Desolation Wilderness McConnell Lake Loop Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Jun 29, 2025; 11:00 AM (Pacific) - Tue, Jul 1, 2025  2:30 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking

Location: RQX6+7C Lower Forni, CA, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Mike Kanne
   backpack_leader@outlook.com
Linda Weldele
   lindaweldele@gmail.com
   (925) 852-1011

Lake Lois at dawn

Summary: Join us on the McConnell Lake Loop Trail. 25.04 miles 4,894 ft of elevation gain. The Loop is a challenging yet immensely rewarding circuit through the heart of Desolation Wilderness.  Expect a mix of rugged granite slabs, alpine lakes, forested stretches, and stunning high altitude vistas. We will begin at Wrights Lake Campground Rockbound Trailhead.  The first day we will backpack to Lake Lois 7.3 miles.  The second day we will backpack to Leland Lakes following the loop counter clock wise 8.2 miles.  This part of the trail can be hard to navigate so expect some cross country travel as we make the loop. The third day we will return to the Rockbound Trailhead 9.54 miles.  The hike passes several lakes including Horseshoe, McConnell, Leland, Schmidell, Lois, and Lake Doris. Depending on the weather we may have a chance for a swim.
 

EXPECTATIONS: Here are some of the expectations:

1. The high elevation, likelihood of mosquitoes, sudden inclement weather, presence of bears, etc., all pose their own challenges, and you should come prepared to cope with these (note that using bear spray is unnecessary, so do not bring any).
2. You should plan on carrying with you electrolyte-replacements which help prevent sluggishness and help maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day.
3. We won’t be racing, because we want to appreciate the scenery and wilderness experience. However, maintaining a reasonable pace and group cohesion are expected. So, if you feel you need more independence and less structure, do not sign up for this trip.
4. You may not ask to leave early on the last day. As a group function, we travel together. If you have a commitment that requires you to leave early, do not sign up for this trip.
5. We leaders are volunteers and we do not have time to deal with numerous cancellations. So please make this trip a priority and commit to arranging your work schedule and family obligations around this trip. Otherwise, do not sign up for this trip.
6. In the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated, by signing up for this trip, you accept full responsibility to pay the full cost for your evacuation. Neither the Sierra Club nor the Inyo National Forest Service pays for this service. If you do not agree, do not sign up for this trip.

Level: Strenuous(2B1)

Signup Instructions: Please R.S.V.P and ACKNOWLEDGE THE LIABILITY WAIVER. Afterwards the trip leader will contact you to start the approval process and provide further information.

Bring: Food is an individual commissary. You will need backpacking gear, bear canister, a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food. I will supply a detailed list after you have signed up.

Signup Restrictions: Leader approval required for participating.

Carpool: Getting from and to the trailhead is the sole responsibility of each participant. The leader will provide a trip roster to all approved participants to facilitate ride sharing. We recommend that drivers and riders agree in advance on costs.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.