The Ottoway Lakes Loop

Red Peak beckons above the trail ahead. Its not far now to the lakes.

Last Haul to the Lakes

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

Refreshed after my extended lunch, I headed back to the trail to find the nearby junction. I had to climb a bit more to reach the junction, but before long the expected iron Yosemite signs came into view in shaded forest.

I hooked a left and headed to Lower Ottoway Lake. At first it traveled fairly level for about half a mile, but then began to climb. After a particular short sharp climb, the trail plunges right back down again and then begins to reclaim the lost altitude all over again. This seemed to be this trail segment's story: gain gain gain, then lose a good piece of altitude, then gain it right back in classic Sierra Roller-coaster fashion. When I finally reached the outlet stream of Ottoway Lake, the trail became exposed and steep, with a lot of strenuous and arduous thrown in at the end. I finally reached the lake after about 2.8 miles and about 1000 feet of climbing from the last trail junction. I had run out of water and was glad to reach the lake for a cold drink.