Panther Gap Day Hike

May 22, 2005

This was a nice warm up hike to stretch the legs - and did they stretch. I had intended to make a day hike to Alta Peak, but the snow was just too much so I threw in the towel a little beyond Panther Gap (roughly about half way).

I arrived at the Wolverton trail head a little later than I would have preferred, still it was quiet for 7:30 in the morning on a sunny Sunday in the Sierra. While it didn't take me long to get to Panther Gap, my legs wanted to give in early due to all of the snow stepping and kicking. Seeing a couple of other groups wimp out down the trail sooner than I did gave me a little satisfaction.  The wet snow above the tree line was quite the workout; next time I'll know better.

Wolverton Parking Lot

Wolverton Trail Head

Temporary Trail Sign

The Lower Trail

Snow Hole?

Panther Meadow

Approaching Panther Gap

Looking Back Down the Hill

Nice Views From Panther

Ditto

The regular sign is buried under the snow

This round abyss is about 12 feet across and another 10 to 15 down to the creek running underneath.

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Wolverton Parking Lot