Milestone Basin and Vidette Creek 2014
Kearsarge Lakes to Vidette Lakes
Saturday, August 16, 2014
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After joining the John Muir Trail (JMT) just
beyond Bullfrog Lake and following it to Vidette Meadow, we left the
trail there and crossed Bubbs Creek. Despite the dry winter,
Bubbs had a good volume of water, perhaps helped by the recent
rains. After crossing, we encountered one of the cabins of Shorty
Lovelace, who ran trap lines through this area before Kings Canyon
National Park was created in 1940. We followed a use trail from
here partway up the valley to Vidette Lakes.
Journal Entry:
Perfect weather continues! Lots of folks camped at Kearsarge
Lakes last night. Started hiking around 9. Easy trail
downhill to Bubbs Creek. Crossed the creek (shoes off) around
noon. Found Shorty’s cabin and started the uphill to Vidette
Lakes. Decent use trail most of the way to the first lake.
Found our own route after that. Mostly easy, a bit of talus and
slabs. Got to the highest large lake 3:30 or so and found
campsite. Haven’t seen anyone in this valley. Gusty winds
continue but feels good! Tomorrow’s goal is two passes to Lake
South America.
 Mount Brewer over Bullfrog Lake |
 East and West Vidette over Bullfrog Lake |
 East Vidette (we will head up the valley to its right and return via the valley to its left) |
 Bubbs Creek where we crossed (boots off!) |
 Shorty's cabin |
 inside Shorty's cabin |
 meadow below Vidette Lakes |
 one of the lower Vidette Lakes |
 looking back at lower Vidette Lakes |
 upper group of Vidette Lakes |
 campsite at one of the upper Vidette Lakes |
 Deerhorn Saddle looming above, Deerhorn Mountain to its right |