CSERC Blogger

A couple weeks ago, while fires burned down below filling the sky with smoke, I went on a 38-mile trek along the Emigrant and Yosemite Wilderness boundary with Tom Hofstra, Steve Leach, and Dave Cornman. Like most of the CSERC staff, I love getting out and exploring this beautiful area as much as I can.

The hike began amidst the burnt region of Kibbie Ridge behind Cherry Lake scrambling over dozens of fallen logs that the trail crews had yet to get to. Surprisingly, however, in many spots, not all the trees had burned and the ground was bursting forth with the abundance of many wildflowers, shrubs, and other plant species. It was a great reminder that although fire kills, it can also bring forth new life.

Lewis’s Monkeyflower found on Kibbie Ridge

Heather hiking along Kibbie Ridge

Eager to know what lay beyond, the following day, we hiked over Styx Pass into the breathtaking, glacially polished Cherry Creek Canyon. This same trail is often frequented by kayakers carrying 100 pounds of gear seeking out the world famous Cherry Creek route. I was astonished to hear later of the waterfalls along the route that might seem like a death trap to the average person!

Cherry Creek Canyon from Styx Pass

Chatter marks on glacially polished granite

Hiking along granite in Cherry Creek Canyon

Part of our hike into the Canyon included going over the surging waters of Cherry Creek. Crossing over the fast moving area pictured below (being as small as I am) I would have slipped without the help of Tom. Surprisingly, however, Cherry Creek often dries up entirely by the end of the summer. The water was very cool, clean, and refreshing though, as we ended up stopping to eat lunch on the other side.

Steve crossing rushing waters of Cherry Creek

Hiking down near Huckleberry Lake, which stretches on for miles, the mosquitoes slowly became horrendous. As we walked quickly, we each carried our own cloud of insects seeking to poke at us. This is quite common in the wilderness near the end of June, but later in the season, Huckleberry Lake looks like it would be a wonderful place to swim!

Huckleberry Lake

Our final destination was camping in the midst of Sachse Monument where I was in my tent for much of the evening to avoid getting eaten up. It felt great to finally look out and see dozens of mosquitoes trying to poke my tent instead of me. It was also a great feeling to be in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

Tom with a Mosquito net on in the foreground of Sachse Monument

Our last night, we hiked backed out and camped on the ridge of Cherry Creek Canyon near Boundary Lake. The views from our campsite were spectacular and reminded me why this spectacular region of the Sierra Nevada has touched me so much.

Heather, Dave, and Steve on ridge near Boundary Lake

Boundary Lake

Sunset at the campsite

Beautiful, white granite at sunrise

Walking back on the last day, my feet were killing me or rather “the dogs were barking” but it was an awesome trip. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes backpacking, only that it would be best to go later in the season so as to avoid the mosquitoes and get to swim in some of the gorgeous lakes!

-Heather Campbell, CSERC Staff member

What trips have you gone on or are you planning this year? Please share!

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