes-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-mapd.
It took us about four hours, which surprised us, but we talked to others who actually took longer (and shorter) than that. On the way down we spoke with a father hiking up with his two college aged sons (with backpacks) and asked how difficult they would rate the hike. The sons said moderate, and the dad said moderately hard, which is how we experienced it. Picture of the exact site of our basecamp, just above the South Fork of Bishop Creek; the sound of the creek will lull you to sleep. See more pics on Google drive: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CpVQuYHz26h57C6cA
Itinerary:
Sunday, 8/27: Drive to Four Jeffrey Campground, which is 17 miles (25 min.) from Bishop to connect with the group in the late afternoon at our reserved campsites along the South Fork of Bishop Creek. We’ll have a campfire - wood available for purchase from camp hosts. Recommend carpooling.
Monday, 8/28: Free day. Breakfast, enjoy camp, day hikes / explore the area, possibly day hike or rent boat(s) at Lake Sabrina and lunch at Hungry Packer café at the Lake Sabrina boat launch (https://www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com/the-hungry-packer-cafe). We’ll check our gear and pack weight (<35 lb. max), enjoy a birthday potluck tea and dinner and an early campfire.
Tuesday, 8/29: Break camp and pack. Drive 15 min. to trailhead to find parking and start hike by 10 am. Lunch on the trail, arrive Treasure Lakes mid-afternoon, set up camp, dinner.
Wednesday, 8/30: Free day to wander and soak in Treasure Lakes many micro-climates and niches, including the spectacular alpine flower lined waterfall, take a wander in the wilderness, read a book, fish, paint, play cards, journal, snooze.
Thursday, 8/31: Hike up makeshift trail to alpine lakes at 11,200 feet at the foot of Hurd Peak (12,182 feet). For safety we will observe the rule of 3, and only go if at least 3 of us want to go together. And if 3 wish to leave on Thursday they may do so together (with 3 remaining in camp).
Friday, 9/1: Break camp and hike back down to the trail head at South Lake, late lunch in Bishop, and head home, or on to your next adventure.
Weather: Expect warm days and chilly (low-mid 40s) evenings and mornings. Dressing in layers is the best way to manage the possible range of temperatures. Precipitation is always a possibility, so rain gear is mandatory.
Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); efficient water filtration; food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; broken-in hiking boots; layered clothing; jacket; rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel; compact camp stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment (book, card game, etc). Topographic maps of the area will be provided at the trailhead.
Cost: $40/person. Backpacking permit for each person is included. Maximum 6 people. When capacity is reached, a waiting list will be in effect. Cancel before August 11 to receive a refund.
Other considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave no Trace" - our trash comes out with us, including toilet paper, and excrement is buried and covered far away from water sources. Active bear area - mandatory use of either bear cannisters or hanging food sacks.
Directions: 370 miles, 6+ hours from San Diego. Take 15 to 215 to 395 N to Bishop. In Bishop, turn left on S Lake Rd (CA 168) and follow it 17 miles to Four Jeffrey campground in Inyo National Forest.
Trip Leader: Please contact Steve Fitzgerald at 323-252-1066 or at steve.thrives@gmail.com.
