Deadman Canyon Loop

Midway down Ranger Meadow you can enjoy yet another grat view of Big Bird Cirque and Peak at the head of Deadman Canyon.

Big Bird

Deadman Canyon Loop - By D.W.Donehoo (All rights reserved)

The canyon here is in the classic glacial "U" shape. Big Bird Circue and the small forest below it and the nearby cascade frothing down the wall, Big Bird Peak, the ridge of the Tablelands, Ranger Meadow and its outrageous wildflower display and later down the trail the canyon headwall is spread out for you like a visual banquet. You can hardly walk 10 feet down the trail without wanting to take another picture! Take every opportunity to pause and feast your eyes on the glory of this High Sierra tableau.

Eventually, you reach the head of Ranger Meadow and begin to climb towards the excellent camping above. You may note that some of the plants that populate the sides of the trail are of the drout resistant desert variety. At this point you are about seven miles from the Roaring River Ranger Station, and undoubtedly feeling the effects of your long 1400 foot climb, with another 400 vertical feet to go to the camps above. Soon after you start climbing, you will reach the ford of the river and early season this is perhaps the most difficult crossing of the trip. While the river is narrow here, it is swift, deep and very cold. If it looks too difficult, drop your pack and scout for better places to cross: perhaps a fallen log or a section not so swift and deep. This is a confluence of three streams and it may be possible to go up stream and cross each stream separately. Cross-country is easy in this area and the search for a crossing may be worthwhile as well as instructional.
There are campsites in this area for those who do not have the time or energy to get to the campsites ahead.