Walk-to camping areas?

Any recommendations on walk-to/hike-to camping spots?

I went to a place last year based on google searches. There were two lakes at the top of a mountain East of Fresno. I forgot the name of the place. Anyways, I hiked 15 miles on a steep incline, only to find camping is no longer allowed at the top of the mountain and I hiked down and half of the back was in the dark.

trying to avoid online faulty research this time.

edit: preferably in Northern California or Reno. Yes backpacking with overnight camping allowed (intended)

 

how long of a walk?

the lakes near the June Lake loop. Gem lake.epic hike..epic lake.

 

Backpacking I guess? That's what we call it. Was originally thinking you meant park, then pack camp gear in a short distance, like heavy Coleman type stoves, ice chest etc.
Duane

 

Seriously!

 

Where do you want to backpack? I assume USA, but perhaps even a little information on what you want and that might provide us curious members an opportunity to give suggestions. I am for instance very familiar with the White Mountains in NH.

 

Check out highsierratopix, best spot for Sierra Nevada info.
Duane

 

Skyline to the Sea trail off of Hwy 35 near Hwy 9. Makes a great one way hike with camp in the middle It's about 25 miles one way.
Goes through the redwoods, down to Waddell State Beach. Park at Castle Rock State Park and have someone shuttle you back.

 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the lack of info.

I am looking for something in the NorCal area, which could be accomplished in a weekend. Preferably below 8K elevation. I have trouble breathing above 7K. I seem to have trouble at elevations where many others do not. I suspect it might be genetic.

 

this sounds like a great suggestion. Can I actually camp at the end point though and walk back the next day?

 

Absolutely.

 

Just an FYI, No dogs...

 

oh. GEM lake is beyond 7k. but no problemo. just cut the hike short and stop at Lake Agnew. it is much lower and the hike is nice. not to strennuous. maybe 7 miles in? (been awhile). bring fishing gear.

i smoked my last cigar at Gem lake. for the record, smoking a cigar at high elevation is NOT SMART. i woke up vomiting. its been years since i smoked a stogie. haha.

 

CA has loads of amazing backpacking locations!

Do you mean like shortness of breath trouble breathing...like you're winded easily? This would be pretty normal for elevation. At 14K feet I breath heavy sitting still. How is your fitness overall?

You may be having some mountain sickness in which case fitness actually doesn't play a role. However, like you said, genetics may play a part.

There are some things you can do to combat this. Not being able to go above 7K feet puts a lot of amazing places out of your reach. Like sunrise from the summit of Shasta is unreal.

I have some experience with this stuff. I'm on 6 of the 15 CA 14,000 foot peaks and I've climbed Shasta 5 times.
I'm going for my 1st (hopefully only) attempt at 18,491 foot Pico de Orizaba in Mexico this year.
I've also participated in 2 Stanford Wilderness Medicine studies on altitude sickness and the use of the drug diamox (acetazaolamide). I'll be getting a prescription for it to take to Pico de Orizaba for sure.