Palisade Glacier

When I tell folks there is an actual glacier in the Sierra Nevada Mountians, even people who have live in California for a long time, they think I am kidding.  I am not, of course: this glacier is about 700 years old.  Although I have never hiked to the glacier (it is on my list of things to do) I am told that it is currently in retreat due to the drought California has been enduring.

Even if one does not want to hike at to the glacier at 14, 142 feet, it is an impressive view from the trail head and campgrounds located in place commonly referred to as Glacier Lodge (also Big Pine Creek) have a fantastic view while kicking back in really nice camping area at an altitude of 8,000 feet.

According to the Glacier Lodge website the directions are as follows:  Big Pine is located on Hwy 395 in eastern California, 15 miles south of Bishop. The town sits at the junction of Hwy 395 and Westgard Pass Road, which leads to Death Valley, the Bristlecone Pine Forest, and the State of Nevada.

This is not a good picture, but it gives one an idea of the terrain that has to be negotiated while working up the trail to the glacier. The glacier is that white "v" shaped space in the center of the photo. I found a really good photo on Wikipedia. For those who are interested in hiking this area check out the SummitPost.org site.

My plan is to head back to this place before the summer is over.  I'll report more later.