Convict Lake

Convict Lake is just South of Mammoth Lakes. From 395 there is a 2-mile paved road that will take you right to the lake. Breath-taking doesn’t even sum up the view of the lake highlighted by Mount Morrison behind it. Glaciers originally carved out Crater lake and today it is often crystal clear. You can boat, camp, fish, and hike at Convict Lake. There is a 3-mile loop around that the lake that is considered easy. I suggest you hike clockwise so that you can enjoy the view. There are paths to get down to the water. This trail is nice in the summer but spectacular in the fall. Part of the trail goes through a grove of Aspen trees and if you plan it right you will see some spectacular fall colors. There are vault toilets and picnic tables.

Parker Lake

Parker Lake is one of the family-friendly hikes along Highway 395. The lake is located near the June Lake Loop and is accessible via a dirt road that passenger cars can navigate. Park at the trailhead and the hike is about 2 miles each way. The first half of the hike gives no hint as to the beauty that is ahead. After leaving the trailhead we walked through sagebrush, but about 1/2 mile into the hike the trail starts to run parallel to the creek. We passed through an Aspen grove that is beautiful in the summer but would be amazing in the fall. I don’t think anything can prepare you for your first glimpse of Parker Lake. You are basically looking at the backside of Yosemite and it’s amazing.

Parker Lake Activities

Unlike Convict Lake there isn’t a clear path around the lake, however, you can fish, picnic or camp at the lake. This is a popular lake for fishing and I’ve seen lots of fishermen along the shores. I have been to Parker Lake for a day hike and I also backpacked there and spent two nights. There are no bathrooms or running water at the lake, however, there is a vault toilet at the trailhead. You don’t need a permit for day hikes, but if you want to spend the night you can get your permit at Recreation.gov.

Little Lakes Valley

I think Little Lakes Valley is a little slice of heaven. The entire trail is 8 miles roundtrip, but you can see the first lake after just 3/4 of a mile of hiking. There are a series of lakes, a few meadows, and Rock Creek that make this trail so special. Little Lakes Valley is located north of Bishop off Hwy 395. Rock Road starts at Tom’s Place and ends at Mosquito Flat. The trailhead starts at 10,000 feet so be prepared for some altitude. This a beautiful hike and is extremely popular. The trail is both well maintained and marked. It is popular with both fishermen and hikers. No permit is required for day hikes only for overnights and no fires are allowed. There are vault toilets and trashcans at the trailhead.

Backpacking at Little Lakes Valley

I have day-hiked at Little Lake Valley and also backpacked for multiple nights. Little Lakes Valley is an ideal location for a beginner backpacker because you can find a camping spot without putting too many miles and there is plenty of water to filter.

Hiking With Your Family in the Sierras

Hiking at Convict Lake, Parker Lake, or Little Lakes Valley with your family will allow you to see some of the beauty of the Sierras that people racing down Hwy 395 will never even know is there. As with all hikes check the weather before you go and bring your 10 essentials for hiking. Get out there and enjoy some nature.

The post 3 Family Hikes Along 395 appeared first on .

Parking

You can find parking easily for this hike on Big Dalton Canyon Road. There is parking on the south side of the street. In front of the parking is a large sign that has a map of all the trails in the area. In addition to the map, there are also some warnings such as beware of rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and poison oak.

Big Dalton Dam Trailhead

Across from the parking area is a giant signpost that is labeled (Big Dalton Canyon) this is the way you want to head. At the trailhead, there is also a trash can, a container with empty poop bags, and a Rotary Club-sponsored box that sometimes has trail maps.

The Hike

The hike is easy and is the perfect trail to take children and dogs. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed. The trail is relatively flat with plenty of shade because you are walking through a canopy of oak trees. Kids will love the fact that the trail is next to a stream the whole way and furthermore there are lots of places you can walk down to the water. I saw kids sitting on rocks in the middle of the stream and hopping back and forth.

The Waterfall

The word (waterfall) is used very loosely here. At around 1 mile into the trail, a dirt path leads down to the water. Here you will find a small man-made waterfall. Your kids will be way more impressed than you, but it is a serene place to take in nature.

Returning to Your Car

Unfortunately, as of March 2021, the waterfall is the end of your hike. They are currently doing construction and the rest of the trail that heads towards the dam is closed. However, if you are in the Inland Empire and looking for a short hike to take kids or dogs I think Big Dalton Dam Trail fits the bill. We saw birds, squirrels, and crayfish and we heard frogs in the stream. The trail would even be okay to hike in the summer because it is short and has lots of shade and since you are already in Glendora after your hike, you could stop at the World Famous Donut Man for a strawberry donut or a Tiger’s Tail.

The post Big Dalton Dam Trail – Glendora, CA appeared first on .

Visiting Bodie

Dylan and I went to Bodie one afternoon in July. We were prepared for it to be hot, however, even though it was extremely bright the temperature was only in the low 80s. We had Jinx with us and she was able to walk around on all the dirt trails without her paws getting too hot. When we paid our entrance fee the ranger offered us a walking guide of the park for $2. We purchased the guide and we used it to take a walking tour of Bodie.

The History of Bodie

Gold was first found in Bodie in 1859 by W.S. Bodey. Mining was slow in Bodie until 1875 when a mine collapsed and exposed a large load of gold ore. Bodie continued growing. 1877-1881 were Bodie’s peak years with its largest population. Historians estimate that there were between 7,000 and 8,000 full-time residences. Mining continued in Bodie until 1942 and in 1962 California State Parks purchased the town to preserve it. Currently, about 5% of all the buildings are still standing.

Bodie’s Only Standing Church

There is only one church left standing in Bodie. It is a Methodist Church that was built in 1882. There was a Catholic Church also built-in 1882, but unfortunately, it burned down in 1928. I was able to walk up the stairs and take a peek inside. All things considered, it looks like it’s still in good shape. The pews and an organ are still inside along with a whole lot of dust.

Living In Bodie

J.S. Cain was the last major landowner in Bodie. When he left Bodie he hired caretakers to watch over the town and prevent looting. His house is still standing on the corner of Green and Park Street. During Bodie’s boom years there were 30 different mines, saloons, laundry services, boarding houses, and one school.

Bodie’s Schoolhouse

Bodie’s original schoolhouse was burned down by a student. After the fire, the school moved to the Bon Ton Lodging House. During its peak, there were 615 students enrolled. The school was used until 1942. Take a peek through the windows and you will see chalkboards, maps, and desks.

Bodie Today

The 5% of the remaining buildings give a good glimpse into Bodie’s past. There are remains of the jail, post office, fire department, and a few general stores. Walking down the dirt streets looking at the old buildings it was easy to pretend we were in an old western movie.

Whoa Nellie Deli

After leaving Bodie we drove to Lee Vining to eat at a gas station. Even though people say they are eating gas station food Whoa, Nellie Deli isn’t really in a gas station, but it shares a parking lot with a Mobile Gas Station. I had stopped at Whoa Nellie Deli with Sally on our way home from backpacking in Yosemite. Their food is delicious. Because of COVID, seating inside the restaurant is closed, but there is plenty of seating outside at picnic tables on the lawn. We ordered their famous fish tacos and June Lake Brown Ale, but because we had Jinx with us we took our food to go and we ate across the street on the grass with a view of Mono Lake. It was the perfect ending to a fun day.

The post Bodie State Historic Park appeared first on .