Mokelumne

After a great trip over Ebbet’s Pass, hiking Highland Peak and visiting my family, I decided to take the long way home and try for Mokelumne Peak.

It was a long drive on disintegrating windy roads to get to 88. After 88 I took a right, and went deep into the forest to the trailhead.The remote location was half the fun of the adventure. I had the trailhead to myself and camped the night there. The next day, I hiked the 15ish mile round trip hike to the peak. The trail was in great condition for the remote location. After a final mile off trail, I reached the summit. The peak had stunning views of the Mokelumne River Canyon, north to desolation wilderness and south to the Sonora Pass region.

Clouds built up throughout the day, and finally let loose when I was a few miles from the car. I got back to my car and drove a few miles back down the road to camp. Rain drops increased in frequency until they became almost constant. I enjoyed a nice cozy dinner and reflected on the beautiful solitude of the days hike: only seeing two people in 15 miles.