Sunday, August 2, 2015

August 17, 2015 (Monday) Lily Ponds and Lower Blue Lake Paint-Out

First Lily Pond on the right side of Blue Lakes Road

Date:          August 17, 2015
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Choice of 3 locations in close proximity:
                    1st Lily Pond, 2nd Lily Pond or Lower Blue Lake
Meet:          First Lily Pond - parking on the side of the road
Amenities:   bathroom at Lower Blue Lake Campground and picnic area.  Also at the PCT Trail head parking at Tamarack Junction sign
Elevation:   above 8,000 feet
Closest gas:  Woodfords?  Markleville for sure.

General information:  This area is at the end of Blue Lakes Road (after you pass through Hope Valley on 88, you turn Left on Blue Lakes Road).

Directions from Reno etc:
Take 580 south to Minden, turn right on Hwy 88 to Woodfords, keep on 88 as you pass Sorensens and Hope Valley, turn Left on Blue Lakes Road, go to almost the end to meeting place.  Time and Mileage from Minden to Blue Lakes:  34.5 miles/55 min.

Directions from Lake Tahoe:
Go 50 to Myers, turn Left on 89, at Hope Valley turn Right on 88, then turn Left on Blue Lakes Road and go to the end.  Time and Mileage from Myers to Blue Lakes:  26 miles/43 min.

According to the map, the first thing you will see is a sign saying "Tamarack Junction" and PCT trailhead pointing to the left.  (there is a bathroom there)  Then the first lily pond is on your right.  The second lily pond is on your left.  Next the road ends at the Blue Lakes Campground where it turns to dirt road.  You cannot park in a campsite, but there are some dirt pull-offs - just beware of boulders and rocks.  The road gets real rough the farther you go - so it is not recommended unless you have high-clearance vehicles.

What to bring:

  • Bug Spray for the lily pond areas!!!!
  • Sunscreen, hat
  • Plenty of water - we are above 8,000 feet.
  • Lunch and drink
  • of course your art gear
  • light weight jacket - it is 10 degrees cooler than the lower elevations and it can be quite breezy at Blue Lakes
  • cell phones do not work here
Map:

Pictures:
Another view of First Lily Pond

2nd Lily Pond  on the left side of 88 - this one is private property
Lower Blue Lake from the camping/picnic area
Another view of Lower Blue Lakes from camping/picnic area
Links:  
http://www.carsonpass.com/lodging/blue_lakes_camping.html
http://recreation.pge.com/Campgrounds-and-RV-Parks/All/Lower-Blue-Lake-Campground/Overview

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