This is definitely not a beginner hike as there is really no marked trail and you need to scramble up granite rocks.
The hike starts at 5,900 feet and climbs fairly aggressively straight up. Our high point for the day was a little over 7,200 feet, for an elevation gain of roughly 1,300 feet. It is amazing how hard it is to breathe at altitude. Being fairly energetic and ambitious, and wanting to get in a vigorous workout, we scrambled up the mountain, stopping at the waterfall for pictures and a snack, and then continued upward in search of some lakes.
This was quite strenuous. Given that there is no trail, you are essentially scaling straight up the mountainside, across the waterfall 
around pools
and climbing over rocks and boulders.
It was part hiking and part rock climbing. On several occasions the route we selected was extremely dangerous and forced us to either back track or select an alternative route. Apparently many people have died by losing their step on the slippery rocks!The trip down was almost as challenging as the trip up. You need to carefully select where you place your hands and feet. There definitely is not a lot of room for error on this hike.
Our reward for our five hours of effort was dinner at Ludy's Main St BBQ in Woodland where we stuffed ourselves full with a beef rib and chicken platter, a baby back rib and chicken platter and a BBQ brisket sandwich, all of which TOTALLY hit the spot.
It was a great way to spend day #17 OTB.
2 comments:
sounds awesome!!! and looks beautiful! I'm headed to tahoe this weekend - i hope that weather sticks... glad to see you're making great use of the otb days :)
virgil
i used to backpack out there a bunch when i was in college.
oh, i miss that place. the pictures are great!
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