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It is easy to miss the left turn into the lot, but if you get to where
the road flattens out and you can see a large grass meadow to the right,
you've gone too far. Park in this lot where you will also find a restroom
and information center. The lot may or may not be plowed. If it is not
plowed, people park along the road opposite the trailhead in a wide
turnout. During periods of snow removal, however, parking in this area
can get you ticketed.
Trail
Description: The trail actually starts across highway 89 from the
parking area at the sign-board. The first part of the trail is steep
climbing 320 feet in 1/4 mile and will be challenging even for intermediate
skiers, but it flattens quickly as you approach Big Meadow. The trail
to Scott's Lake splits off to the left (east) from the main trail near
a horse gate/fence before you get to Big Meadow. The main trail continues
on to Big Meadow which you soon learn is appropriately named. The trail
to Dardanelles and Round Lakes heads directly across Big Meadow.
Scott's
Lake:
The Scott's Lake trail heads east between the south side of Waterhouse
Peak and Big Meadow Creek. The trail climbs steadily through a thin,
mixed forest gaining about 450 feet in elevation over about 2 miles.
A short, steep section lets you know you are getting close to the lake.
It is possible to ski down from Scott's Lake on a jeep trail to the
east and end up in Hope Valley...but then you are a long way from your
car! If you plan ahead, you can shuttle a car to Pickets Junction (89
meets 88).
Dardanelles
Lake: After crossing Big Meadow, the trail enters a fine fir and pine
forest intermixed with some aspens. The trail climbs steadily but becomes
less steep. The trail makes its way up broad drainage with some fine views
off to the left of small meadows and high peaks. After a little over a
mile, the trail begins to climb a bit more steeply until it tops out at
a saddle on the ridge that separates the Meiss from the Big Meadow drainage
basins. The trail then makes a short, steep slanting path down the ridge
where it intersects the Meiss Meadow Trail. Heading left (up) this trail,
will take you to Round Lake, but to get to Dardanelles, turn right (down)
on this trail and hike less than 1/4 mile before looking for a smaller
trail that goes off to the left (west). This trail may...or may not be
signed. Once you make the turn west the trail winds through more beautiful
forest, across several seasonal streams, and by a pond full of lily pads
and reeds. After about a mile of easy hiking, the trail turns sharply
south and up a steep, short section before topping out as the cliffs lining
Dardanelles southern shore come into view. The lake has many fine picnic
spots and campsites from which to choose. To return, simply reverse your
trail.
Round
Lake: Where the Big Meadow Trail hits the Meiss Meadow Trail, turning
up canyon (left) will put you on the path to Round Lake. Along the way,
you will see wonderful volcanic cliffs composes of loose rock off to your
left as the trail climbs gently up the canyon. After just about 1 mile,
Round Lake will come into view, a nice spot for a snack and a rest, or
even an overnigh stay! To continue to Meiss Meadow, follow the trail as
it passes the lake on the east then continues to head slightly uphill
past Meiss Lake and finally into Meiss Meadow.
Environmental
Concerns: None.
Advisory:
The trails described here may not have tracks, or the track may not follow
the trail. It is your responsibility to choose the route. Be sure to have
a topo map and know how to use it. Weather conditions change rapidly in
the Sierras in the winter and the wise backcountry traveler carries emergency
supplies. For more information on backcountry travel techniques, see our
Tips Page.
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