Mt. Conness

This trip is best done as a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip making camp at Young Lakes, however it is possible to do it in a single day long haul.

Start at the Lembert Dome Parking Lot and take the trail via the Dog Lake route towards Young Lakes. It's about 7 miles to the upper of the three Young Lakes. Find the renowned "ledge" campsite that over looks the lower of the two lakes and Ragged Peak for some spectacular views to go along with your morning joe.

To find the climbers trail to Mt. Conness head east past the third lake to fairly used trail in the trees. Continue following the trail up the canyon where you'll come to a series of beautiful small lakes set among an amphitheater of granite walls. From here you'll follow the switch backs up the loose gravel to the north. A bit of route finding and use of a topographic map will keep you on the right track.

Once your atop the glacial carved plateau following it up to the north where the summit of Mt. Conness will soon be in sight. Hike to the eastern ridge at which the Class 2/3 climbing begins. At this point the summit is only a few hundred yards of Class 2/3 scrambling. The route is pretty well marked with stone stairs in certain areas. The ridge-line provides 360 degree panoramic views of the High Sierra and enough exposure to keep you sure footed. When you get to the top sign the summit log, crack open that summit beer and take in the view at 12,648'.