BCS Approach: Gem Lake or Treasure Lakes?

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Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic
NotIt

Trad climber
SF, CA
Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 12, 2012 - 01:14pm PT
Which is teh bestzs?

Truly though, I see both given as "preferred" from different sources. Has anyone done both and found one much better?
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 12, 2012 - 02:15pm PT
I haven't done the Gem Lakes approach as laid out in Supertopo. I've cross countried from right in that ball park though, and also done the Treasure Lakes approach about three times. I'd say it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

Gem Lakes (or adjacent like I did) is good since you're on the main trail for most of the time, which is faster. Treasure Lakes is also pretty quick since you're on a good use trail from Treasure onward. I actually like the trail. Nice country, not dusty, no one else around and you'd have to work pretty hard to get off track.

On the whole though, it's a pretty short approach either way. Don't over think it. Success in the mountains involves just plowing thru whatever obstacles are placed in your way throughout the day. Either way will get you there.
Big Daddy

climber
mammoth
Jul 12, 2012 - 03:01pm PT
I prefer Gem Lakes route. Takes about an hour from the trail head. The final push from above Treasure kind of sucks.
Adamame

climber
Santa Cruz
Jul 12, 2012 - 03:28pm PT
Gem Lakes. But expect large talus for along ways with the absence of snow this year.
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 12, 2012 - 03:34pm PT
Big Daddy, are you thinking of that rocky bowl before you get to Dade Lake? Other than that, I don't remember much suckage.
10b4me

Ice climber
dingy room at the Happy boulders hotel
Jul 12, 2012 - 04:31pm PT
I've done the Treasure Lakes route twice. It's a pretty good route if there is snow.
Big Daddy

climber
mammoth
Jul 12, 2012 - 05:03pm PT
Big Daddy, are you thinking of that rocky bowl before you get to Dade Lake? Other than that, I don't remember much suckage.

Yes. If there isn't snow, which there isn't, going up that last bit sucks. It's loose and steep. Gem Lakes route is easier.

With snow, easy. Treasure Lakes route


No snow, sucks.


Gem Lake route two weeks ago.






Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 12, 2012 - 05:38pm PT
You know, come to think of it, two of the three times I've done the Treasure approach it was early in the season. Guess that explained my preference.
NotIt

Trad climber
SF, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 12, 2012 - 09:47pm PT
Tx all. That picture of the Treasure Lakes trail melted out looked grim - Gem lakes it is (in this low snow year).
Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic
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