Day 2: Golden Trout Lakes to Upper French Canyon

Lazy mid-morning start on a mild August day.

Descending into Piute Canyon.

Lunch stop by Piute Creek, staying cool in the shade.

One of several easy stream crossings in Hutchinson Meadow, elevation 9500 feet.

Nearly unreadable sign points the way to Pine Creek Pass (as well as back towards Piute Pass).

Beginning up French Canyon.

This part of the Sierras is much less visited than the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, but offers comparable scenery.

The vistas open up as we head back over 10,000 feet.

Campsite among the trees of upper French Canyon.