Sonora Pass & the Sierras CA

The morning brings another beautiful day. We saddle up early and head north on Hwy 395 towards Sonora Pass.

Tufas at the north end of Mono Lake

Hell's Gate north of Bridgeport

Eastern approach to Sonora Pass

Walker River

Sonora Pass is the second highest and by far the steepest of the mountain passes over the Sierras. It was first used in 1852 by wagon trains,  but immigrants weren't pleased to discover how difficult it was and quickly abandoned it for easier routes. Although it's paved today, it's still regarded as the most difficult of the passes. In fact the terrain is so treacherous, the US Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center is located on the eastern side of the pass. Not only is it a narrow road, but the steep grades can give drivers and passengers skipped heart beats especially when traveling from west to east, as we discovered the hard way a few years ago. Since we're going the "easiest" direction of east to west, we decide to give it a try as it's the shortest route home as well as the least traveled.

Lone cyclists braves Sonora Pass

Overlook of Walker River valley

Up into the high country

Still snow on the ground

More snow than expected for a drought year

Brrr - where's the top of this pass?

With Peter's expert driving we make it safely over the top and are soon headed down in elevation towards Kennedy Meadows. According to the weather reports, the Bay Area is suffering a heat wave which is predicted to dissipate tomorrow. So why sweat it? We're both retired and have the luxury of staying another night in the cool mountain altitudes to avoid the heat wave. We pick a site at Deadman National Forest campground. The campground was named for a fool hardy traveler who ignored warnings of deep snow in the 1860's and was later found frozen to death near here. The high Sierra winters don't suffer fools, as many travelers have paid with their lives for stupid mistakes.

Still steep headed downhill

Deadman Camp

We all love this campsite

Our camp site is on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. At 6400', the river runs clear and cold and needless to say, is popular with trout fishermen.
In the late afternoon, we take the dogs on a hike to explore the area. First hike to Kennedy Meadows Resort, which bills itself as the gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness. Just as we approach the resort store, we hear the tinkling of small bells as a llama pack train descends a trail. The llamas have colorful harnesses with tassels and small bells attached. Each animal stands proud and erect. I am still kicking myself for not having a camera with me at the time - {sigh} a missed photo op.

Still the light is great coming through the trees and we both get some nice shots, including one of a strange red flower. Later we learn it's not really a flower at all. Actually it's a parasitic plant in the heath family with the common name of "Snow Flower. "

Moss on tree trunk

Late afternoon sun through aspens

Sequoia

Snow Flower

After a leisurely breakfast, we mosey along taking our time to arrive home in the early evening as the heat wave is leaving. Besides, it's a beautiful day in the Sierras, why rush? Off of Hwy 108 (Sonora Pass) we take Forest Service Rte 7N83 up the Clark Fork to explore campgrounds for future use.

Headed west on Sonora Pass

Clark Fork

Forest Service Rte 7N83

The Clark Fork is a beautiful high Sierra stream. We can easily see why it's popular with fishermen and hikers alike.
We make note of campgrounds we like and return to Sonora Pass headed westward. Our next stop is the Donnell Vista point overlooking Donnell Lake behind a dam constructed in 1956.  Hollywood discovered this vista in 1972 and used it in several TV episodes. Consequently, the locals dubbed this site as "Paramount Point."

Parked at Donnell Vista

Mary chills in shade

Giant granite boulders

The views of the canyons below are stunning. Donnell Lake is actually two lakes with a spill way between the two.
Now that we've taken enough time,  we make a beeline for home through the sweltering Sierra foothills and Central Valley (thankfully the van's air con is working well). We are all very glad to arrive just as the cool ocean breezes start to chase the heat away. As much as we enjoy traveling it's always great to come home.

Are we home yet?

Almost Checkers, almost - we'll be home soon