Donner Summit by John

We returned to the higher elevations again to find cooler weather and succeeded, in spades. Eighteen hikers rendezvoused at the Pacific Crest Trailhead on old Highway 40 at Donner Summit to hike to Donner Peak. It was a frustratingly slow drive up Hwy. 20 for three of the four cars which got caught behind a cement hauler going 20 MPH and blowing black smoke. We got underway at 10 and started the climb up the beautifully built, but rocky switchback trail. After several rests to regroup, we made it to the saddle between Donner Peak and Mt. Judah. While we were climbing, the sky was darkening, and the first rumbles of thunder were heard. Some decided that the saddle was enough of a hike, given the impending bad weather, and stopped there to eat. The rest scrambled up the short pitch to the top of Donner Peak, and enjoyed the view to the east and north, including the stunning Donner Lake right below us. We also watched a young couple doing some rock climbing on the vertical granite cliffs surrounding a beautiful rock amphitheater of sorts at the top of the mountain. The clouds continued to build, and we all decided to forget the idea of climbing Mt. Judah and instead to retreat to the cars. The first fat drops fell as we descended to the saddle, where we found that one of the carpool groups had already left. They probably avoided most of the rain and hail that the rest of us hiked through on the way down. We were all in cars and heading home when the real downpour let loose, flooding the road and calling for high speed wipers. We missed getting truly soaked by about five minutes! The temperature had dropped to about 60, but was in the low 90s when we got out of the cars back in GV.

Monday night, weather permitting, we meet at 3:30 PM for a 3:45 departure to Squaw Valley. Clarence will monitor the weather a best he can and email and call if he decides the weather is too iffy. Otherwise, see you Monday afternoon for the moonlight hike. Remember to bring warm clothes for the possible windy conditions at the top.

Next Wednesday the regular 8:30 hike will be lead by Frank and will go to Blue Lake and the petroglyphs that are above it. About a 6 mile roundtrip, I believe, with not a whole lot of climbing.

In addition, there will be a special hike leaving at 8:00 lead by John. We will go to Castle Peak, cross over to Basin Peak, descend to the PCT and return, via Peter Grubb Hut. Probably about 10 miles with about 2000 feet elevation gain, give or take.

Photos by Clarence.