Blue Canyon and Blackcap Basin 2022
Crown Valley to lower Blue Canyon
Saturday, August 20, 2022
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Probably
the most difficult day of the trip, mainly due to the trail
condition. Worst area for downed trees was near the top of Kettle
Ridge before dropping into Blue Canyon. We originally had planned
to camp at Big Meadow quite a distance up Blue Canyon, but we were
happy to camp near where the trail meets the bottom of Blue
Canyon. We probably wouldn't have made it to Big Meadow until
after dark.
Journal Entry: Started walking just after 8am. Another beautiful day. First down 800+ feet to Crown Creek crossing. Trail was challenging to follow, with lots of trees down. Located trail by looking for “clean cuts” where a saw had cut a log straight. Uphill from Crown Creek, with KCNP entrance sign, total of 1600 ft gain to the top with nice views of the Monarch Divide. Headed down 1400 ft. again with similar trail conditions. Hasn’t been maintained in a long time. Instead of going up to Big Meadow, we are camped at 7300 feet in Blue Canyon.
 Crown Creek |
 Kettle Dome |
 KCNP entry sign |  Tehipite Dome between trees |
 Monarch Divide | |