Trail Discussion: Day 1 in Lone Pine 6-23-11

[Mitch]

Mike (deepwater) picked me up this morning for a couple days of Jeeping out in the Lone Pine area. Main attraction was the Cerro Gordo Friday run. On the way we stopped just before Lone Pine to check out the Charcoal Kilns next to Owens Lake. Other than the 1 mile dirt road to the Kilns, day 1 was all pavement. But the contrast of the awesome green forest compared to the dry trip tomorrow was amazing. There is so much to do in the Lone Pine area.

Heading out



Charcoal Kilns





Whitney Portal at 8500 feet elevation





This waterfall is about 400' and right at the parking area





Looking back at Owen Lake



Cottonwood Campground at 10,000 feet elevation. It was 30 degrees cooler than it was in Lone Pine





Lone Pine from the road to Cottonwood




View of the switchbacks going to Cottonwood looking from my room

[Mike]

Awesome! Believe it or not, these are places that I haven't been to yet. Clearly, I need to make an excuse to go!

[Roger]

I'm glad you guys had a great time. How crowded were the camp grounds?

[Mitch]

Nothing was crowded. The Cottonwood Campground is walkin only. A very close walk, but no trailers. Mainly geared for the hikers. The trails were empty. We never saw another vehicle. And even with Lone Pine temps around 95', the trails and drives were nice due to the elevation. Cottonwood was 71', and 30 degree difference. Plus the pool at the hotel was great at the end of the day. Only 2 1/2 hours away from the high desert folks.

[headhunter]

I've definitely got to spend some time in that area as soon as I get a new Limo!

Christian