- Distance: 17 miles
- Elevation range: 10,100′ to 12,800′
The original intent of this three day trip was to climb the North Arête of Bear Creek Spire: a 6 pitch, 1000′ route graded 5.8. I spent the previous two months training, and I was even looking forward to the off-width pitch which is the crux of the climb.
The Little Lakes Valley trail is extremely popular with day-hikers, fishermen, and backpackers. The trailhead is located 10 miles south of Tom’s Place off Hwy 395, and starts at 10,100′ providing easy access to the High Sierra. The many lakes, meadows, and glacially-carved peaks are wonders of nature.
When we reach Long Lake, Bear Creek Spire becomes prominently visible. The North Arête is center stage; the slope to the left is the Northeast Ridge, an easy 5th class scramble to the summit.
Long Lake
Bear Creek Spire
Our destination for the day was Dade Lake, but the going was slow, and we ended up at a tarn about half a mile from Dade Lake at 11,350′. Over dinner, Ken and I discussed plans for the next day. I was exhausted from lack of sleep and the elevation, and I did not feel confident in climbing. Instead, we would hike to the start of the Northeast Ridge route, take photos, and enjoy the views.
We left our campsite the next morning, and headed up a field of talus. There is a creek pouring out of Dade Lake which runs several feet below the talus. It is an eerie sensation hearing the creek, echoing in the rocks, and not being able to see it.
Bear Creek Spire
Dade Lake
Little Lakes Valley
We had lunch on the Northeast Ridge, and watched as climbers made their way to the summit of Bear Creek Spire. Up close, I realized that I had no business climbing the North Arête. I did not train hard enough, and I should probably start with easier alpine routes. For next year, I’m aiming for the easier Northeast Ridge.
Climbers descending from the summit
Dade Lake
We returned to our campsite, packed up our gear, and headed down to Chickenfoot Lake where we would camp for the second night. As we were hiking, the air pressure was dropping, the temperature became cooler, and rain drops fell intermittently. Ah, the sweet smell of wet earth. The smell actually has a name, “petrichor”. It always reminds of the carefree years growing up in Mexico and in south Texas, running barefoot in the rain, splashing through puddles, stopping and staring up at the sky, water droplets falling on my face.
The morning of the third day greeted us with a beautiful sunrise. The cloud cover was thick and low, and it created aesthetically pleasing bands of light on the surrounding peaks. Bear Creek Spire, ever prominent, seemed to glow in the distance as if taunting me.
Unnamed peak, Bear Creek Spire, Peak 13268
Little elephant’s head (Pedicularis attollens)
Subalpine paintbrush (Castilleja lemmonii)
We packed up our gear and headed back to the car. There was a ribeye steak with my name on it at the Whoa Nellie Deli. Not much to celebrate regarding climbing, but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable backpacking trip replete with marvelous vistas.
Long Lake
Rock Creek, Little Lakes Valley
pacorios 