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Young Lakes
This shortcut takes off about a mile from the hike versus staying on the trail. For us it probably took us just as long this way because the altitude was getting to some of us in the group. We decided to start our off trail adventure after crossing Dingley Creek. You can see the saddle from anyplace on the trail, so the starting point is not important.
Closer to the top. You can really see now how Ragged Peak got it's name!
We finally made it to the top, now it's all down hill from here. The summit of Ragged Peak was tempting, but it was getting late and we had to get moving if we were to get to the upper lake by sunset.
For our effort we are rewarded with these spectacular views from the saddle of Ragged Peak which is about 10,500'. This is looking north toward Roosevelt Lake and Mt. Conness…
…and another view looking east to Lower, Middle and Upper Young Lakes.
On our way down to the Lower Young Lake. Nothing more than a controlled slide until we reach the boulders below.
Now this is what it's all about! Sunset over the Upper Young Lake and Ragged Peak. If you clicked on the off-trail "short cut", you can view the <a href="#">trail route here</a>.
The route I chose to Young Lakes starts on the Dog Lake trail from the Lembert Dome parking lot. This is a well used trail that climbs up hill most of the 1.5 miles to Dog Lake. At a starting elevation of almost 9000' it can be a real challenge if your not used to the elevation.
Heading north down the Dog Lake trail you are treated to a view of Unicorn and Cathedral Peak to the west. Keep this view in mind as it is a useful landmark for the rest of the trip.
The trail to Dog Lake is pretty much un-eventful scenery wise, just a relentless up hill climb. You are soon rewarded with a spectacular view of Dog Lake. Looking across to the east you get a glimpse of Mt. Gibbs, Mono Pass and Mt. Lewis. Unfortunately there is no camping at this lake.
After leaving Dog Lake the trail levels off for a quarter mile or so, climbs a little ways and drops down into a meadow.
Running through the meadow is Delaney Creek. This spot makes a good place to stop for lunch. You'll need the break because the trail climbs forever after leaving the meadow!
This is my wife Stacy on our first trip to the area. She no doubt has no idea of what's ahead! Come to think of it…neither did I!
As I said, the trail climbs and climbs! At this point we are about 2 miles from Young Lakes if you stick to the trail. On my fifth trip here, we decided to take the shortcut over the saddle on the east side of Ragged Peak. Click here to <a href="#">take the shortcut</a> or continue on the trail!
The view from this section of the trail is one of the best I've ever seen!
Finally making it to the top, you can park yourself on numerous rocks and take in the view from 10,000'.
One more view of the Cathedral Range before descending into the trees.
All of your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the Lower Young Lake and the surrounding area. There are numerous campsites around the lake, most being on the lake's north shore. I like the solitude of the southern shore, near Ragged Peak, but be weary of falling rocks!
After a good night sleep, it's time for breakfast! That's me making my famous pancakes. The black barrel behind the orange mug is a bear canister used to store anything that smelled like food. This is bear country, fortunately there were no bears that night.
After the morning coffee, we took off to find the other two lakes. On previous trips, my navigational abilities prevented me from locating the upper lake!
The trail to the middle lake is fairly short and simple, less than a half mile. Only a slight climb.
Reaching the middle lake and the view is still spectacular! Lurking above the tree line is the upper lake.
The trail to the upper lake was a little steeper and a little hard to find at first, which is why I missed it the first time I tried. The last portion of the trail is a VERY tricky climb! You are going straight up, mountain goat-style next to a small steam. This is the first two lakes on the way to the upper lake.
Finally made it! It was definitely worth the trip. I think this is the best of the three lakes. The view up here is awesome! Next time I'll have to push the extra mile just to stay here! Another trip when I took a off-trail "short cut" over Ragged Peak….
Posted
February 25, 2022
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by
“Hikin Mike”
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