DONNER PEAK/MT. JUDAH LOOP
THURSDAY, Oct 20, 2016
DIFFICULTY: Moderately strenuous (but only 5 ½ miles)
ELEVATION/ELEVATION GAIN: Trailhead at 7,060 feet; gain 1,200 feet
HIKE DISTANCE: 5 ½ miles
GENERAL LOCATION: East on Hwy 80 to Soda Springs, south on Hwy 40 to PCT trailhead near Donner Ski Ranch
DESCRIPTION: Heading
up steep, rocky switchbacks, we soon leave the Pacific Crest Trail on
the scenic Mt. Judah loop. A short but steep use trail over rock brings
us to our lunch stop at the top of Donner Peak with great views.
Continuing across ridgeline to top of Mt. Judah opens even more
spectacular views in every direction. We will rejoin the PCT near
Roller Pass where emigrants partially disassembled their wagons to
winch them over the brink.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:
1 ½ hour travel time each way/about 70 miles. Expected return to SCLH
about 4:30 p.m. The suggested contribution for the driver is $12.
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Gay Mackintosh/Barry Mackintosh
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES: None at the trailhead. We will stop
at Nyack before reaching
the trailhead.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE: 1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES,
PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2) Bring a copy of
your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone
number with you on the hike.
3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes,
along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.
DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive
home.
4) Be prepared for wind and cold on exposed ridgeline.
Hiking boots and trekking poles strongly recommended for steep, rocky
trail and off-trail areas. Bring plenty of water, lunch,
sunscreen, and windbreaker.
RISKS: High altitude (8,200 ft.), rocky trail, steep dropoffs along exposed ridgeline. No poison oak at these elevations.
QUESTIONS: Call Gay Mackintosh, 408-5092
MEETING TIME: 8:30 a.m. for 8:45 departure
Driving Directions
Some pictures from an earlier hike on Mt. Judah
|
