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In the morning, after a big breakfast, I put the water into our packs and did
a weigh-in. I was happy when my pack weighed in at 55 pounds, until I realized that
I'd forgotten to include my camera and our sandals (I'd be carrying all four pairs).
Then I realized I'd be
carrying close to the same weight as last year.
After a large breakfast, we checked out of the motel and then drove to the ranger
station in Sonora, where I
got the permit. I filled out our information, listing our intended camping
destinations. The ranger mentioned that we'd probably get thunderstorms; she didn't
mention which days, so I assumed she meant today (since the forecast I'd seen called for
a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, then sunny the rest of the week).
She also mentioned that there would be bears at Huckleberry Lake, but as long as we
used bear canisters (which we would), we'd be fine. As it was nearing 100 degrees in
Sonora again, I was a bit worried about the temperature; I didn't think it'd be 100
because of the elevation difference, but I was worried about temps in the 90's.
The ranger, though, said it would be around 82. Still warm, but definitely more manageable.
We stopped to pick up some sandwiches to go, then made the drive up to Kennedy Meadows.
It's about a 1 hour, 10 minute drive from Sonora, up Highway 108. When we arrived in the
large parking area, it was cloudy and...82 degrees (just like the ranger had said).
It was also 1pm, making me a bit antsy. We
only had a 4 mile hike today, so I wasn't too worried, but I wanted to leave soon.
We prepped in the parking lot. While the others had a chance to eat lunch, I had to just
stick mine in a ziploc bag and take it with me. After doing the final weigh-in, we finally
got underway around 1:50pm.
Here's a list of everything in our packs.
One thing I hadn't factored in is that the trailhead parking is quite far from the actual
trailhead. The trail starts at the Kennedy Meadows Resort. Apparently you can pay them
to park overnight, but we hadn't thought about this beforehand. If you're doing this
trip, you might consider it, since it's a half mile from the free parking area to the
trailhead.
We walked along the side of the paved road. There's not much traffic, and cars are
generally slow here, but it was annoying having to walk along the road and then through
the resort area. We walked past all the resort buildings, through the private parking
lot, and finally reached the gate to start the hike proper.
As soon was we entered the gate, we saw a group of horses being led in the opposite
direction. After they passed, we encountered a couple backpackers heading out.
They mentioned that Relief Reservoir had some nice campsites with a beach nearby, and
that we could access them near the stream crossing where there were a lot of logs.
Our hike started climbing up a wide dirt road, near a water tower, then down.
From there, the road is relatively flat past more resort property. This area was
mostly empty as we walked past, though it wouldn't be when we returned.
Kennedy Meadow
There can be vehicular traffic along this section of "trail", so be on the lookout.
About a mile past the gate, the road ends and the Emigrant Wilderness begins. Two signs
denote the start of the wilderness area. The wide dirt road gives way to a rocky trail.
It also starts climbing, and soon passes over the river on a steel and wood footbridge.
Creek
Bridge over the creek
It drizzled occasionally as we climbed uphill. We soon had a nice view of multi-step
falls on our left, and steep cliff walls above us on the right, dropping down on our left.
We crossed another footbridge (this one longer and much higher) over the river, then
came to an unmarked intersection.
The trail continued straight, but there's an alternate trail leading to the right which
eventually leads to the same place. I think it may provide a view of the dam and some
falls below it; I can't be sure of this since we didn't take the alternate trail,
instead opting to continue straight.
Multi-step waterfalls to our left
Footbridge over Summit Creek
Falls of Summit Creek
We next came to another intersection, with Kennedy Lake to the left; we continued straight
(right fork) to head toward Relief Reservoir.
We climbed some more, past some old rusted equipment, before the trail finally breaks out
into the open for some great views of the reservoir. In fact by this time, the trail is
past a quarter of the large reservoir. The sun was finally out as we now started a descent
parallel to the eastern shore, high above it. Eventually we reached the stream crossing
that the backpackers we'd seen at the start had mentioned. We weren't quite sure
whether to look for a path just before or after the crossing, though. We initially
looked at a use trail just before the crossing, before deciding we needed to cross the
stream first. The stream was easily crossed (the water was only a couple inches deep).
Rusted equipment next to the trail
More rusted equipment next to the trail
Looking back (north) at the view
First view of Relief Reservoir
Looking back at the trail above Relief Reservoir
Looking north at Relief Reservoir
Looking south at Relief Reservoir
Relief Reservoir
After walking a little further, we saw a trail headed to the right, toward the reservoir.
We followed this trail for almost a quarter mile before it reached a beautiful camp site,
trees glistening in the afternoon sun, perched high above the beach below. There was also
no one else in sight (and we couldn't hear anyone, either). Maybe it was because it was
Monday night. In any case, we gladly set up our camp here, filtered water, and had
dinner.
Inviting campsite at Relief Reservoir
Campsite above Relief Reservoir
I had been having problems with my knee from playing basketball, so I had decided to
wear a knee brace for this hike. It wasn't until I took it off after reaching the camp
site that I realized this was a mistake. Apparently, running up and down a basketball
court for 90 minutes was not a problem, but hiking for 4 1/2 hours was. It had chafed
my leg to the point where it was quite painful (and would be red the next day). From
then on, the brace became a half pound paperweight I'd have to carry another 40 miles.
Relief Reservoir
Relief Reservoir sunset
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