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Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
#52988 04/30/18 08:30 AM
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After climbing Whitney twice, my wife and I would like to introduce our 8-year-old daughter to the area over Memorial Day weekend, since we feel it is such a special part of California. We're planning on doing the trail up to Lone Pine Lake, as well as lots of Eastern Sierra sights like Mono Lake, Mammoth and Schatt's!

Question for the forum here is what other trails should we be looking at doing? I think she can manage about 4-5 miles round trip. We've been up to Horseshoe Meadows but you can't really get to any great views without going further.

Any other things in the area that might interest a kid of this age?

Also, what are conditions like in the Eastern Sierra at the end of May? Looks like Lone Pine is very warm, while it gets chilly up high. Any issues with snowy roads?

Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
nicebloke #52995 04/30/18 01:54 PM
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Trail Pass and Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows comes to mind.

About the same distance and elevation climb as Lone Pine Lake. You can see Mt Whitney (and the summit hut, if you have a telephoto lens camera)

This picture shows Mt Whitney (on the left), and Mt Langley (center). It is a zoom-in of the actual view.


Last edited by Steve C; 04/30/18 10:59 PM.
Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
Steve C #52996 04/30/18 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted By: Steve C
Trail Pass and Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows comes to mind.


Yes, I know they're not too taxing, but you need to go pretty far before you get to the dramatic views, if I remember correctly.

Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
nicebloke #52997 04/30/18 03:45 PM
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You may consider Meysan Lakes Trail near the portal.

Then there is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest hike.


Journey well...
Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
nicebloke #52998 04/30/18 03:47 PM
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Go to Bishop, and then hwy 168 West to South Lake. From there it is a 2 mile hike to Long Lake, with spectacular views. Also off 168 West to North Lake, with a nice hike to Grass Lake - about 4 miles round trip. Be prepared for mosquitos.

Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
nicebloke #53000 04/30/18 10:23 PM
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You mentioned Mammoth Lakes. If you do stop in the Mammoth area there are several hikes that meet your criteria.
1. Crystal Lake. Trail head is at Lake George and I would expect the road to be open (although a late storm could change that). One way distance to the lake is a bit over one mile, but you can also hike the length of the lake, with many picnic spots along the way. Total round trip distance including the length of the lake is ~ 3+ miles, with approx. 600' elevation gain.
2. A bit further, and higher to climb, you could take the same trail, but turn right once you near Crystal Lake, and this would take you up to Mammoth Crest. Fabulous views, certainly a good workout. Approx. 2 miles and 1400' climbing. Because of the altitude, and exposed crest, snow could be a problem.
3. If the road to Reds Meadows is open there are many many more options.
Crystal Lake:


Mammoth Crest:


Links:

http://discovermammoth.com/2012/06/29/crystal-lake-mammoth-lakes-basin-california/

http://discovermammoth.com/hiking/


Last edited by John Sims; 05/01/18 09:17 AM.
Re: Whitney area trip with 8-year-old
nicebloke #53002 05/01/18 12:27 AM
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My kids (now 7 and 11) love backpacking - in particular because they love the whole camping experience. If an overnight is (or becomes) an option then the hike to Chicken Spring Lake, 4.5miles from Horseshoe Meadows, is a nice microcosm of the Sierra - a meadow, forest, streams, a climb up to a pass, a beautiful lake and lots of ground squirrels!

Alternatively, Gilbert and Flower Lakes on the way up to Kearsarge pass are beautiful and sub 5miles round trip.

If you're thinking longer term, I've done the following with mine:

2014 (son, 7yrs old) - Whitney from Horseshoe Meadows over 8 days, 5mi/day.
2015 (son 8, daughter 5) - Tuolumne from Agnew Meadows over 8 days, 4mi/day (I highly recommend this one, I think it's the best 30 mile family hike imaginable - lakes, streams, constant distractions).
2016 (son 9, daughter 6) - Whitney from Onion Valley over 9 days, 6mi/day.

All these paces allowed a lot of time for playing en route and at camp each night, as well as a relaxed hiking pace. I find the kids average 1mph allowing for breaks. Their limiting factor is boredom (i.e. with mental distraction - mind games, stories, chatting etc. they will go all day) rather than any physical limitations.


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