Hoover Yosemite Trail Tales

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Trip Catalog

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This particular trip posed one logistical challenge.  We were entering at Twin Lakes and exiting at Leavitt Meadows, about 30 odd miles apart.  Fortunately George was able to find a kind soul who picked us up at Leavitt Meadows, where we parked the car, and then dropped us off at the trailhead.  This was also a bit of an exceptional trip as we were not horse packing in but making our feet do the walking.   With those heavy packs we picked a trail that ascended fast  right from the get go.  We huffed and puffed our way into Horse Creek canyon and found the only nice spot around to camp and acclimate for the afternoon.  The ruggedness of the terrain contrasted  with the smooth weathered landscape that defines most of Emigrant Wilderness.   We were treated to some fantastic light dancing as the sun set behind cloudy skies.

Today was up and over into the saddle between Horse and Spiller Canyon so that George could tackle Matterhorn Peak.   All went well as we ascended from our camp site at Horse Creek.  For awhile there was a good use trail but we soon decided on  a straight cross country route.   The going was more vertical than the day before, but we finally settled in and found a good launch spot for George.  As he climbed and bagged Matterhorn, I lazed around and studied the map for our next move.   We had planned to hop over a ridge to get to Burro Pass, but the route, elevation gain and those heavy packs steered us into Spiller Canyon for the night.

Now we are a bit behind schedule.  The  night in Spiller Canyon was peaceful but the next day loomed with a choice of a long hike or a hefty cross country ridge climb.  We started out with the hike option but soon abandoned it when we spied a ridge that was doable.  Up and over, " huff n puff" , we made it even though the last 200 feet was close to vertical in patches.  After a refreshing dip in the creek, we headed up canyon to find a rest spot for the night and to catch up with our itinerary.

The best word to describe this day is mosquito bait.  We were up early and determined to put some trail miles under our feet to get to Thompson Canyon.  The run up to Burro Pass was a good start in our attempt to beat the heat and sun.  We crested, ate some lunch and then headed towards Mule Pass.  The breeze was just right until we started the climb up to Mule, and as we hit protected pockets those tiny flying dinosaurs would track us down and attack.  They were relentless.  Our chosen camp site was windy when we set up, but as you suspect the breeze disappeared and we dove into the tents after dinner to escape the onslaught.

The best part of this day was getting away from mosquitos and finally setting down for at least 2 days without moving camp sites.  We started early and moved at a good pace until we got close to a trailhead that lead to a hot shower and some rest.  Needless to say, I avoided the temptation and continued on knowing that I would never be allowed to forget that moment of weakness if I had succumbed to it.  The day took us by Peeler Lake, another ridge climb and we settled down at a nice site in gorgeous Thompson Canyon.  What a peaceful, beautiful slice of wilderness heaven.

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