Do not miss the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which passes by the Stella and Teresa Lakes.
Subjects covered are topical (e.g., coastal hydrodynamics, microbial loops, alpine lakes) rather than broad and superficial.
One of Yosemite National Park's best-kept secrets is the 53-mile High Sierra Trail, which loops through alpine meadows and jagged granite mountain passes as high as 10,300 feet.
Other names for this loop include: the alpine butterfly loop, the butterfly loop, the lineman's loop and the lineman's rider.
The solo automobile road trip undertaken by O'Shea steers hundreds of miles past vast Alpine meadows and majestic mountains, around highway loops, on steep and narrow road curves, with myriad stops and starts, some of which are momentous.
Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake (Sunrise) - Just north of the Sunrise Visitor Center parking area is this 3-mile loop trail that climbs 500 feet in elevation along vast expanses that overlook alpine lakes and valleys shrouded in various hues of technicolor green.
Several local microbrews are on tap. 1 p.m. 6) Afternoon Dip For a pristine hike not far from town, head north to the Baker Lake Trail, a four-mile loop through hills exploding with wildflowers, aspen groves and, after an hour, a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by the granite peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Mr. Goodell suggested an easier Sunday walk in Palisades park on the Shore Trail Lollipop-Loop Hike (named because the trail is in the shape of a lollipop) from the Alpine Boat Basin.
This 2.7-mile loop is relatively simple to hike, but the views of Wheeler Peak towering overhead and the incredible stillness of the alpine lakes are awe-inspiring.
