COTTONWOOD PASS/SIERRA NEVADA RANGE

Starting out the hike meanders through Horseshoe Meadow.  Slow ascent with stream crossings the trail heads up through Red Fir and Jeffrey Pine.  Stunning views and an array of rock formations and resting rocks define the trail early on as we climb.  Its a perfect day with slight high thin clouds and temps in the 80's.

This is a well traveled hike this August day and we pass many hikers staying the night and those on longer backpacking trips.  One we met was in there for 30 days.  Must be quite and experience.  With so many traveling through, companionship is there if you need it.  We make it to the pass with blisters, corrected by stuffing grass in my shoe.  A nice respite at Chicken Spring Lake and we head back as the day is cooling.  8.5 mile round trip with a 1200 ft. gain and we are ready for a cool treat back at Lone Pine before the drive home.

HIKING TAHOE AREA

Echo Lake View from trail

ECHO LAKE

After driving all day previous and many stops, we are up late for our first visit; Echo Lake. It is a Saturday in early August and the parking lots and roads are full of cars.  We take the 2.5 mile hike along the path with mostly lake overlooks.  Crowded, but many hikers take the water taxi back, so we have a quiet and cool return as the day is late.

Wall at Echo Lake

Trail with Lake Views

DRIVE AROUND LAKE TAHOE & BARKER PASS HIKE

Sunday is an easy day with sight seeing around Lake Tahoe, stopping to enjoy the rocky shore and cool breezes off the lake.

on the dock at local park 

While tripping around the rocks, small camera dropped out of my pocket and we lost some pictures.

Barker Pass Trail

Wanted a quiet short hike after doing the tourist thing.  Drove up to Barker Pass trail head which crosses into the PCT.  Hiked a few miles in and got our wish of solitude.  Took some pictures  of lake view and trail and returned around 6pm.  A good stretch and thought about salad for dinner out doors. Applebee's is where we ended up and some Casino time (10 minutes seemed enough), then an evening starry walk near the Lake.

Barker Pass Trail Lake View     

ALOHA LAKE

Trail flattens to Lake Aloha

 Monday took the water taxi from where we left off Saturday on Echo Lake to the 10 mi round trip hike to Lake Aloha.  Rocky climb with gorgeous views.  Trail flattens out about half way and leads to high Sierra playground of Aloha Lake.  Stayed there for a rest and snack for about an hour before the hike back.

"Rock" Beach @ Lake Aloha

View of Echo Lake from rocky trail

RUBICON TRAIL  Took the easy but refreshing trail around the Lake near Emerald Bay.  Stopped for a snack on a view rock and the Stellers Jays found us quickly.  We put out almonds and they efficiently grabbed their booty.  Found a perfect beach spot great for a refreshing swim.  As we climbed back up the hill, a western Tanager surprised us with its yellow and orange color.   On the drive home we treated ourselves to a double dip home made ice cream near Richardson Camp.

View of Emerald Bay Rubicon Trail

Stellar's Jay visits for some almonds

Our private little beach~Water is so clear can see bottom in parts @67 ft depth

A Refreshing swim

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Aaahh!