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LITTLE BALD
MOUNTAIN LOOP
Thursday,
September 24, 2009
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate
ELEVATION
GAIN: Trailhead
about 6400 ft.;
elevation gain about 900 ft
HIKE
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
GENERAL LOCATION: Trailhead at Robinson Flat
Campground, at the end of Foresthill Road.
As the crow flies this is about 20 miles due west of Tahoe
City.
Early snow in the Sierras will cancel the hike, although this
is an unlikely event.
DESCRIPTION:
Loop
to Duncan Peak Lookout ranger station (if open, we will be able to go
inside
and view maps) and the top of Little Bald Mountains. Hike boasts
amazing
360-degree views of distant mountain ranges and deep valleys.
A huge
pay-off for a relatively short hike!
We
will do the hike in reverse from the
usual so most of the uphill will be first with a shorter, downhill
portion
through forests on the way back.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:
Driving time
about 60 miles, 1½ hours
each way on a narrow, winding, very scenic road after town of Foresthill.
Based
on the length of the drive, a per-person monetary contribution of $9
for gas
would be appreciated, to be given to driver at beginning of
drive.
Detailed driving directions are below.
HIKE
LEADER/SWEEP: Vern Luke/Sue Geisler
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE: Pit
toilets at trailhead
PREPARATION
FOR HIKE: Refer to #8 and #9 in the ‘Hike
Information and
Guidelines’ available on the website. Hiking boots and poles
are advised
for the rocky top of Little Bald Mountain—but most of trail is fairly
soft
surface with only scattered rocky areas. Bring lunch and
water.
Trail traverses both shady forest and open ridge; wear sunscreen and
bring
insect repellant for possible gnats. Rain jacket is always advisable in
the
mountains. The weather could be quite cool.
RISKS:
Some
downed trees and possibly one detour.
QUESTIONS:
Vern Luke,
253-3711
MEETING
TIME: 8:15
AM Orchard Creek Lot.
Leaving time: 8:30
AM.
Check
the website on the evening prior to the hike to get
the latest information. Snow will close the access road.
Pictures from the prehike
Driving Directions: I-80
East to
just past Auburn
to Foresthill
Road.
Foresthill Road
toward Foresthill to the end (approx 50
miles). Follow
signs to day use area and
park on the left across from pit toilets.
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