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DESCRIPTION
An
autumn hike up McGee canyon serves up one of the most bountiful
feasts of fall scenery in the entire Sierra, if not the state!
The eye-popping
gold of the Aspens, Cottonwoods and Willows reach their peak
color during the first two weeks of October in this highly scenic
canyon just south of Mammoth. As you head up the trail alongside
the healthy flow of McGee creek you will be surrounded by dramatic
peaks shaded in rich hues of red, crème and brown metamorphic
rock.
Further
on up the trail, you'll leave the fall color explosion behind
and switchback steeply through a forest of Lodgepole pines to
sublime Steelhead Lake. This hike in the John Muir Wilderness
has it all: spectacular fall foliage, a rushing stream, a lovely
alpine lake and close-up views of rugged, colorful peaks.
THE
TRAIL
From
the McGee Canyon Information Sign, the sandy trail begins in
the sage and rabbit brush and heads northwest up the lower reaches
of the canyon. (Be
sure to avoid the old road that veers off the trail to your
left and keep on the single track trail that keeps a healthy
distance from the creek.) After a gradual 3/4-mile climb you'll
reach the John Muir Wilderness sign. From here the trail curves
south and continues the moderate climb, crossing streams amongst
Aspens, and then reaches McGee Creek. Boulder-hop across the
creek and pick up the trail as it continues to lead you deeper
into McGee Canyon. You will cross another tributary and then
reach a trail junction. Turn left for Steelhead Lake and you
will soon face a 460-foot climb up the canyon's headwall to
your final destination, lovely Steelhead Lake. Backpackers will
find nice campsites here. Return the way you came.
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