Saturday morning was a early start since we'd be making the haul back to Bishop for supplies in preparation for Coyote Flats. We made quick work of packing up camp and hitting the 395 south. Couldn't pass up Mahogany Meats along the way, although collectively we spend well over a couple hundred dollars on beef jerky. Worth it? Definitely.
Unfortunately, Ryan informed us that a family matter would put an end to continuing any further and would have to head home from this point. We were all pretty bummed, but at least it happened towards the end of the trip and many more adventures are to come. We said our good-byes and went our separate ways.
Dave and I took off, zig-zagging through the Bishop Reservation until we finally connected with Coyote Valley Rd and began the short lived slight incline to the foothills. From my research I knew that the ascent towards Coyote Flat was rather steep, but it wasn't until being there in person was it put into perspective on how quickly you get to the 9,500Ft level. Without a doubt - the vehicle and most importantly the cooling system need to be in top shape to make the climb. In testament to that, this climb made the mechanical fan on the Tacoma go to full lock a few times along the way - the first time I've ever heard it do so while driving.
It's not that it's extremely steep per-say, it's that it never ends...
(You can see the Volcanic Tablelands off in the distance)
Eventually the radical elevation gain begins to taper off as get into the upper valleys. Coyote Creek still had a fair amount of water running.
Coyote Valley Rd come's up to it's first split off at the 7S10 that heads south/south-east towards Baker Creek and Funnel Lake. It also continues straight via route 8S18. Since we were down to 2 vehicle and made some awesome time up the mountain we decided to go explore the area before finding a camp. That would also free up tomorrows scheduled and allow for a early departure back home.
We branched off the main route and turned south to check out Coyote "Lake". Ended up being dry so we continued to head north when the trail ended at a series of switch backs going up the mountain side. Not looking well traveled, off-camber, narrow and on loose shale rock we decided it would be in our best interest to go for it. Up we went.
Each one of those elements I'm not a big fan of. Add them together and it's a true butt-pucker experience. Add to the fact that we knew it ended and would have to turn around or back down. Fun.
As expected the trail became impassable and we were forced to head back down. Before doing so we hiked the rest of the way for a better view of the area.
Looking north - Coyote Lake down below and the 8S18 in the distance
Looking south-east toward Rocky Bottom and Funnel Lake.
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