Palisades Lake to Woods Creek Bridge

Though I woke around sunrise, I spent the first mile from Palisades Lake in the dark shade of the surrounding mountains. I thought, sunrise comes late in a valley, as I walked along the granite floor crossing little streams and passing tents of those still asleep. It felt surprisingly warm for a morning at 10,000 ft.

I encountered my first people on the switchbacks up to Mather Pass. I have to say, the switchbacks were rather laborious and I wished there was snow, like last year. If there was, I could just go straight up rather than follow the trail. The views of Palisades Lake were good so I can’t complain.

As I continued up the switchbacks, sunlight finally reached the valley floor. The day had officially begun.

At the top of the pass, the views to the south were spectacular. It turns out there are actually a few lakes just below the pass. Last year, they were buried under who knows how much snow and I never knew! I enjoyed the views both north and south of the pass for about an hour before starting down.

South side of Mather Pass in 2017

At the moment, I think the 2 miles of trail south of Mather Pass are my favorite in the Sierra. It undulates through green meadows dotted with glacial tarns and white boulders and is ringed by beautiful high Sierra peaks.

The following 4 miles down to the valley floor were pleasant and the creek crossing at the bottom was refreshing.

I then started the 4 mile climb up to Pinchot Pass. The first mile or so is forested, but after that it is exposed. It was hot, and I wished I brought sunscreen for my legs. They were turning red under the intense sun. I stopped near Marjorie Lake for lunch then carried on to the top of the pass. It wasn’t my favorite climb because it is gradual and somewhat strung out, but the view to the south was excellent.

Southern view from Pinchot Pass in 2017.

I carried on another 7 miles all down hill to the Woods Creek Bridge. I remember this area well because we were almost turned back last year by a ragging stream a short ways north of the bridge. We ended up climbing .5 miles along the stream until we found a snow bridge to cross. It was nice to be on familiar ground and relive some memories.

Similar View from 2017

I felt good at the end of the day, but was turned off by the 30 people camping on the south side of the bridge. After crossing, I immediately crossed back over and found a secluded spot on the north side.

I have lots of climbing tomorrow to get over Glen and part way up Forester Pass.