[pct-l] PCT Sonora Pass to Highland Lakes

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Sep 23, 2008, at 5:27 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: "Frances Holsinger" <mama_pidge at comcast.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] PCT Sonora Pass to Highland Lakes
>
> My huband and I are interested in hiking from Sonora Pass to  
> Highland Lake. We are in or 60's and have done small hikes such as  
> Highland Lake to Noble Lake and Highland Lake to Bull Lake. This  
> last trip to Bull Lake I used hiking poles which helped me climb  
> and feel less fearful on slippery slopes. I should also mention  
> that I have a fear of steep mountain drops such as those  
> encountered between Lake Aza and Noble Lake.
>  I am sure most of you are very experienced hikers who might think  
> the hike from Sonora Pass to Highland Lake is easy, but I would  
> appreciate any advise or feedback you might have for a less  
> experienced person who is packing 40 pounds of camping gear. There  
> is also a labrador dog involved in the hike.
> Thanks for you help.
> Frances

I seem to recall that the first part of that section climbing up from  
Sonora Pass did involve some slopes that could possibly become  
slippery after weather gets done with it. The day I came through  
(July 4 this year), trail crews were working on the trail, so it  
would take some nasty weather to do new damage (there was no damage  
when I was there) and I don't recall anything particularly slipper or  
scary, but the heights were impressive and the soil was an easily- 
eroded clay and gravel substance.

Beyond the pass, after climbing up through the red soil and over to  
the other side, I vaguely recall something that gave me concern, but  
I can't recall if it was something treacherous or if I just remember  
the trail being steep.

I do remember that section being my absolute favorite part of the  
whole trail. It was breathtakingly beautiful and a welcome relief  
after the High Sierras which I did not like at all. I was glad to be  
somewhere where I felt safe and comfortable again. My only advice  
would be to see if you can get your pack weight down to 30 or less or  
make the dog carry his own food.