Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Vermilion Valley Resort
to Florence
Lake
S
CENERY
:
T
RAIL CONDITION
:
C
HILDREN
:
D
IFFICULTY
:
S
OLITUDE
:
D
ISTANCE
:
27 miles
H
IKING TIME
:
2-5 days
O
UTSTANDING FEATURES
:
Bear Creek Meadow, Rosemarie Meadow, Marie Lake,
Selden Pass, Sallie Keyes Lakes, Blayney Hot Springs (optional)
This is a short route by John Muir Trail standards but a great stretch of the trail for
hikers who want to be in more remote backcountry than a shorter trip normally af-
fords. The short mileage allows you to carry more food, and it's possible to really
stretch out this journey; lingering at stunning Marie Lake, leisurely ascending Selden
Pass (10,880 feet), and allowing for a layover day at Sallie Keyes Lakes. It's also
possible to make this section rather glamorous by spending the night at the Muir Trail
Ranch or soaking in nearby Blayney Hot Springs. But this will depend on the ranch's
availability for one-night stays, which can be quite limited. Admittedly the path begins
with a grueling set of switchbacks shortly after the ferry from Edison Lake. Well-ac-
climated thru-hikers will have little trouble, but anyone starting out from this point
will get a rather rapid and heart-pounding introduction to the high-altitude hiking
that awaits.
DIRECTIONS: V
ERMILION
V
ALLEY
R
ESORT
—To get to Vermilion Valley Resort
(VVR), you will most likely need a friend to pick you up or try your hand at hitchhik-
ing. The closest main highway is CA 168, 30 miles northeast of Fresno, but the final
14 to 20 miles of your journey is a feat to be applauded. VVR even makes a T-shirt
that boasts “I survived the drive up to VVR,” if that's any indication to you of the
road conditions. It can be done in just about any car, but be prepared for some inter-
esting (and stunning) rough-road driving.
