Gaylor Lakes Trail

I did well in taking the harder one first, because I don't know if I would have managed to hike the Mono Pass trail after this one.
It's not really difficult, except at the beginning. The beginning is Hell. The trail starts off right at the Tioga Pass station, super steep all the way to the top. And once you reach the first lake, there's a steep downhill path. (You shouldn't forget it'll be there on the way back. Uphill.)

Then it's relatively flat.

However, the big plus is that right from the beginning, the view is fantastic.



Wildlife, part four








Still climbing.








At the top it's rocky and desolate. And the wind is a bitch, there's dust everywhere. Bad when you wear contacts...





First sight of the first lake


After walking down the path, I reached the shore






And proceeded to stop and doze off for 20 minutes. Nobody around, just the water and the birds and the wind... Totally zen.









Walking towards the general direction of Tuolumne Meadows, another fantastic vista, courtesy of Mother Nature





Doubling back, let's go to the second lake. A last one for the road.


And... after much pain and sweat (still hurting a bit from the Mono hike), I reached the second lake.



There are three lakes, but I stopped right there. I know my limits. Besides, it's not bad for a first timer :p





I managed to climb back the damn thing! To give an idea of the location, the Tioga Pass station is hidden somewhere behind those trees.



Walking downhill is so easier


Wildlife, part five.









And, back at the trailhead. Mission complete!

But oh the pain. Help me here, should I think "Pain means you're still alive" or "No pain no gain?"... Ouch.

Tomorrow, no hikes, fortunately. Instead I'll take a trip to the past, and visit the ghost town of Bodie, California. Stay tuned.