Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports HST, Day 2 – Bearpaw Meadow to Precipice Lake 6/18/15

One of my toughest days ever on the trail, but also one of the most rewarding. I went from thinking "what the heck am I doing out here" to "wow, I can't wait to come back" in just a few minutes.

Details and full photo gallery (75 photos) is posted here:

High Sierra Trail, Day 2 – Bearpaw Meadow to Precipice Lake, June 18 2015

Hamilton Towers


At the top of Hamilton Creek Waterfall


Angels Wings


Hamilton Gorge Tunnel


Sunset


Precipice Lake


Not a bad spot to camp...

I like the video "Tunnel in the Cliffs". I'd like to go there. Is there a way to access that spot with only a 3 day or so back pack trip? That spot is calling me.

Definitely doable RenoFrank, we met a few on the trail that were doing that. Suggested itinerary:

Day 1 - Crescent Meadows to Buck Creek or Bearpaw
Day 2 - to Hamilton Lake. Setup Camp, leave heavy packs. Hike to Hamilton Gorge Tunnel, Precipice Lake, then maybe Kawaeh Gap. Return to camp
Day 3 - Hamilton Lake to Crescent Meadows.

If you're interested in mileage & elevation stats, I can get that info for you.

Some of those we met on the trail got an early start. They went all the way to Hamilton Lake the first day. That'd prob be a bit much for me with a fully loaded pack.

Yes, I'm interested. Maybe give me some links to get me started. I don't know where these places are. I'm sure I can do the research. Encouraging to know I can be there and camp two nights.

NPS Site: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/high-sierra-trail.htm

Facebook Group we started: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HighSierraTrail/

Graphic I created with some info: http://www.hikinggeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/HST_PROFILE_Final_V2_8x4.5_JPGMINI-300x168.jpg

Blog Posts related to planning my trip (I actually ran into someone on the trail that used my blog to plan their hike):
http://www.hikinggeek.com/2015/06/09/hike-in-progress-high-sierra-trail-summer-2015/
http://www.hikinggeek.com/2015/06/03/trip-planning-high-sierra-trail-summer-2015/