The first 2 miles of this trail gain 2500 feet = half the total elevation. It is rocky and a bit rubbly in sections. There are some peek-a-boo views as you head up. We were able to secure a permit as it was early Sunday morning so we backpacked up to Sourdough Camp - it is almost 4 miles and 4000 gain to the camp. Take the side trail to camp. We were a bit disgusted by the enormous pile of poop and toilet paper just off the main trail. Could not the person have just gotten a bit further off the camp trail or better yet go on up to the box toilet! Follow the side trail uphill (yes, more uphill) to two small sites. One two person tent is all that will fit in these two sites. The upper one had snow melt and was covered with riverlets of water; the other was a bit drier and had a partial view of the surrounding peaks from where we enjoyed watching sunset.
After resting up a bit, we headed on up to the lookout. The creek crossing was not difficult at this time. We encountered several patches of snow in the forest sections after the creek. The glaciar lillies were all over the hillside giving it fabulous color. We took our cookware and food to have dinner and sunset up there, but the trail was sketchy in places - luckily, the upper switchbacks and contours all melted out = too dangerous if not - plus it was blowing up there so too cold to manage more than a couple hours. We hit full on snow at the ridge. At this time, microspikes or snowshoes unnecessary.
We could see the lookout from a few vantage points over the last half mile. I had a memory from the last time I was up there 39 years ago that it was spectacular, and it did not disappoint! It was jaw dropping with peaks all around and Diablo and Ross Lakes glittering below. It was fun to look over at Hozomeen and Desolation while remembering being at that lookout the year prior and then over to Jack and Crater and Devil's Dome where we did a 50 mile loop three years ago. Hidden Lake Peak, etc were out another direction. Simply Stunning!! We had a lovely dinner up there huddled against the lookout to stay out of the chill wind. Clouds made it more dramatic. We were the only ones there as the few day trippers had already headed back down. We ambled back down to camp and enjoyed the sunset there. Slept fabulously with the noise of the creek.
The way down the next day was much quicker than the way up, but in a steep section which was sandy and covered by little rocks, I took a fall and buggered up my shin. Managed to shakily navigate that final steep mile. Shades of helping my mom slowly get out of there the last time I took that trail. It can be wicked for bad knees. It is a challenging trail only for those in good shape = even more so if carrying a full pack up it!! The reward is worth every drip of sweat.
Dave's GPS Track