Thank you for this awesome video! My wife and I are backpacking here this upcoming July for 2 nights. Trying to decide if we should do the glacier or the upper lakes on our layover day and your video makes a compelling case for lake 5 and 6. Where would you setup for basecamp, lake 2 or 5? Thanks again!
Whether or not you do the palisades glacier or the upper lakes on the layover day, I personally would set up basecamp at Lake 2 or 3. While I enjoyed Lake 5 a lot, it'd be a bit of a slog to carry the pack all the way there...plus, your layover day would be pretty short since Lake 6 is only 1.5 miles away if you decide to go there. Glad you enjoyed the video and have fun on your trip!
20 years ago I climbed all of California's 14rs. I hiked and skied up to Palisades glacier, on the way to climb palimonium and sill. Going over the boulders past Sam Mack to the glaciers was challenging, but stunningly beautiful. From behind the glacier Lodge you can take a trail up to Brainerd lake and then route find your way to finger lake which is really lovely. I continued summit middle palisades Peak but I don't know how much of the glacier at the bottom of it still exists. Anyway that area is really beautiful. I wrote about climbing the 14 er's (High altitude interiors) that you might refer to when putting together trips, and loved the goal of climbing all the mountains at a time when all there were only topo maps and an altimeter watch. Now at almost 70, I find your video very moving. There's no way I could do all the lakes as a day hike anymore, and I couldn't carry a pack to sleep over. But your video is motivation to do at least walk up to third lake again. I used and early digital camera at this time that took pictures in a format before Jpeg existed and I don't have many pictures from that time. So it's sweet to see images what I have only kept in my mind. Thank you. And you are already living your dream; may this be the first adventure of many. I have been to 75 countries I am and I'm still putting together wonderful adventures with unique landscapes and cultures. It's a lot of work but the process gets easier. Best to you, Michal
I’m glad my video allowed you to relive some memories from the trail. That makes me so happy and you’re welcome. And thank you for your wisdom. I hope to travel as much as you have. I too love to travel plan and while it’s difficult work, the reward is always worth it. I looked up Brainer and Finger Lake and they look stunning. I have not considered hiking there (as I did not know they existed) and they are now in the my hiking queue. I can only imagine all of the adventures you have been on - all of California’s 14ers is an incredible feat. While that is not on my bucket list, getting to know what other people have done and their stories inspires me to push my own boundaries. One day I hope to do the John Muir Trail. You can make it to Lake 3. I have high hopes. Best to you!
Excellent video. Nicely done. I enjoyed the narration as well as the video production. This area/ hike has been on my list for a few years now. Maybe this year will be the year.
Wow, incredible incredible views here! I can see why lake 5 was your favorite. It looks like a dream. It's so clear and surrounded by mountain beauty. Also loved your tip to enjoy your time at the lakes. It's easy to get caught up in hiking quickly but why not enjoy yourself along the way. Another super good quality video.
Thanks again! I think there is a common tendency to rush through nature or look down while you hike, but then you’re missing out on why you came in the first place!
Thank you for posting. I camped at Big Pines campground several years ago and caught a glimpse of the glacier. Always intrigued, I studied the trail system out to hopefully backpack. It IS a very competitive area to get a permit. I have other plans this summer, but this is on my list and I’ll do the 7am rec.gov mayhem perhaps next year. Very beautiful and informative video. Subscribed.
Thank you for the kind words! I would like to hike this trail again, but to see the Palisades Glacier. The “7 am mayhem” is a very accurate description 🤣
A very well put together video! I was was about a month before you in October for the fall season. Even then, it was below freezing at night at the lakes above lake 2
@@KeanuTravelsTo we hiked to all 7 lakes up there. We stayed two nights and both nights we decided to stay at lake 2. We were also fishing and the lakes above lake 2 were frozen over.
Nice video ! My son and have hike several trails in the eastern sierra’s. Your information was very good. Was there a lot of parking at the trail head?
Thank you! There’s not a lot of parking at the trailhead, maybe 8-10 spots. So getting there early is a good idea if possible. If not, overflow parking will suffice. Yes, the Sierra’s are great! I plan to do a trip to the Chocolate Lakes and 1000 Island lake later this year.
Hello. great job. I also launched this channel recently, just like you. I live in Mallorca and I also have an idea on how to make a video about hiking in the mountains. There is a famous route here GR221. I will learn from you. In general, I wanted to say that your content and quality are excellent, now you need to think about how to shoot more and promote it.
Hi! Thank you so much for the kind words, I greatly appreciate it! I actually have a couple of videos coming up on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico including another hike! I have never heard of the GR221 but now I want to look it up. I would love to check out Mallorca one day. I’ll support you on your new channel as well! We got this.
There is parking near the trailhead but it is very small. So unless you get there early, you may have to park at the overflow lot which adds an extra mile one way. Parking is free and you do not need a permit to park.
I know you didn't ask me, but thousand island lakes. Banner Peak in the background is simply stunning, but both are spectacular in their own ways. Go see both haha!
