December 30, 2025 - Snowshoeing along Road 13S77

 

Title:  December 30, 2025 - Snowshoeing along Road 13S77
Hike Info : Description 

Hike Info:

Type: Snowshoeing

Trail head: Cherry Gap

Trail: Road 13S77

Destination: About an hour in

Actual Destination: actual, about a quarter mile before the top of Hoist Ridge

Distance:  1.98  miles

Start Time: 12:50

End Time:     2:44

Travel Time: 1:53  (1.05 mph)

Moving Time:  1:32  (1.29 mph)

Elevation Rise:  300' ¹

Descent: 261‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,983'

GPS Tracks

 ¹There is several different readings on the elevation rise. The 651’ from the GPS is certainly wrong as is the Google Earth calculated rise of 503’. The descent of 261’ is much closer to the truth. The elevation rise from a February 24, 2024 snowshoe to the top of the ridge was 541’. Steven’s watch said in the upper 200’s. The net rise from where we began to where we ended was about 160’. So I think the upper 200’s is the correct figure.

 

Rachel and Sherri at start

 

Description:

Today will be the first snowshoe this season. I do not think we went last season-a combination of being busy, the storms coming through when we were available and it not being too good of a snow year. Rachel is coming with us, but will be coming over after her 9am yoga class which ends at 10.

She gets in about 10:15-I am ready, but Steven and Sherri are still getting things together. We are all in the car with me driving by 10:45-that all includes Korra. Earlier there was some ground fog, but that has dispersed. The drive up is uneventful, except for stopping in Yokut/Squaw Valley for some gas.. We pass the 5000’ elevation sign without signs of snow-this does not look too good.

By the time we get to the Grant Grove entrance station, there is snow. We asked if there was chain control-No.Does he know if there is snow at Princess campground -he thinks so, but has not been there lately. When we pass by McGee Overlook, there is a layer of low overcast above the Central Valley, making it look like an ocean.

 

At 12:15 we get to Princess Campground. The ground looks pretty patchy for snow and whatever snow is on the ground is thin. We quickly decided that around Cherry Gap there was better snow. We retreat back up 180. We will go up Road 13S77-not the Converse Basin Road-that has a lot of exposure to the sun so there is bare ground there. We parked the car a little before 12:30.

Magic Elf on a tree

The first thing we do is get all of our gear together. Years ago my brother gave me some Sorel snow boots. They seemed a bit stiff, so I could not get them on. I am substituting my hiking boots for the snow boots. After having a bit of lunch-peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches, if you must know-we start on our trip. This would be 12:50 start time. Steven is on his cross-country skis, while the rest of the humans have snowshoes on. Korra, of course, is on four leg drive and does not need any assistance on snow. Then again, the snow is deep enough and hard enough that we can easily snowshoe or ski on top of it without fear of hitting ground, probably averaging a foot or maybe a generous two feet.

At 12:51, the first fall of the season takes place. I manage to have my right foot step on the back of the left snowshoe. I had two choices: try to right myself and risk a face plant or try to fall gracefully. I chose the latter. Nothing hurt, except my pride. Wonder if that will be how this day goes.

There are a few spots along this road where you can look across the Kings and enjoy the view. The first viewpoint is OK, but does not make for a good picture since there are a lot of branches obstructing the view. I turn away, walk a few steps and realize something did not feel right. I looked down and saw one snowshoe. Turning around, I see the missing shoe. It quickly gets put on. It will be that kind of day.

The road is a gradual rise. Not many people have been up the road since the last storm. After a hundred feet we see that those who came without being prepared for snow travel have turned back, leaving the only tracks we see being a few snowshoe marks, two cross country ski tracks-Steven’s is one of them, and Korra’s claw and paw marks.

Snow Dog Korra

I keep looking at the views. Spanish Mountain is the dominant view, with some views up the Middle Fork of the Kings, then looking west we can see Rodgers Ridge, where the Garnet Fire started. It is good to be going along this road, even if we have gone up it many times before.

But there are some things which are new. When we come to a little creek, I look at a tree and see what looks like a couple elves with a snow cap on them. In reality, it is a couple of fungi with the recent snow still covering them. From there, the road goes on its final climb up Hoist Ridge. Rachel says that I was charging right up the slope. That is until I looked back and waited for Rachel and Sherri.

When they caught up to me, I saw Korra coming down the slope towards us. Then there is speck way up at the top of the bend. That speck came barrelling down-the speck is commonly called Steven. He stops before he completely passes us by.

I had set a 1:45 turn around time and that is what time it is. We start back. Steven on his skis is quickly out of sight. For us on snowshoes, going down is a lot easier. We made good time going back down the road. There are some different views across the Kings than when we came up. It gives us a few natural breathing places.

We got back to the car at 2:45. Rachel gets a man to take our picture. Then it is time to go back home. Rachel drives us down. We do stop at the McGee Overview to look at the overcast clouds down in the Valley. I spotted Delilah and tried to take a picture.

 

 

 

 

 

We get home at 4:15 and unload the car. We are having the car serviced tomorrow. We have gotten back in time to take the car in. Then it is time to relax, take a shower and partake of leftovers.

November 5, 2025 - Search for the Muir Snag

 

Title: November 5, 2025 - Search for the Muir Snag

Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Background : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking 

Trail head:  Gate on road 13S50

Trail: SQF Road 13S50 and a segment of 13S31

Destination: Junction with 13S07

Actual Destination:  Beyond the junction and onto 13S31

Distance:  3.43 miles

Start Time: 11:37

End Time:    2:48

Travel Time:  3:10  (1.08 mph)

Moving Time:  2:09  (1.59 mph)

Elevation Rise:  516'

Descent: 551‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,277'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Sequoia and Gary

I get up at 6:30, not knowing what we will be doing today. We had talked about hiking a couple of days ago, but there was no decision. Also there was nothing about going with dogs or no dogs. When Sherri gets up, that is the question. After talking, we decided to go hiking. With the last minute decision, Rachel cannot go, but Steven can. Korra also agrees to go.

When we pile into the car, we have no idea where we are going, we just want to go. Going north is out because of the rain which is going to occur just north of Fresno. So we head east. Three weeks ago, we wanted to look for the Muir Snag, but were stymied by it being hunters being in season. But today there should be little which stops us.

I start driving at 10. We only stop at Big Stump. Then off to the road to the Muir Snag area. We get there about 11:25 and start walking at 11:45. We will be walking along road 13S50 which is just east of Converse Mtn.

 

 I had not found a definitive location for the Snag, but from the description, I am thinking it is about ¾ of a mile up this road. Even if we do not find it, this is a pleasant day to walk this road. The storm to the north has us with clouds overhead, but not much of a breeze. So while not hot, the day is not cold. Just right for walking.

The road goes up, but for the most part, the grade is not bad. I suspect Sherri and I are just out of shape. There are a few divots to allow water runoff which runs across the road. They are easy to cross on foot, but I am sure our Highlander would scrape bottom on some of them.

Steven and I trade leads, as we look high and low for the large, dead Sequoia which Muir found. We see many young living Sequoias, some stumps, but no snag. I made it to the junction with Forest Service road 13S07-Sherri and I hiked that road a couple of years ago, through the Indian Basin Grove.

I wait there for about 10 minutes.Sherri and Steven do not show up, but Korra comes along to check on me. So I head back. I find Steven looking down into where a dry unnamed creek is. When I get to Steven, I see the object of his interest-his Mom. She is about 50’ below the road. She is exploring, looking for the Snag. Steven goes down to join her and I follow a few minutes later. We searched in the area, but no success. 

 

 

 

We wander our way back up, with me about five minutes behind. Once we get to the road, we travel on to the junction. I noted that it looked like if we went around the bend in the road, we might be able to have a better view and that is what we do. While there is a good view, there are some trees which hamper it from being a great view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We find a log and have our lunch at 1:10. I am thinking if I follow this road a little ways further, I might have a better view of Kings Canyon and across the way to Spanish Mountain.. But the road starts to go more on the south side of the ridge instead of the north. I realize that I am walking on road 13S31 which will eventually bring me back to Highway 180. When the road started to drop sharply, I decided I would turn back. Korra has been racing back and forth. I did notice a place which looked like an old road, but it was pretty dug up with logs having fallen across it. Still no great view.

So I make my way back to where Steven and Sherri are waiting. Sherri has noticed a mound beyond Rodgers Ridge. I think it is part of Patterson Mountain. We started back and I noticed a different peak behind the upper part of the ridge. At first I thought it was Kaiser Peak, but after consulting PeakFinder, it looks like it is Eagle Peak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walk back down the road, eyeballing everyplace where Sequoias are, but there is no sign of a massive dead Sequoia. Steven goes down one place, but no joy.Either we are blind or the Muir Snag is someplace else. Still it is a good walk.

A couple of things which we did see. First there was a puffball fungus. These are always interesting. Then there is a little vole right in the middle of the road. A pretty cute little thing.

 

By 2:45 we got back to the car. Steven takes over the driving responsibility. We all are in agreement that stopping at Bear Mountain Pizza is a good idea. We get home at 4:30.

Trail Lesson: Research out where you think you are going to go. Even prepared there are usually surprises.

Background

After we did this hike, Gary went through some files and found a reference that the Muir Snag is on Road 13S55 road, around 6400' elevation.

Extra Photo's

Spanish Mountain

Landslide Prescribed Burn

Steven

Sherri

Landslide Prescribed Burn

Colorful Leaves, Watercolor style

Autumn Leaves

Spanish Mountain

Garlic and Rough Spur

Spur off of Converse Mountain

Burnt trees from the Rough Fire

Steven coming up with Korra and Sherri watching

Steven

Old Sequoia

Animals

Vole

Vole

 

Flowers and Plants

 

Puffball

September 6, 2024 - Boole Tree Loop

 

Title: September 6, 2024 - Boole Tree Loop

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking 

Trail head:  Boole Tree Parking Lot

Trail: Boole Tree Loop

Destination:  Boole Tree

Distance: 2.39 miles

Start Time: 11:32

End Time:     3:14

Travel Time: 3:42  (0.65 mph)

Moving Time:  1:47  (1.34  mph)

Elevation Rise:  711'

Descent: 716‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,810'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Patterson Bluff

Last night my CGM woke me up with a low of 58. But all was well as my blood meter registered 40 points higher. I turned off the alarms for the CGM and slept soundly until 6:30. Today, I lounged in my bag, feeling very comfortable until the skies got a bit lighter. I then got up at 7:15.

Korra and I went for a walk to the interpretive trail. Along the way, Korra and a squirrel had a face off. I was not quick enough with a camera to capture this stare down. But the squirrel blinked and scampered away, dropping his prize pine comb. We continued on our way. I visited some relations along the trail. At this point, Korra insisted on going back, so we did.

Sherri was up and Steven followed soon afterwards. Soon afterwards, Sherri has French toast ready to eat in about 15 minutes. Steven and I enjoy the meal with Sherri following us. A good way to start off a trip. I get cleaned up and we get the camp organized. But we do not leave until after 11. We will pay for the late start.

We are going to the Boole Tree, just a few miles away. Sherri and I have been here before and enjoyed the hike. It is not a long one, but there is a good climb up to the tree. We get to the parking area about 11:20 and start walking a little after that. The drive in is not bad most of the way. That is until we pass the road to Converse Basin Grove (13S21). Then our road (13S55) passes Stump Meadow and starts a climb up to the parking lot. I noticed that there is a thick layer of dust and the car kicks into All-Wheel drive. We make it through OK. Before entering a second dusty area, I put the car into All-Wheel drive until we made it to the lot.

I thought we said we would be doing the loop counter-clockwise. This would give us the steepest, most direct route to the Boole Tree. Sherri and Steven are ready before I am, so they start in. When I start, I glance over at the trail we are going to come out and see Steven and Sherri walking westward on it. Not that it matters-it is the same distance and elevation gain. Still I could have been going a different way than they did.

That late start has me paying a price. I feel the sun beating down on me and my steps being sluggish, not that I am overheating, just sweating and drinking water a lot. I am also lagging behind Sherri and Steven, not badly, but this is unusual as I can keep up with Sherri. Maybe it is that I do stop to take pictures, but that is only a cover, I think.

Boole Tree

Even though the trail is hot and dusty, there is many places to enjoy views. Looking west, I see Patterson Bluff’s profile, unlike seeing it front on from Delilah. Then there is Rodgers Ridge. Speaking of Delilah, I look for it on the far westerly ridges, but I do not see it until we have almost gotten to the top of our climb, when it comes into view through the haze. Spanish Mountain is right across from us with all of the spurs which come off of it. Then we can see into the Middle Fork of the Kings. There is a lot redeeming about this trail, but maybe not so much today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tops of the trees

Gary in repose and Korra on guard duty

When we round hill 6872, there is a sudden cooling. We are no longer in direct sunlight and there is a bit of a breeze. So much better. Not that I feel totally refreshed or anything like that. Also the Boole Tree comes into sight. We start descending to the base of the tree and upon arrival, I lower myself to the ground and look up at the Tree. I tell Sherri that I am meditating on the tree, but it is more that I am just that tired. Tired enough that we just sat there, enjoying the tree for an hour before eating lunch of Ritz crackers, Nutella and peanut butter. The jelly belly bag had come open, so there is some consumption of them, even by Korra.

 

 

 

 We leave after 2:30, climbing the short distance out of the bowl where the Boole Tree is. Then it is close to a mile downhill back to the car. Even though there is a lot of direct sunlight, we are going downhill, so it is not very tiring. We got back to the car by 3:45, I noticed that the temperature was in the upper 80’s.

Sherri on path back to car

On the way back to the camp, I took a detour down the Hume Lake road. Last Saturday, there was a rescue of a lost person who got stuck about a thousand feet from the road on the west side of the road. I am interested in seeing what the terrain looks like. I can see why in certain places you could get stuck. What I am wondering about is that his mother also found him and got stuck.

We got back to the camp at 4:45 and just recuperated. Sherri fixed the chick garlic pasta dish. We all decided that we would wait until Sunday to go to a Dark Sky presentation at Big Stump-we should have gone, but you will need to read that post to find out why. So we just sat around until it got dark. Around 9, I said that I was going to bed. The others followed me. I read for half an hour and then fell asleep.

Extra Photo's

Patterson Bluffs

Morning at Indian Basin

Patterson Bluffs

Gary surveying the Kings

Looking towards Spanish Mountain

 

Steven on the return trip to the car

Converse Mountain Grove

Sherri patiently waiting

Steven reading by the Boole Tree

Boole Tree

Boole Tree

Top of Boole Tree

 Animals

 
Flowers and Plants