Rowell Meadow, Sugarloaf, Box Canyon, West Ferguson Creek, Ellis Meadow,
Comanche Meadow.
This is a work in progress
Intro
Rick took us for a classic trip along the JMT last year, so this year I took him through some
off-trail backcountry. The path was very similar to the one I did with Dale and Wally in August 2014, except
we spent 4 nights on the trail instead of 6.
Description
The first day was all trail. We passed Rowell meadow and camped half way between Seville lake and Comanche meadow.
The off-trail route the next day took us down Box canyon a ways until we got
tired of hacking our way through the brush. We then climbed the steep slippery sandy canyon wall
till we got up to the trough that
runs high up along the wall of the canyon. Following the trough was much easier. Our campsite was along the upper creek
that drains into Ellis meadow. The next day we visited the two pairs of lakes at the top of the ridge between Box canyon
and Ferguson canyon. We descended to Ferguson creek at the large beautiful meadow; spent a night up the creek; then
came out and camped at the Sugarloaf campsite. We made it out to the car and home the next day.
1/13
Mandatory Picture in Rowell Meadow at Snow Hut. Notice mosquito buzzing near my hat brim.
2/13
First campsite at a broad flat area near the junction of trails half way between Comanche Mdw. and Seville lake.
3/13
At the start of Box canyon we had to cross Sugarloaf creek. Neither swift nor deep.
4/13
Rick resting during the climb up the wall of Box canyon.
5/13
View up the 'trough' that runs up high on the wall of the canyon. It was much easier to walk along
than the brush-clogged canyon floor.
6/13
Rick took a swim in the first lake we came to. He also swam later in the day in the second.
7/13
While Rick was swimming I was practicing with the delay timer for the picture. It worked.
These are beautiful lakes. While scouring the campsite I found a piece from Wally's tent
that he had dropped. We had camped at the lake three years ago. I guess no one has been there since.
8/13
This is the largest and prettiest of the four meadows you pass as you climb up Ferguson canyon from Ellis meadow.
We cut across from Box canyon and so landed at the forth and best looking one. There are trout in the creek here.
9/13
Rick at Prettiest Meadow.
10/13
It was a wet year, so all the mushrooms came out. This was one of three huge ones that we saw during the trip.
11/13
To get out of Ferguson canyon you have to hug the left side going down to Ellis meadow. Otherwise, you
have to go through a lot of downed trees. Once at Ellis meadow, go north over the lip keeping the largest
creek on your right. It is steep but not technically challenging. Pictured is Rick making his way down.
You pop out onto the trail a little over a mile from the Sugarloaf campsite.
12/13
A wet year brings out the flowers. This is along the way up from the Sugarloaf campsite
13/13
Made it out the same day to Apple Annie's for a California omelet. Home late to shower and clean sheets.
