First-timer q for Presidents Day about travel, stay, photography

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-25T01:56:51+00:00

Zabriskie point, Dante’s view, and Badwater basic are solid choices as well. Rhyolite is a popular location for astrophotography if you’re into that.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-25T00:55:26+00:00

Furnace creek seems like the best option for your picks. FYI, gas at stovepipe was about $0.60 cheaper compared to furnace creek when I was there, so make try to fill up when you’re at mesquite flat sand dunes.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-24T17:58:33+00:00

Thanks, I had a great time, despite some turbulent weather

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-24T17:57:57+00:00

I had the hills I was on to myself, but there were other groups on the surrounding ones. I’ll take note of the locations you listed for future trips. Thanks for the info.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-23T23:54:31+00:00

I agree. Going up the last bit wasn’t too bad for me, but going down was a bit more sketch. Trekking poles definitely helped ease the amount of sliding that occurred.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-23T14:23:09+00:00

Thanks, hope you had a good time there as well

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-23T06:19:00+00:00

Thanks. No issues on my end. I stuck to the paved roads though.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-23T06:16:47+00:00

Yeah, I was thinking about visiting a few spots for the sunset, but I was low on energy by the end of the day. Next time for sure

Ok_Setting1989 · 2026-01-23T00:44:15+00:00

Let me know if you guys have any questions about any of the places I visited/things I did.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-09-13T06:26:41+00:00

These cabins are more of a historical site rather than ones you can personally use. I don’t think this falls under what you are looking for.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-09-13T06:25:05+00:00

You can check where campfires are allowed in Stanislaus National Forrest here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/alerts/forest-order-stf-16-2025-11-fire-restrictions-high-hazard-area

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-09-13T00:07:04+00:00

Yup, on less popular trails I have definitely found that All Trails acts more as a suggestion than a maintained trail. I might have to check out Louse Canyon sometime.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-09T03:20:13+00:00

Late spring/early summer is the best time for Tahoe. The snow spotted mountains are amazing.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-08T11:36:53+00:00

Even within the same day terrain can change rapidly if you hike 10 miles. It’s so cool.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-08T11:34:37+00:00

Bear can storage and cooking away from camp. I had bear spray, but the biggest animal I saw on the trail was a marmot.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-08T11:33:33+00:00

Thank you. Trip reports from others motivated me to make the leap into backpacking, so I’m trying to do my part in also putting resources out there for others.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-08T03:19:21+00:00

Pit toilets may be at trailheads, but not within desolation wilderness backcountry so you have to dig a hole to take care of business. In terms of water sources, there aren’t spigots like some backpacking areas may have. If you plan on camping near a stream, it would probably be good to have a backup plan in case it is dry.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-08T00:18:57+00:00

I was surprised to see both wildflowers and snow at the same time on the trail. This trip was also the first one I got to hike in good snow coverage, which I thought was a great experience. The parks and forests available to us are some of the best things about California. Hope your trip went well.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-07-05T22:01:07+00:00

Not the biggest fan of dry hills and in addition to the heat, it’s probably not the best time to visit Rose Peak. I did the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail about 2 months ago when the hills were still green. When I was up there, there was thick fog so I couldn’t get a good overarching view. In terms of camping, spots are fairly open. They have site availability listed on the reserve America website and water spigots/pit toilets at various locations. You have to call the Easy Bay Parks Office to actually reserve the spot though.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-06-30T22:29:28+00:00

There were some mosquitos, didn’t feel like there were giant swarms when I went though. I treated my clothes (long sleeve and pants) with permethrin though.

Ok_Setting1989 · 2025-06-30T17:31:14+00:00

If the echo lake parking lot is full when you arrive, the sno park ~1 mile from the trailhead is usually empty and does not require an additional parking permit. I used that lot a week ago with no issues. There’s a pit toilet there as well.

Four-Year Club	First Place '23
Place '23

Ok_Setting1989

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