• About us
  • Books
  • Home
NULL
Sierra Splendor
Sierra Splendor
  • Featured
  • Adventures
    • Hiking
    • Climbing
    • Skiing
    • Cycling
  • Destinations
    • Yosemite Area
    • Mother Lode
    • Lake Tahoe area
  • News and Reviews
    • Events
    • Media
  • Musings
Sierra Splendor
  • Featured
  • Adventures
    • Hiking
    • Climbing
    • Skiing
    • Cycling
  • Destinations
    • Yosemite Area
    • Mother Lode
    • Lake Tahoe area
  • News and Reviews
    • Events
    • Media
  • Musings
  • Destinations, Mother Lode, Top Stories
  • Get inspired at Inspiration Point

Get inspired at Inspiration Point

by Bob Leung July 19, 2017 Destinations, Mother Lode, Top Stories 0 1490

My wife and I had spent a good part of the morning trying to find the trail head to Duck Lake near Lake Alpine but the snow (still plentiful in early July) that remained from the winter made this difficult. Instead, along the western shore of Lake Alpine, we stumbled upon the trailhead to Inspiration Point.

We decided a change in plans: we would hike the peak instead.

We started on a well-maintained but somewhat steep and winding path to the top. We were soon past the tree line (and snow) and walked along the more exposed part of the mountain. If you want a good cardio workout, this will do it. After 40 minutes, we climbed to the ridge of the mountain. Already there was a large Spanish-speaking family. It seemed like all three generations had made it up to the peak, though not without some difficulty, as seen in the labored face of the older grandmother. They said they were from Stockton and San Jose, and had been camping below for the past week.

From there, we had a clear view of Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir to the south. We came across a couple of women, with an elderly man, perhaps in his 70s. He said if he continued along the path to the left, we could climb upon a small peak and see Duck Lake to the west below. We climbed the peak, and sure enough, the lake that had eluded us earlier in the morning, was there, probably only a mile from where we started.

We continued to explore. And here, at the top, where it got more rocky and steep, it became a bit more challenging. We had to step carefully, and at times, use our hands to guide our way up the steeper paths. When we climbed a small peak on the right side of the ridge, we were rewarded with a nice view of Lake Alpine. It was July 4 and we could see many people kayaking and boating on the lake.

Then it was time to start the easy descent. It was a nice hike, accessible for younger children to adults of an older age. The climb up required some effort, but once at the top, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the area.

To get there, drive up Highway 4 to Lake Alpine, to the parking lot at Chickaree Picnic Area. From there, walk 100 feet to a small foot bridge that crosses a creek. Take a right onto the dirt path that rim of the lake. Continue walking for about ten minutes on this path until you come to a fork with the sign post that says: “Inspiration Peak.”


Was This Post Helpful:

0 votes, 0 avg. rating

Tags: Highway 4Inspiration Point
Share:
PREVIOUS POST

Eat better on the trail with hiker’s cookbook

NEXT POST

Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” comes to Murphys

Matt Johanson

You Might Also Like

Noble Canyon hike provides perfect getaway

Noble Canyon hike provides perfect getaway

- on December 16, 2017

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Books by Matt Johanson

  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Comment
  • Favorite five Tahoe backpacking trips
    Favorite five Tahoe backpacking trips
    July 9, 2016
  • Like father, like sons on Dad’s High Sierra hike
    Like father, like sons on Dad’s High Sierra hike
    November 14, 2015
  • Lessons learned on the John Muir Trail
    Lessons learned on the John Muir Trail
    September 5, 2017
  • RIP Scott Cosgrove: great climber, great friend
    RIP Scott Cosgrove: great climber, great friend
    February 27, 2016
  • Skiing the Yosemite Border from June Lake to Badger Pass
    Skiing the Yosemite Border from June Lake to Badger Pass
    February 19, 2017
  • 2020’s good news happened outdoors
    2020’s good news happened outdoors
    December 12, 2020
  • Bring on the map makeover
    Bring on the map makeover
    November 24, 2020
  • Hike to San Antonio Falls
    Hike to San Antonio Falls
    November 22, 2020
  • California cyclists complete cross-country excursion
    California cyclists complete cross-country excursion
    November 22, 2020
  • “Love the park you’re near”
    “Love the park you’re near”
    May 1, 2020

    About

    Sierra Splendor brings you travel news and views from those who know the mountains best! We advocate low-impact, high-enjoyment recreation and aim to become the best travel magazine about the Sierra Nevada. Check back often to read our dispatches from the Range of Light.

    sierraspslendor@gmail.com

    Popular Tags

    Ahwahnee Alex Honnold Alone on the Wall Andy Padlo Bob Leung Brice Station Vineyards Calaveras Big Trees Camp 4 Chefs' Holidays Coz Drawn The Art of Ascent Ebbetts Pass Ebbetts Peak El Capitan giant sequoias Hamlet Hans Florine Highway 4 Hiking with kids Inga Aksamit the hungry spork Inspiration Point Jayme Moye Jeremy Collins John Muir John Muir Trail Kinney Lake Lee Stetson Matt Johanson Measureless Mountain Days Mia Babasyan Mono Lake Mount Whitney Neo Diesta Noble Canyon On The Nose Our Heroes' Dreams Ron Erskine Royal Robbins Scott Cosgrove Sean Lewis Shakespeare sierra nevada The Nose Yosemite Yosemite Epics

    Copyright 2016 Sierra Splendor. All Rights Reserved.