Sonora Pass is the location that is used to determine the earliest entry date to hike into the Sierras. Many use this to determine their start dates for the PCT or the John Muir Trail. Other than that there is not much to say about Sonora Pass. It is simply a high mountain pass you can drive over. Just another beautiful place flanked by towering peaks, with snowfields, and streams.
Carson Pass:
The one pass to note on this stretch was Carson Pass. Not so much that the trail was any nore or less spectacular, another beautiful place. The visitor center and the volunteers inside made our day. Half way through our hike the weather rolled in and it started to rain, then rain and hail, then back to rain. When we got to the visitor center the rain had cleared, but we were still quite damp. We were pleasantly surprised to find a warm stove, other hikers, and a few spare seats in the visitor center. The two volunteers sign up to work in the summer when the PCT hikers roll through.
That evening we hiked 7 miles further to a camp that was one of the only spots we could find sheltered from the wind. We were happy to be out of the wind, but we could still hear it ripping through the tree tops. I didn't sleep well, waking up to large gusts.
Our hike into Echo Lake was only 8 miles, but it rained the whole time. By the time we got to Echo Lake we were cold and soaked. Neither of us had brought rain pants. It wasn't supposed to rain like this... So we thought. Oh well. We had planned to spend the night at a nearby youth camp, but we found out they stopped taking hikers in last year. Tiffany loaded the forecast for the next few days. The storm was to continue. Between the closed camp and poor weather outlook we decided to find a ride into South Lake Tahoe.
To get into South Lake Tahoe we connected with a local trail angel. It turns out she had read the book Wild and when the local outfitter put out an ad in the paper for those who wanted to be on their trail angel list, she signed up. This was just 3 days ago and we were her first hikers. As much criticism as I have for Sheryl Strayed's book, I do owe the ride in and out of South Lake Tahoe to her.
In South Lake Tahoe we stayed at the Apex Inn with Spoons and Whistler. It was a cheap hotel, but had everything we needed inside and was in proximity to all that we needed. As always, the first order of business was a shower, then laundry, then food and beer. We found out there were several other hikers in the motel as well. One of which was Papa Joe. For those who might remember from earlier posts; Papa Joe is Joe Anderson of Casa De Luna or The Anderson's one of the infamous trail angels of the desert.
As the rain poured down outside I think we were all glad to be in a solid structure.
Happy Trails!
Trail Statistics
Mile: 1,094
Days: 68
Showers: 12
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