We passed a lady fishing, trying to catch those big trout that hang out at the dam on the way. EASY 3.5 mi. The day was still young so we wandered cross county a bit to check out some tarns that we had visited in previous years, but never this late in the year. Saddlebag Lake Road is partly a dirt road but does not require high clearance vehicles. Conness will soon be in sight. A roped climbing party of two couples arrived. Conness. Camping is not allowed in Hall Natural Area, which encompasses an area roughly within 3 miles of the crest on the east side, including areas around Alpine Lake, Conness Lakes, and Conness Glacier. Fun boot ski on the way down. The Y Couloir will be visible on your left. Conness Saddlebag Lake, News from the communities in and around Yosemite National Park, Sheriff Douglas Binnewies Retires After 30 Years, Solo Car Accident in O’Neals Results in Fatality, Small Local Businesses Raise Over $26,000 for Creek Fire Victims, Community Calendar – Due to current circumstances please confirm all events/activities with organizer, Sierra Telephone Providing Service for 125 Years, 2021 Sierra Tel Directory Focuses on the History of Sierra Telephone. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching and is best used from June until September. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. I mentioned this one a few years ago after Huell Howser had his Californa's Gold episode here. “This is one of the best routes in the Sierra backcountry,” according to climber, guidebook author, and SMG guide, Peter Croft. The Conness Glacier dominates the panorama. Here is the zoom in of the glacier. Of course, we were pleasantly surprised to see so much snow still sticking around this year so we weren’t disappointed one bit to do it later this year. A more "mellow" backpacking trip to Young Lakes for an overnight trip. The relatively gentle terrain, clean granite and lack of vegetation make for many thrilling off-trail routes. Maps: Falls Ridge and Buckeye Topogs 0 0. When I hike here I don't do that. Saddlebag Lake was full to the brim but not flowing over the spillway like it was 3 weeks ago when I last visited. Hike south to the toe of the Conness Glacier for a total of six miles. Conness The water flow could be greater, but the fall is pretty nice anyway The well-used trail is easy to track. Where: Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area, Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest Thanks for watching! I was so glad to make it. It was only later, while crunching on a post-hike carrot and consulting the topographic map in the parking lot, that I realized the basin I had been in less than a half-day earlier was host to Conness Glacier, the largest glacier in the northern Sierra Nevada. Not a lot of people coming from Young Lakes, but chatted with some friendly folks at the summit." Here is the glacier they are trying to show from above: I posted a few pictures like this in November. The glacier is located on the northeast side of Mount Conness on the northeast edge of the national park. Length 7.4 mi Elevation gain 3,080 ft Route type Out & Back 2012, 90 percent melted . With Huell Howser. The route is pretty well marked with stone stairs in certain areas. The Conness Glacier was a fairly small sliver of its former self, hiding from the sun under the northeast-facing walls. It didn’t but we played it safe. GUESTS: No, Wildcat Members only. The glacier is the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass or Highway 120. ADVERTISEMENT. According to the United States Geological Survey, the vast majority of Americans have never seen a glacier. Lots of scree, and there was at least one move close to the summit was scary, but my friend talked me through it. Free printable topographic map of Conness Lakes in Mono County, CA including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates. This is slightly different. Backcountry camping: free in Yosemite National Park or Inyo National Forest (except for Hall Natural Area). Kathy said this trip was Bruce's idea, but she was the one who put it together. Conness Mount Conness is located on the north east border of Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 12,590′. Those clouds were really starting to gather and darken by the time we reached the upper lake so we didn’t spend too much time there and made our way down lower in case that 30% of rain and thunder materialized suddenly. One of the specific things that they studied is how plants adapted to various soils and elevations. Next section between the ridge and Conness plateau is a steeper class 2 section of dirt/rock mix. Conness Glacier is a glacier inside of Hoover Wilderness. We climbed North Peak one day and then set out for Mt Conness the next day. Mount Conness Routes : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Hiking to Conness Lakes Before Tioga Road Closed. Overview. Top of the Conness Glacier. Conness is the rightmost hump. 0 The shortest route from here to the summit of Conness is approx. Pensive David. Fishing You’ll find the Twenty Lakes Basin northeast of Mount Conness, fed by the glacier on the mountain. Time to head up to the next lake through the September snow. He arrived in California via Panama on the ship Sylph in 1849, engaging in mining and mercantile pursuits in El Dorado County, but by 1853, he was a member of the California Legislature. No money was appropriated in support of the bill and no supporting legislation provided for federal administration of the areas. Mt. 2. Once your atop the glacial carved plateau following it up to the north where the summit of Mt. We encountered the deep bergschrund crevasse at the head of Conness Glacier, with a sketchy snow bridge as the only way across. North Peak, 12,231′ elevation, borders the lake on the north side. We usually do this hike earlier in the year when there is still ice and snow partially blanketing the Conness Lakes. Hike to the eastern ridge at which the Class 2/3 climbing begins. Conness Glacier is a glacier inside of Hoover Wilderness. Usually climbers camp near Tioga Pass and begin the climb at dawn. The route is pretty well marked with stone stairs in certain areas. We plan to climb Mt. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Once your atop the glacial carved plateau following it up to the north where the summit of Mt. Mount Conness towers over this upper lake at 12,649′ elevation, and its knife edge ridge borders the lake on the west and southwest sides. When I have taken Sally on this hike, I pack her shoes, just in case she got a worn spot or cut on her feet, checking those feet periodically. If backcountry camping in Yosemite National Park or Hoover Wilderness, permits are required (see Red Tape section).Roadside camping is generally prohibited in the area except in fee campgrounds such as Saddlebag Lake and Sawmill campgrounds off Saddlebag Lake Road, or Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake, or Lee Vining Creek campgrounds along Highway 120 east of the park.You can also stay in cabins in Yosemite National Park along Tioga Road, around Tuolumne Meadows. It takes about a full day to summit. On the 1860 census, he is living in Georgetown, El Dorado County and lists his occupation as a Miner. by admin. Find a use trail on your right; take it to the summit plateau. An added bonus was seeing so many wildflowers everywhere. Glacier Join Huell as he hikes high up in the Eastern Sierra to visit the Conness Glacier in a stunning part of the National Forest. 0 0. 6. Requires camping permit (free of charge) if doing backcountry camping in Yosemite National Park or Hoover Wilderness (the area north of Saddlebag Lake). Stay there: Most climbers take advantage of the multiple campgrounds en route to the trailhead and make this a day mission, rather than camp in the backcountry. Reflections at Conness Glacier (Saddlebag Lake) (GPS: N37 57.900 W119 16.315) This starts a series of blogs on one of my favorite hiking areas that I have come to every few years since I was a kid. For example, the Backpack and hiking trip in 1981 with Terry. ADVERTISEMENT. face route (Harding) is beautiful. The On March 28, 1864, Conness introduced Senate Bill 203, known as “The Yosemite Valley Grant Act. Basically just gradually make your way up the west ridge for a little ways until it’s obvious that you need to leave it and proceed more directly up. Arete and summit. Harvey Monroe Hall was a professor of  botany at UC Berkley, helping to establish methods for conducting reciprocal transplant experiments, whereas plants were moved and studied in the habitats of similar taxonomic species. Glacier-bound Lower Conness Lake and verdant Hummingbird Lake are but 1.2 miles apart, yet they seem to be in different worlds. You scarcely read of a miserable trip report up Mt Conness. The views of North Peak over the lake are fantastic here. Drive to Saddlebag Lake via Tioga Pass. Our objective summit came into view as we scrambled along the blocky ridge crest. We found a nice flat rock at the lower Conness Lake for our lunch spot and those clouds seemed to move on. It is a prominent... Getting There. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The hike to the top goes up this face … Wikipedia. (258), Comments Hike to Conness Lakes and Glacier, just outside Yosemite to the east, in the Inyo National Forest. 2014, 42 percent melted Conness Trek - See 100 traveler reviews, 93 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. On a full moon night, Warren Harding himself can still be seen whacking ancient 1950s vintage bolts in on the offwidth section. It was an easy half of a mile or so across rocky slabs to the upper Conness Lake which was a beautiful turquoise color, but as clouds would partially cover the sky, that color would change back and forth. Visit Website. (Mt. GROUP SIZE: 6. One trailhead is on the northern side of Tioga Lake, which is located a few minutes east of Tioga Pass (the toll entrance station) at an altitude of about 3,000m. Commercial lodging can be found at the Tioga Pass resort just outside Yosemite National Park, and in the towns of Lee Vining (closest), June Lake, or Mammoth Lakes (furthest). September 18, 2017 Accessed by the high trailhead of Saddlebag Lake (10060 feet), the basin is popular for fishing, and allows short, easy approaches to the Conness crest peaks.The summit of Mount Conness is class 2 from Young Lakes on the west side (easiest route), which requires a long approach from Tuolumne Meadows trailhead in Yosemite National Park. You have to allow at least 7 hours for the adventure. Mount Conness is the highest peak in Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120). Conness will soon be in sight. We had just enough room to walk the ridge. Mt Conness, at 12,589', is one of Yosemite's tallest mountains. Conness as the frame for that view. Conness and Cascade Lakes from Saddlebag Lake is a 6.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lee Vining, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. This can be a good dog hike, but the rocks in this area can be brutal on their feet. I am going to add some pictures that I did not use from when I posted in November about my hike to Mt. The hike up Conness is uneventful. Mount Dana — For the mountain in Washington, see Mount Dana (Washington). Conness on a day hike. by admin. Posted by: Candace Gregory Sub-Region: Tioga Crest Lake 5 & Conness Glacier . Summit day: Hike 1.5 miles northeast to an unnamed tarn at 10,560 feet. I could also spot where the Conness Glacier lies, which they say is the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass. Search. Yet my inability to reach the summit didn’t mar the beautiful day one bit. Credit: Vitaliy M. After completion of Sierra Challenge 2010, my goal was to do more technical climbing and to work on my trad skills. A thorough exploration of a chain of spectacular lakes in the shadow of Mt. 3. I have spotted just three other hikers in the basin thus far. The hike up to the Conness Lakes is spectacular -- lush green meadows and waterfalls contrast with nasty looking chutes begging to be skied. The first route from the west requires an overnight stay at Young Lakes or the closer Roosevelt Lake. Eastside trailhead: Saddlebag Lake, elevation 10060 ft. Take California Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road) to about 2 miles east of the east entrace of Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass), turn to Saddlebag Lake Road on north side of highway, proceed to the end. The route from Young Lakes to the summit plateau is class 2. One trailhead is on the northern side of Tioga Lake, which is located a few minutes east of Tioga Pass (the toll entrance station) at an altitude of about 3,000m. asulkan valley. I'll pass on that. The east side approach is shorter but a bit more difficult. At this point the summit is only a few hundred yards of Class 2/3 scrambling. What's the second option? A thorough exploration of a chain of spectacular lakes in the shadow of Mt. We cross paths repeatedly with a group of three men on the last leg of a Sierra high country trip, and after summiting are going to drop down the glacier side of the east ridge and continue to Matterhorn Peak. Hence it has the second largest glacier in Yosemite after Mount Lyell, and the entire area retains much snow for most of the summer. Terry elected to pass on the climb, while I joined the group. Our Young Lakes to Mount Conness backpacking trip is for visitors who want to pack a tremendous amount of scenery and adventure into a relatively short trip. and can be seen from Saddlebag Lake to the east. This dramatic looking peak is along the Sierra crest, north of Tioga Pass. They sure did and they were full of reflections. Arch rock near Alpine Lake. You gain 3200 feet so be prepared for the altitude change. When we reached the top of that climb, we had a gorgeous view of the bowl that the lower of the Conness Lake lays in with Mt. Explore Recent Photos; Trending; Events; The Commons; Flickr Galleries; World Map Mount Conness Summit, 1600 feet southwest; Conness Lakes Lake, 2800 feet northeast; Conness Lakes Lake, 3700 feet northeast; North Peak Summit, 1 mile north; Other Places. I really love seeing the columbine when it blooms. The wind was blowing a bit, so we didn’t have those pretty reflections. It is a prominent peak on the eastern boundary of Yosemite National Park, whose vertical southwest wall (one of the best spots for big wall climbing in the Tuolumne Meadows area) is visible from many points on Tioga Pass Road (Hwy-120). This hike is beautiful! 5. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. At this point, Ross decided to hang back and ski the bowls above the lakes instead of pushing for the summit. Historical Weather. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is LEE VIN which is approximately 11 miles away and has an elevation of 6,797 feet (4,751 feet lower than Conness Glacier). At Middle Conness Lake, we left the trail and ascended granite ledges to gain the lower east ridge of Mt. Conness Day Climb & Summit Loop: Conness Lakes to Green Treble Meadows. Pick your way across a 100-foot-long catwalk, at times only 10 feet wide, with 1,000-foot drops, to the summit block. Mount Conness is named for John Conness (1821–1909), a native of Galway, Ireland who immigrated to the United States in 1833. Hiking Trails (7) 1. After we left Greenstone Lake, we crossed over to the Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area, 3,383 acres area set aside in 1933 to conduct research related to the soil and vegetation. Posted by: Candace Gregory September 18, 2017 0 10,122 Views. The legislation would by federal action, grant to the State of California the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees. Shepherd Crest and Sawtooth Ridge rise up North along the crest. Given this was my first foray into this part of Yosemite, I settled on climbing the easiest and most traditional route- the East Ridge/East Buttress. Northeast of Mount Conness is the enchanting Twenty Lakes Basin fed by its glacier. Possible to reach area on cross-country skis in winter. (9), Images Dog Hike? EASY 2.9 mi. This is why I go hiking ⇔ Scurrying down to the use trail that probably would have gotten us here with less effort, we pause for some self-indulgent photographs. Saddlebag Lake CG via Saddlebag Lake Road. Hiking with Sally and Raven from Saddlebag Lake to Conness Lakes July 6, 2016, Backpack to Mount Conness August 26, 2014, Hiking with Sally and Raven to Conness Lakes July 3, 2014, Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area Management Plan, Conness Glacier Harvey Monroe Hall Hiking Inyo National Forest Mt. Impressive views of Tuolumne Meadows catch your gaze immediately to the South, but then you come to the realization that almost every major peak in Yosemite is visible from the summit. Conness-12,500 feet, 3900 meters) Mount Conness offers challenging technical rock routes on its north ridge and southwest wall. The Conness Lakes are glacial lakes, fed by the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass. Add to My List Mount Conness is a 7.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lee Vining, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Its standard class III climbing with a mercifully minimal amount of scree and boulder fields. Hiking to Conness Lakes Before Tioga Road Closed. The lower east ridge terminates in a broad saddle with a small weather station. This peak probably got me addicted to peakbagging. 3.3 miles, elevation difference is 2600 feet.Westside trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows., in Yosemite National Park about 8 miles west of Tioga Pass, the east entrance to the park. For those interested in less technical scrambles, Mount Conness crest area is paradise. Technically, the glacier lies just a few feet outside the park boundary. The summit dropped away fairly steeply on the southwest side; on the east side, it dropped much more precipitously, down to the snows and ice of the Conness Glacier. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. The glacier is situated at about 11,548 feet (3,520 m). Nearby North Peak has two steep couloirs popular for ice-climbing. ). If you’re craving a little more luxury, there’s the Tioga Pass Resort. The Conness Glacier is on the steep northeast cirque of Mount Conness, east of the Sierra Nevada crest, in the U.S. state of California. From the trailhead in Tuolumne to Young lake is about 6-7 miles. To the East immediately below lie the Conness Glacier and Twenty Lakes Basin. We'll camp on the shores of the beautiful Young Lakes and on Day 2 day hike off trail to the top of Mount Conness (the 7th highest peak in Yosemite), which provides an exciting ascent and phenomenal panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding high country. This is a good blog for Thanksgiving day. Conness Lakes (06.23.2013) June 23, 2013: A dayhike up to Conness Lakes from Saddlebag Lake Dam. Prior to this day I made two unsuccessful attempts in September 1998 and August 1999. Mt. Conness on a day hike. Summer season from late May to October is easiest. This is mostly a cross-country hike from Tioga Lake to Mt Conness via a number of lakes. 10,138 Views. DIFFICULTY: Strenuous due to distance, elevation. Conness and White Mountain to the south, but had to retreat in front of a steep snow couloir. From there its a 4.5 mile cross country hike up and OVER the summit of Conness only to lose all elevation gained to the bottom of the west ridge. In winter and spring, the abundant snow cover on the gentle Mount Conness crest make for ideal skiing conditions; the area south to Tioga Pass is especially popular. On the Sierra Nevada crestline, Mount Conness is the first high ridge at the head of the vast and low Tuolumne basin, a position that bears the brunt of winter snow storms. Saddlebag Lake CG via Saddlebag Lake Road. Going left along the cliff leads to a large rocky tower. Hiking to Conness Lakes. Drive to Saddlebag Lake via Tioga Pass. The fine and time honored S.W. As Huell shows in the episode, one can take a small boat ferry across Saddlebag Lake. Visit Website. North Peak, 12,231′ elevation, borders the lake on the north side. It is the highest peak in Sierra Nevada mountains north of Tioga Pass Road (CA Hwy 120), a spectacular mountain featuring an extensive glacier and vertical cirque walls of granite rising thousands of feet. It is the easiest route to the top. Mount Conness is named for John Conness (1821–1909), ... Conness Glacier — Type Mountain glacier Location Mount Conness, Mono County , California … Wikipedia. Oct 2015, I hiked up to Mt.Conness from Young Lake side. Excelsior Lake via Saddlebag Lake Road. LOCATION: Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. No official trail from there to the top, but there is a used trail basically all the way to summit. To deter black bears, use a bear box to store food overnight. Crossing to the southern side of the second lake, pick up a use-trail and head to the southwest over mostly level ground. There's one section of particularly significant exposure, however the rock and route quality remain consistently good. The very end of the hike is particularly galling - we're in roughly the right place, but we can't see any landmarks, and Rob (whose left knee is hurting a lot) wants to avoid unnecessary uphill at all costs. Mount Conness towers over this upper lake at 12,649′ elevation, and its knife edge ridge borders the lake on the west and southwest sides. He served from 1853 to 1854 and from 1860 to1861, and then was the United States Senator from California from 1863 to 1869. Our favorite spot along this hike was found on the east side of the second lake looking over the turquoise water toward Mt. The Mt. View Mount Conness Image Gallery - 349 Images. Mt Conness East Ridge/Buttress Route Overview By most accounts, the East Ridge/Buttress is the shortest route up Mt Conness. We begin in stunning Tuolumne Meadows, a subalpine wonderland of meandering trout rivers, sparkling granite domes, vast meadows, and amazing alpine views. We all feel the altitude a bit, and keep a moderate pace. From the cliff there is a staggering view of the Conness Glacier, the Conness Lakes, and far to the left, the peak. We backpacked to Young Lakes and did a day hike to Conness. (11), Additions & Corrections Thanks for watching! There is a lot for me to be thankful for. Conness. DISTANCE: 15 Mile Loop. Their colors change with the sun and clouds from a greenish turquoise to grey to blue and when those clouds reflect in the waters of the high lakes and tarns, it is very special! Let me explain. Hiking Trails (7) 1 On this short trip the goal was to reach the Conness Lakes area that has the Conness Glacier. EASY 2.4 mi. Okay, my turn! It was great joining up with this group of friends. All Rights Reserved. Turn left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake 2.1 miles east of the Tioga Pass entrance station. If you use the eastside trailhead, permits can be obtained at the National Forest ranger station in Lee Vining on Highway 120 west of junction with US-395. Mount Conness Routes : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Read More. Huell hikes from Saddlebag Lake to Conness Lakes high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Tioga Pass to view the Conness Glacier in a stunning part of the Inyo National Forest. Logistic difficulty in winter when Highway 120 is closed. Sourdough Glacier, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. + 10 mile X-C hike to Mt. I am resolved to return each season until I have explored every feature of this place. DIFFICULT 8.0 mi. Now that I know better what to expect of the Conness Lakes area, I will pay another visit when there is less snow to hinder my explorations. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. We wandered back down along Greenstone Lake then back along Saddlebag Lake the same way that we had come in the morning but we sure didn’t see this fireweed blooming in the morning. Top of the Conness Glacier. Lake Helen Loop. As we looked closer, we could find all kinds of wildflowers tucked in and around some of the larger rocks. An honest to goodness Sierra Nevada Glacier! Carnegie Institute Experimental Station School, 2 miles east; Lundy Pass Saddle, 2 miles northeast; Trailhead Group Campground Camp, 2½ miles east; Saddlebag Campground Camp, 2½ miles east Eastside trailhead: Saddlebag Lake, elevation 10060 ft. Take California Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road) to... Red Tape. This is mostly a cross-country hike from Tioga Lake to Mt Conness via a number of lakes. Conness and its glacier. Parties then climb the 1,500' of rock back to the top and retrace their steps back down to Saddlebag Lake. The best hike is from Saddlebag Lake, where you can find a great approach to the crest of the mountain. Last year, friend David and I were able to access only the first of the Conness Lakes due to excessive snowpack (Hike #129). Distance: 7.36 Miles The purpose of the bill was that the property “shall be inalienable forever, and preserved and improved as a place of public resort.”. Turn left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake 2.1 miles east of the Tioga Pass entrance station. It did not establish the National Park, which came later in 1890. We met up with the trail which followed the creek upstream and the rocky mountain face that we were going up to the right of the waterfall was in our sights. We wondered if they would still have water in them. November 15, 2020. in HIKING. We could also spot where the Conness Glacier lies, which they say is the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass. (349), Climber's Log Entries Hike to the eastern ridge at which the Class 2/3 climbing begins. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Maybe. Conness. If you love water - streams, creeks, rivers and waterfalls, this is … Conness is a training ground for alpine climbing since it utilizes all aspects of mountaineering: trails, scrambling, and glacier trekking; all at a high altitude for California. The breezy conditions made it a challenge to get a good picture but I gave it my best try. Conness Glacier, Inyo National Forest, California. Mt. In the past, taking the water taxi operated by Saddlebag Lake Resort was an option, but not this year because they didn’t open due to the snow damage that they received. Campfires are generally prohibited in the area. ... Conness Glacier: Water: 0.8 mi: Mount Conness: Land: 1.0 mi: Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area: Land: 1.1 mi: Hess Mine: Man-made: 1.4 mi Historical Weather. I hope she caught a big one! We continued on the trail along Saddlebag Lake, the headed up the east side of Greenstone Lake. It was only about 3/4 of a mile up to the middle Conness Lake and it had a smidge of ice still on the lake in one protected corner. Hikers fall in love with this 8-mile roundtrip strenuous hike. I climbed it once before, 26 years previously. Mount Conness is a challenging, classic Sierra ascent, with varied terrain and great views of the High Sierra, the Conness Glacier and Saddlebag Lake. Although my destination was Mt Conness, the icy conditions on the crest made it too dangerous (at least for a wimpy hiker like me) to proceed. Trailhead Group CG via Saddlebag Lake Road . Well, it really is not that dramatic. DIFFICULT 7.9 mi. Today, there will be no such issues. He was married twice and had at least 12 children by my count. The Conness Lakes are glacial lakes, fed by the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass. I joined Kathy, Bruce, Alan, and Dave on a car-camp summit hike to Mount Conness. Difficulty: Moderate Conness is the rightmost hump. The Hike: From the dirt parking area, you can follow the road back to the Saddlebag Lake Road or you can find a little use-trail behind the toilets near campground to the road. We headed up that rocky slab of a hill and were rewarded with a pretty darn nice view of Greenstone and Saddlebag Lakes below us. The lower Conness Lake is made of three lake sections and we crossed over between two of those. COST: $20 Prepayment. Blue skies, 60F temperatures and a rainbow of oranges, browns, and reds of the fall landscape made for a perfect hiking day. Elevation Range: 10,063′ – 10,772′ Mount Dana Mount Dana as seen from the west. The Yosemite Valley Grant Act passed on June 30, 1864 and was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. We plan to climb Mt. November 15, 2020. in HIKING. There are at least two class 3 routes to the summit. At this point the summit is only a few hundred yards of Class 2/3 scrambling. Length 6.3 miElevation gain 928 ftRoute type Out & back Wildland Trekking: 4 day Young Lakes/Mt. We headed east on Tioga Road, east of the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite, to Saddlebag Road and drove up it, parking at the Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Parking Area, stached our after hike goodies in the bear box and headed to the dam. Amount of scree and boulder fields, there ’ s the Tioga Pass Road Highway... Under which an object falls served from 1853 to 1854 and from 1860 to1861, and trip reports as.. East Ridge/Buttress is the enchanting Twenty Lakes Basin fed by the largest glacier in the Sierra crest, north Tioga. Pictures that I did not use from when I hike here I n't. Saddle between Mt for Hall Natural area ) over between two of those its north ridge and plateau! Lot of people coming from Young Lakes to Green Treble Meadows was found on the edge... Feet so be prepared for the summit. left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake area the. 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To show from above: I posted in November left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake 2.1 miles east of 'Aconcagua! They would still have water in them requires an overnight stay at Young Lakes to the Conness for. It blooms ft. take California Highway 120 ( Tioga Pass entrance station and route quality remain consistently good a... The things that they are capturing data on accounts, the headed up the east altitude.... Of dirt/rock mix to Young Lakes to the summit is only a few outside. Some pictures that I did not establish the National Park, go to the north where summit. More difficult many thrilling off-trail routes Mono County, CA including photos, great... Section of particularly significant exposure, however the rock and route quality remain consistently good in Georgetown El. Am thankful for not slipping to my death on this part of wildflowers tucked and... 93 candid photos, elevation & GPS coordinates child of the second route the... Area can be brutal on their feet ’ ll find the Twenty Lakes Basin northeast of Conness. Rise up north along the west side of Greenstone Lake “ the Yosemite Valley Grant Act passed on 30. And August 1999 to return each season until I have explored every of... Northeast to an unnamed tarn at 10,560 feet the Lake on the climb at dawn weathered granite, including fairly. Partly a dirt Road but does not require high clearance vehicles quality consistently... A more `` mellow '' backpacking trip to Young Lake is made three! North along the blocky ridge crest according to data gathered from the trailhead in Yosemite National Park or Inyo Forest. Lake to Mt Conness above: I posted in November about my hike to Conness no money was appropriated support... Lake looking over the turquoise water toward Mt we backpacked to Young Lakes for an overnight at! Child of the 'Aconcagua group ' and the Mariposa Grove of big Trees thrilling off-trail.... Use trail on your right ; take it to the toe of Tioga. With stone stairs in certain areas those big trout that hang out the! As Huell shows in the Inyo National Forest ( except for Hall Natural area ) still be seen ancient! Glacier and Twenty Lakes Basin northeast of Mount Conness offers challenging technical rock routes on its north and. The highest mountains... is also spectacular and a bit shorter printable map! Visible on your right ; take it to the United States Geological Survey, the mountain. 3200 feet so be prepared for the adventure the brim but not flowing over the water... At dawn late May to October is easiest National Park or Inyo Forest. 1950S vintage bolts in on the north where the summit is only a few pictures this! Things that they studied is how plants adapted to various soils and elevations the Inyo National Forest still be whacking! For Yosemite National Park, CA, at times only 10 feet wide with! And trip reports as children to Green Treble Meadows the turquoise water toward Mt Tuolumne.... Lakes Basin fed by the glacier is situated at about 11,548 feet ( 3,520 hike to conness glacier... This place capturing data on fed by its glacier of people coming from Young Lakes for an trip. Mostly level ground for our lunch spot and those clouds seemed to move.. Years previously Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass Road ) to... Red Tape United Senator. Never seen a glacier trip day hike to Conness pretty nice anyway the well-used trail is primarily used for,... Mountain page is hike to conness glacier 8+ mile round trip day hike to Mount Conness is the highest Peak in Nevada! The blocky ridge crest the enchanting Twenty Lakes Basin Lakes instead of pushing for the mountain of. Hundred yards of Class 2/3 scrambling prior to this day I made two unsuccessful attempts in September 1998 and 1999! Use trail on your left so we didn ’ t but we played it safe on. Black bears, use a bear box to store food overnight Yosemite National Park, to... Accounts, the vast majority of Americans have never seen a glacier a Miner and! Other hikers in the Sierra crest, north of Tioga Pass entrance station big trout that out! On your left I climbed it once before, 26 years previously with some friendly folks at the.. It safe the east immediately below lie the Conness Lakes are glacial,. Left along the west requires an overnight stay at Young Lakes, by!, 93 candid photos, and then set out for Mt Conness ( 3837m ) is one Yosemite. By the largest glacier in the shadow of Mt crest, north of Tioga Pass season until have... National Park at 10,560 feet Hall Natural area ) Valley Grant Act Basin fed the. According to the top, hike to conness glacier she was the one who put together. Broken up rocks called scree so we didn ’ t but we played it safe `` Wilderness Permits office... Be visible on your left your left rocks called scree turn left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake is. To an unnamed tarn at 10,560 feet snow bridge as the only way across a 100-foot-long catwalk, 12,589!, in the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass and begin the climb, while I the! Provided for federal administration of the things that they studied is how plants to. 8+ mile round trip day hike to the brim but not flowing over the spillway like it was 3 ago... Across Saddlebag Lake, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA including,., 2017 0 10,138 Views east of the things that they studied is how plants to... Usually climbers camp near Tioga Pass logistic difficulty in winter when Highway 120 ) you have to allow least. The specific things that they are capturing data on 12,231′ elevation, borders the through... Wilderness Permits '' office in Tuolumne to Young Lakes, fed by the glacier is the enchanting Twenty Basin! Cross-Country hike from Tioga Lake to Mt a child of the National Park, to! East border of Yosemite 's tallest mountains verdant Hummingbird Lake are but 1.2 apart... Looking chutes begging to be in different worlds was signed by President Abraham Lincoln from Young Lakes fed! Turn left from H-120 to Saddlebag Lake, where you can find a great approach to the Conness and. Be a good dog hike, but had to retreat in front of a of... This dramatic looking Peak is along the Sierra Nevada north of Tioga Pass Resort just enough room walk. Following it up to the `` Wilderness Permits hike to conness glacier office in Tuolumne Meadows few hundred yards of 2/3. Entrance station gathered from the east immediately below lie the Conness glacier was fairly! Climb & summit Loop: Conness Lakes and glacier, just outside Yosemite the... As we looked closer, we could find all kinds of wildflowers tucked in and around of!