bryanlallen's recent photos

At the quite nice walk-in trailhead campground, only $6 per night and for the exclusive use of hikers getting ready to depart on a hike (or, I suppose, hikers just having arrived from a hike ...

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
At the quite nice walk-in trailhead campground, only $6 per night and for the exclusive use of hikers getting ready to depart on a hike (or, I suppose, hikers just having arrived from a hike ...

A table at the walk-in trailhead campground. A spare and elegant structure.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A table at the walk-in trailhead campground. A spare and elegant structure.

Horseshoe Meadow from the vicinity of the campground, looking southwest. I believe the peak shown is Trail Peak, 11605 feet; the meadow itself is at about 9900 feet.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Horseshoe Meadow from the vicinity of the campground, looking southwest. I believe the peak shown is Trail Peak, 11605 feet; the meadow itself is at about 9900 feet.

On the trail the next morning; various critters about, including this Clark's Nutcracker.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
On the trail the next morning; various critters about, including this Clark's Nutcracker.

The same bird a few seconds later; Nucifraga columbiana.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The same bird a few seconds later; Nucifraga columbiana.

The bird decided it had business somewhere else; shwoosh!

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The bird decided it had business somewhere else; shwoosh!

Starting up the grade to Cottonwood Pass, and looking back east to expansive Horseshoe Meadow in the distance.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Starting up the grade to Cottonwood Pass, and looking back east to expansive Horseshoe Meadow in the distance.

A bit further along the Cottonwood Pass trail, again with Horseshoe Meadow in the distance. A very well-maintained and graded trail along here.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A bit further along the Cottonwood Pass trail, again with Horseshoe Meadow in the distance. A very well-maintained and graded trail along here.

Again looking east, climbing towards Cottonwood Pass at 11160 feet .

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Again looking east, climbing towards Cottonwood Pass at 11160 feet .

Almost to the top, again looking east. Mountains near Death Valley in far distance.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Almost to the top, again looking east. Mountains near Death Valley in far distance.

Experimenting with new Ininji socks. Quite comfy. Taken atop Cottonwood Pass.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Experimenting with new Ininji socks. Quite comfy. Taken atop Cottonwood Pass.

Atop Cottonwood Pass, looking west-southwest. The Pacific Crest Trail intersects here.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Atop Cottonwood Pass, looking west-southwest. The Pacific Crest Trail intersects here.

Trail junction signpost at Cottonwood Pass. I was heading north to Rock Creek and beyond.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Trail junction signpost at Cottonwood Pass. I was heading north to Rock Creek and beyond.

Looking west; the trail to Big Whitney Meadow is along the left side of the photo.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Looking west; the trail to Big Whitney Meadow is along the left side of the photo.

Hiking north on the PCT. This portion of the trail had the feel of a curated exhibit, with Foxtail Pines (or are these Whitebark Pines?) being the featured attraction. Each tree seemed caref ...

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Hiking north on the PCT. This portion of the trail had the feel of a curated exhibit, with Foxtail Pines (or are these Whitebark Pines?) being the featured attraction. Each tree seemed caref ...

Chicken Spring Lake, about 4.5 miles from the trailhead where I started.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Chicken Spring Lake, about 4.5 miles from the trailhead where I started.

The trail ascends around and over a small ridge, giving a good view down at Chicken Spring Lake.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The trail ascends around and over a small ridge, giving a good view down at Chicken Spring Lake.

A view of Big Whitney Meadow to the southwest. It was a very calm and quiet day.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A view of Big Whitney Meadow to the southwest. It was a very calm and quiet day.

More piney exhibits. The wood of these old snags is remarkably hard.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
More piney exhibits. The wood of these old snags is remarkably hard.

A remarkably corkscrewed relic, with the broad open expanse of Siberian Outpost beyond.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A remarkably corkscrewed relic, with the broad open expanse of Siberian Outpost beyond.

Similar photo to previous, but stopped down a bit. The Kaweah Peaks ridge is in the right-hand distance.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Similar photo to previous, but stopped down a bit. The Kaweah Peaks ridge is in the right-hand distance.

Inside the boundary of Sequoia National Park, and the trail signs are metal. My route this day was to go slightly beyond Crabtree Meadow.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Inside the boundary of Sequoia National Park, and the trail signs are metal. My route this day was to go slightly beyond Crabtree Meadow.

Rather worn Pacific Crest Trail sign, with shovel ornaments.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Rather worn Pacific Crest Trail sign, with shovel ornaments.

For over four miles along the northern edge of Siberian Outpost, the trail looks like this. With no streams or meadows, it became a little monotonous until I came upon two hikers from Florid ...

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
For over four miles along the northern edge of Siberian Outpost, the trail looks like this. With no streams or meadows, it became a little monotonous until I came upon two hikers from Florid ...

Strolling across the level expanse of Siberian Outpost.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Strolling across the level expanse of Siberian Outpost.

A minor descent led to meadows across Rock Creek, a welcome swatch of stream and greenery.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A minor descent led to meadows across Rock Creek, a welcome swatch of stream and greenery.

Rock Creek; quite lovely and cool.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Rock Creek; quite lovely and cool.

Cooling off my first-day treat, a can of Red Bull Cola, something I'd never seen previously in stores but had seen advertised for a few months on Formula 1 cars.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Cooling off my first-day treat, a can of Red Bull Cola, something I'd never seen previously in stores but had seen advertised for a few months on Formula 1 cars.

Indian Paintbrush.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Indian Paintbrush.

More Paintbrush, in a meadow with a scattering of other blooms.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
More Paintbrush, in a meadow with a scattering of other blooms.

The grass was tall and lush along the banks of Rock Creek; this made it an excellent rest stop.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The grass was tall and lush along the banks of Rock Creek; this made it an excellent rest stop.

Having climbed out of Rock Creek canyon, I headed north towards Guyot Pass, seen here on the skyline.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Having climbed out of Rock Creek canyon, I headed north towards Guyot Pass, seen here on the skyline.

Looking west towards the crest of Mount Guyot, at 12300 feet. I had occasional light sprinkles along the trail for the next hour or so, never heavy enough to call for raingear.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Looking west towards the crest of Mount Guyot, at 12300 feet. I had occasional light sprinkles along the trail for the next hour or so, never heavy enough to call for raingear.

Looking north from near Guyot Pass, towards the general region of Crabtree Meadow.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Looking north from near Guyot Pass, towards the general region of Crabtree Meadow.

The light was capricious, bright in the distance (looking west here) but dim in the foreground; see next photo.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The light was capricious, bright in the distance (looking west here) but dim in the foreground; see next photo.

Same view as previous photo, but exposing instead for the foreground. One's eyes/brain can integrate such scenes but a digital camera cannot.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Same view as previous photo, but exposing instead for the foreground. One's eyes/brain can integrate such scenes but a digital camera cannot.

The western side of Mt. Whitney came into view, gleaming in the clear air.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The western side of Mt. Whitney came into view, gleaming in the clear air.

Vertical format of previous shot.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Vertical format of previous shot.

The gate did not specify which side of the wilderness was being protected, nor why one side could somehow be worth protecting less.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The gate did not specify which side of the wilderness was being protected, nor why one side could somehow be worth protecting less.

A pika, Ochotona princeps, surveys its domain of rocks and grasses.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A pika, Ochotona princeps, surveys its domain of rocks and grasses.

Lower Crabtree Meadow. The trail curls around the lefthand (western) edge; I struck out to the east cross-country.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Lower Crabtree Meadow. The trail curls around the lefthand (western) edge; I struck out to the east cross-country.

Another exposure for Lower Crabtree Meadow.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Another exposure for Lower Crabtree Meadow.

A few deer were browsing out in the meadow.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A few deer were browsing out in the meadow.

The meadow had numerous springs, including this iron-tinged one. Water from these springs has a distinct metallic tang, rather refreshing in small quantities.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The meadow had numerous springs, including this iron-tinged one. Water from these springs has a distinct metallic tang, rather refreshing in small quantities.

One of the branches of Crabtree Creek, draining down from the lake basin where I was headed.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
One of the branches of Crabtree Creek, draining down from the lake basin where I was headed.

Various flowers and grasses garlanded the creek.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Various flowers and grasses garlanded the creek.

Moss, flowing water, and rock.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Moss, flowing water, and rock.

The mossy plant appeared to be sprouting blooms, though perhaps the blooms are from another plant entwined in the moss.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The mossy plant appeared to be sprouting blooms, though perhaps the blooms are from another plant entwined in the moss.

The skeeters started to become annoying; I annoyed them right back by donning my armor. No blood donations today, thank you.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The skeeters started to become annoying; I annoyed them right back by donning my armor. No blood donations today, thank you.

Heating dinner and drying socks. All of my food for this trip easily fit in the small Bearvault, which also makes a great little campstool.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Heating dinner and drying socks. All of my food for this trip easily fit in the small Bearvault, which also makes a great little campstool.

Lunar Solo E with Bristlecone Brown Ray Jardine quilt inside, and a merry blaze from my campstove. A fine and spacious campsite.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Lunar Solo E with Bristlecone Brown Ray Jardine quilt inside, and a merry blaze from my campstove. A fine and spacious campsite.

The next AM, strolling up into the Crabtree Lakes basin. Nice smooth granite for easy walking. View here is to north, route to lakes is east.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The next AM, strolling up into the Crabtree Lakes basin. Nice smooth granite for easy walking. View here is to north, route to lakes is east.

Mostly dead, but still very much alive.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Mostly dead, but still very much alive.

Looking east towards the main Crabtree Creek drainage. At about this point I came across a quite good use trail; I believe it's been decades since the trail was built and maintained, but it ...

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Looking east towards the main Crabtree Creek drainage. At about this point I came across a quite good use trail; I believe it's been decades since the trail was built and maintained, but it ...

A small pond, not shown on the topo map I carried, along Crabtree Creek. Very calm.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A small pond, not shown on the topo map I carried, along Crabtree Creek. Very calm.

Rinsing out yesterday's dust from my socks, being careful not to let the drips go into the creek.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Rinsing out yesterday's dust from my socks, being careful not to let the drips go into the creek.

The creekside vegetation was quite lush; a lovely spot for a break.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
The creekside vegetation was quite lush; a lovely spot for a break.

Creekside flowers, rushing to complete their yearly cycle of reproduction.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Creekside flowers, rushing to complete their yearly cycle of reproduction.

More flowers.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
More flowers.

There's an insect on the nearest large flower. Flora and fauna.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
There's an insect on the nearest large flower. Flora and fauna.

Continuing up the drainage of Crabtree Creek; view is to south.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
Continuing up the drainage of Crabtree Creek; view is to south.

A bit further, and the lowest of the lakes on the map came into view.

2009-10-23T16:54:37Z

bryanlallen
A bit further, and the lowest of the lakes on the map came into view.

This lower lake was quite scenic and unspoiled. Looking here up the lake.

2009-10-23T17:10:12Z

bryanlallen
This lower lake was quite scenic and unspoiled. Looking here up the lake.

At the lower end of the lake, there appeared to be lots of possibilities for good campsites.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
At the lower end of the lake, there appeared to be lots of possibilities for good campsites.

More flowers; think these are shooting stars.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
More flowers; think these are shooting stars.

Looking back west the way I had come; quite the pleasant location.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking back west the way I had come; quite the pleasant location.

The route, and the use trail, continues at a gentle rate upwards and to the east. The walls of the canyon are quite steep on both north and south sides.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
The route, and the use trail, continues at a gentle rate upwards and to the east. The walls of the canyon are quite steep on both north and south sides.

A smaller pond along Crabtree Creek. Though I saw footprints along the trail, I did not see anyone else on this entire day.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
A smaller pond along Crabtree Creek. Though I saw footprints along the trail, I did not see anyone else on this entire day.

Looking back to the west, with the large lower lake in the distance. A very open and inviting lake basin.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking back to the west, with the large lower lake in the distance. A very open and inviting lake basin.

Fun little snapdragon-like flowers. How big are they, you ask?

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Fun little snapdragon-like flowers. How big are they, you ask?

They're rather tiny!

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
They're rather tiny!

The creek was quite open and bright, with splashy sounds: splisshhh!

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
The creek was quite open and bright, with splashy sounds: splisshhh!

Up a bit higher, looking back west and a little north, with the creek in the foreground and the two lower lakes beyond. The distant mountains include the Kaweah Peaks.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Up a bit higher, looking back west and a little north, with the creek in the foreground and the two lower lakes beyond. The distant mountains include the Kaweah Peaks.

On the shore of the largest Crabtree Lake, elevation 11312 on the topo map. Most of the trees have been left behind. The highest peak seen is Mt Chamberlin (13169 feet.)

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
On the shore of the largest Crabtree Lake, elevation 11312 on the topo map. Most of the trees have been left behind. The highest peak seen is Mt Chamberlin (13169 feet.)

With the decomposed granite bottom, the waters of this lake fairly sparkled. By this point the use trail had mostly faded, but the route was still obvious and easy.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
With the decomposed granite bottom, the waters of this lake fairly sparkled. By this point the use trail had mostly faded, but the route was still obvious and easy.

Looking across the lake to what are probably permanent snowfields on the north-facing slopes. Small clouds were beginning to form, coming from the south.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking across the lake to what are probably permanent snowfields on the north-facing slopes. Small clouds were beginning to form, coming from the south.

An elegant little beach along the north shore, with footprints from myself and others who had been here earlier.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
An elegant little beach along the north shore, with footprints from myself and others who had been here earlier.

The route steepened a bit but was still quite easy. This shot looks back along my morning's route, with the beach from the previous shot seen below along the edge of the nearest lake.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
The route steepened a bit but was still quite easy. This shot looks back along my morning's route, with the beach from the previous shot seen below along the edge of the nearest lake.

Very hard and durable rock. The upper end of lake 11312 lies below.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Very hard and durable rock. The upper end of lake 11312 lies below.

Looking up the Crabtree Creek drainage, with some jagged peaks of the Sierra Crest looming beyond. Though there was no trail at this point, the walking was very easy due to all the large sla ...

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking up the Crabtree Creek drainage, with some jagged peaks of the Sierra Crest looming beyond. Though there was no trail at this point, the walking was very easy due to all the large sla ...

Streamside vegetation. The water was deliciously cold and crisp.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Streamside vegetation. The water was deliciously cold and crisp.

Showy flowers were clustered here and there.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Showy flowers were clustered here and there.

Strollin' on slab; delightful!

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Strollin' on slab; delightful!

The creek had some quite artful portions, with harmonious shapes and sounds filigreed with flowers.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
The creek had some quite artful portions, with harmonious shapes and sounds filigreed with flowers.

This large boulder roosted over the creek; it echoed underneath with a pleasing sound.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
This large boulder roosted over the creek; it echoed underneath with a pleasing sound.

Vigorous blooms.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Vigorous blooms.

My route led right by the base of this small waterfall, only perhaps seven feet high. Refreshing!

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
My route led right by the base of this small waterfall, only perhaps seven feet high. Refreshing!

Looking westward back along my route. Patches of snow remained at this higher altitude. The clouds were becoming a bit more widespread and sizable.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking westward back along my route. Patches of snow remained at this higher altitude. The clouds were becoming a bit more widespread and sizable.

First view of Miter Pass and the lower end of the uppermost Crabtree Lake. The lake lies at about 12,100 feet.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
First view of Miter Pass and the lower end of the uppermost Crabtree Lake. The lake lies at about 12,100 feet.

Looking east along the length of the highest lake. The dramatic slot in the crest is Whitney Pass. From this vantage point I decided you'd have to be Out Of Your Mind to try going over that ...

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking east along the length of the highest lake. The dramatic slot in the crest is Whitney Pass. From this vantage point I decided you'd have to be Out Of Your Mind to try going over that ...

There was still a bit of ice on the lake near its outlet. Occasional distant rumbles of thunder and scattered raindrops caused me to don my raingear.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
There was still a bit of ice on the lake near its outlet. Occasional distant rumbles of thunder and scattered raindrops caused me to don my raingear.

Walking along the northern edge of the lake was actually pretty easy, due in part to a use trail. This photo looks back, towards the lake's outlet.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Walking along the northern edge of the lake was actually pretty easy, due in part to a use trail. This photo looks back, towards the lake's outlet.

Looking south across the lake at Miter Pass. These pesky things always look intimidating when you approach them, but the guidebook claimed the pass was only Class Two in difficulty.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Looking south across the lake at Miter Pass. These pesky things always look intimidating when you approach them, but the guidebook claimed the pass was only Class Two in difficulty.

A bit further along the lake, looking back west. Rain showers could be seen in the distance, and the light was dwindling due to the clouds.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
A bit further along the lake, looking back west. Rain showers could be seen in the distance, and the light was dwindling due to the clouds.

Another view of the pass, which is called either Miter Pass or Crabtree Pass depending on your whim. I was very actively mentally sorting through what I thought were the best route choices u ...

2009-10-23T17:19:54Z

bryanlallen
Another view of the pass, which is called either Miter Pass or Crabtree Pass depending on your whim. I was very actively mentally sorting through what I thought were the best route choices u ...

At the eastern end of the lake, having just crossed a small snowfield. The snow was just right, soft enough to kick steps into but hard enough not to sink in.

2009-10-23T17:21:41Z

bryanlallen
At the eastern end of the lake, having just crossed a small snowfield. The snow was just right, soft enough to kick steps into but hard enough not to sink in.

The darkening clouds gave the lake a forbidding character.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
The darkening clouds gave the lake a forbidding character.

Starting up the pass, looking down on the east end of the lake. The talus field on the right slowed my pace a bit. Veils of rain are coming down to the west.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Starting up the pass, looking down on the east end of the lake. The talus field on the right slowed my pace a bit. Veils of rain are coming down to the west.

Up and up; the routefinding was fairly easy and the slope didn't seem all that steep.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Up and up; the routefinding was fairly easy and the slope didn't seem all that steep.

Gaining altitude while skirting along the edge of a snowfield, looking back down at the upper lake.

2009-10-23T16:54:38Z

bryanlallen
Gaining altitude while skirting along the edge of a snowfield, looking back down at the upper lake.