Pinecrest Peak is the hike to take when you want a challenge but you don't want to drive a half-a-day to the high, high, high country. The trail starts at 6,441' and over 3.3 miles you steadily climb almost 1,600' to the 8,033' summit. Avoid the temptation to drive to the summit! The views and the satisfaction of achievement are the major rewards of this hike.
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| Pinecrest Lake and "pancake rock" |
On the way up you get views of Pinecrest Lake and cruise past lots of "pancake rocks," the results of exfoliation. Per geologist Glen White, exfoliation is what "gives Yosemite its domes and that onion peel feature. The molten rock that would eventually cool to become granitic rock were several miles underground and under tremendous pressure. Enough pressure so that the very structure of the atoms were slightly compressed. As weathering and erosion removed the overlying rocks, isostatic rebound (a fancy couple of words that describe why the top of an ice cube will always remain above the surface of water as it melts) lifted the cooling granitic rocks closer to the surface. Eventually, they were exposed to the elements of weathering. Also, the release of that overlying pressure allowed the atoms to push outward to regain their natural size. Depending on the mineral makeup of the rock, when enough stress has accumulated, the rock fractures. These fractures often form parallel sheets, similar to the layers of an
onion, The fractures allow water in, which when it freezes can expand and force the cracks open further. Over time, the dome structure will emerge. The term "exfoliation" comes from the layers that leaves make on the ground in the fall. Foliage that has fallen is now ex-foliage. At least that's an easy way to remember it!" Speaking of domes, about 2.8 miles into the hike, to the left there's a faint trail to an overlook of Herring Dome and the Trail of the Gargoyles.
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| Robert and Deverie |
There used to be a fire lookout tower at the summit of Pinecrest Peak. All that remains now are bolts and footings. There's also a legend that a lady used to hike the trail up from Pinecrest Lake to deliver pies to the lookout attendant. When you're slogging the home stretch to the summit, keep that in mind as a feat to
match! Also, the trail is popular with mountain bikers, so keep your head up and don't insist on your right-of-way.
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| Mountain bike trail marker and angel "geocache" |
We took the approach from the trailhead off of Herring Creek Road, a few miles east of Strawberry. Turn Right on Herring Creek Rd. and continue about 2.8 miles. Turn Right on 4N27 (watch for the prominent "Message Board" sign) and continue about 1.3 miles to the camping area. Park and cross the bridge. There aren't a lot of signs marking the trail, but they're there when you need them.
