Well we finally made it to Trinity Lake and the camp ground was full.
The ranger was very helpful, told us about Big Roaring Lake, almost as big, no where as many people.
less than 2 miles away. Trinity Lake was a mad house, every camp site was full, sometimes with three or more trucks, every day use parking lot was over flowing. Had to be about 20 inflatable raft, canones, and tubes on the lake, kids playing all along the shore line.
So down the road we went, crossing our fingers.
Big Roaring was just a mile or so away. Open camp sites, no day use people top be seen, The lake was good sized!!
We set up camp, kids went swimming, inflated the boat and enjoyed the after noon.
The dog couldn't wait to get in.
After dinner we set off on a short mile or so hike, up and down around the lake, about 300 to 400 feet elevation climbing. Good views and an easy hike. (Trinity mountain is looming in the background, on the right.)
Slept real good, very quite, (I'm sure Trinity Lake was a mad house).
Sunday morning the Lake was glass until we went swimming and boating.
Trinity Mountain
You park your Truck on in the saddle on the left and start walking. The parking area is 8390 ft up.
The Watch tower ( the highest point is 9500 feet up ) is about 11/2 miles up hill.
Looking towards Sun Vally
Looking towards Bogus Basin ( Hard to see in the picture due to the smoke.)
The family photo at the top
Warning this is not an easy hike!
The altitude is what gets you, plus the heat when the sun is on you is killer. My family goes on regular hikes, we all have CamelBacks and are use to carrying them, Hiking sticks are a must! Good Hiking boots also, not tennis shoes, or soft sided boots, solid ankle support is needed, lots of loose rocks on the "Road" A good nutritious meal before hand and Cliff Bars on the way up is a must. No water at the top either.
Do not think this was easy on the wife and kids, the kids needed lots of breaks and encouragement.
If you cannot hike Table Rock, 8th street , Shaffer Butte, easily, you should not take your kids to do this hike first. You will be miserable and they will get turned off to hiking.
