Rutherford Lake/Fernandez Pass

16 Pages·2010·2.19 MB·English

Rutherford Lake/Fernandez Pass
BCM Course Area Guide
Backcountry
Trip Code ________________________
Team Leader ________________________
Table of Contents

Trail Summary ...................................................... 3
Trail Information .............................................................. 3
Trail Description .............................................................. 4
Route Description............................................................ 5
Trail Distances ................................................................ 5
Trail Elevation Profile ...................................................... 5
Map ....................................................................... 6
Key to Trail Map.................................................... 8
Camp Site Information .................................................... 8
Map Legend .................................................................... 9
Hazards ........................................................................... 9
Recommended Destinations ......................................... 10
Fishing ........................................................................... 10
Summits ........................................................................ 11
Daily Outline ....................................................... 12
Curriculum Checklist ........................................... 13
Team Leader Recommendations ....................... 14
Team Leader Comments .............................................. 14
Team Leader Feedback Form ...................................... 15
Emergency Information ....................................... 16
BCM Phone Numbers ......................................... 16

2
Trail Information
Trailhead Name: Norris Trailhead
Trailhead Camp: Bowler Grp Campground (Bring Water, No Wa-
ter)
Clover Meadow Campground

Permit (Expiration): 10-Year Special use permit (Spring 2020)
Permit Pick-Up: Special Use Permit is provided in Trip Binder.

Wilderness Permit: Wilderness Permit is in your Trip Binder.
Permit Pick-Up: Sierra National Forest Service Office
41969 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA, 559.658.7588
Closed Sunday, Open 8:30am-5pm M-Sa

Trail Name(s): Trail names are unknown. Please record any trail
signs that you see for future records.

Type of Trail: Out and Back
Mileage: 21.82 miles

Alternate Routes: No information is available. Feedback is great!
Alternate Mileage: No information is available. Feedback is great!

Trail Location: Sierra National Forest
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Bass Lake Ranger District

Maps: BCM provides Trails Illustrated Maps:
T.I. #309 (Yosemite SE/Ansel Adams Wild.)

Flora/Fauna: The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada Si-
erra Birds: A Hiker's Guide by John Muir Laws

Weather Trends: Average High 88°F / Average Low 32°F

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Trail Description
Hiking in California is dry and fast. Beautiful granite slabs make for
an easier terrain, great picnic areas and flat, smooth campsites.
Expect to hike through pine forests and fields of Manzanita brush.
Manzanita, which literally means "little apple" in Spanish, is charac-
terized by orange or red bark and twisting branches. Sometimes
Manzanita grow to the height of small trees.

The mountain ranges of California are known for their excellent light
quality, referred to as alpenglow. When the sun is just below the
horizon, a red glow can sometimes be seen on the opposite horizon.
Look for alpenglow after sunset or before sunrise, when there is no
direct sunlight. Instead, light reflects off airborne snow, water, or ice
particles low in the atmosphere. At any time of day, the views above
tree line are stunning.

During wildflower season, late spring through early summer, expect
lots of lupins, paintbrush, columbine, and California poppies. Watch
for marmots and pikas--they are everywhere.

4
Route Description
Overview
From Norris Trailhead hike to Rutherford Lake, out-and-back. Sum-
mit Fernandez Pass or a neighboring peak.

Details
Follow this linear route beginning at Norris Trailhead, travel NE on
the trail to Twin Lakes for camp. Continue NW on the trail to travel to
Rutherford Lake, your second campsite. Fernandez Pass is a little
further west and southern. This will be your summit destination. If
there is a safe route to a peak above Fernandez Pass, you may
summit a peak in addition to the pass. Return to Rutherford Lake for
another camping night. Head SE to spend night four along Madera
Creek. On the last day your group will exit where you started.

Day hikes to Lillian Lake or Rainbow Lake are good options for short
days.

Twin Lakes-1 to Rainbow Lake: 2.28 miles
Twin Lakes-1 to Lillian Lake: 2.28 miles
Rutherford Lakes-2 or 3 to Anne Lake: 0.33 miles

Trail Elevation Profile*
Elevation Gain:5,441 ft. Min. Elevation:7,597 ft.
Elevation Loss:5,438 ft. Max. Elevation:10,100 ft.

* The elevation details and corresponding graphic pertain to the main route
5
only—not alternate routes.
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7
Camp Site Information
Favorites
1- Twin Lakes (TWIN) - UTM 292812E 4160948N
2- Fernandez Creek (CREEK) - UTM 291771E 4162792N
3- Rutherford Lake (RUTH) - UTM 290800E 4163622N
4- Madera Creek (MADERA) - UTM 295015E 4159364N

Good Alternative
No information is available. Feedback is appreciated!

Not Recommended
No information is available. Feedback is appreciated!

Refer to trail map for corresponding numbered campsites. 8
Map Legend
Campsites (Not all sites are recommended.)

Kitchen area
Reported Water Source (River, Pond, Creek, Spring)

Portages
Point of Interest

Hazards

Fishing

Main Route

--- Alternate Routes

Points of Interest
No information is available. Feedback is appreciated!

Fishing
No information is available. Feedback is appreciated!
Refer to trail map for corresponding hazards. 9
Hazards
The biggest hazards are afternoon storms and the public. Keep hy-
drated, wear sunscreen, and be self-aware, taking care of problems
immediately. Sprains, strains, blisters, and river crossings are all
possible hazards.
Animals • Black bears are common especially in campgrounds.
• Rattle snakes are uncommon though present.
• Bees, wasps, and spiders are all possible hazards.
• Animals are wild. Do not approach any animal.
Poisonous • Poison Oak
Plants
Weather • Intense high altitude sun. Watch for dehydration and
Hazards heat exhaustion.
Lightning • Afternoon thunderstorms common.
Exposures
No Water • No information is available. Feedback is appreciated!
Between
Scree • Loose talus. Watch for rock fall and shifting rocks.
Slopes Early season creeks may not be crossable.
Refer to trail map for corresponding locations. 10