Rainbow Lake Backpack

July 9-11, 2011: Steve, Brian and myself set out for a three-day adventure through the Ansel Adams Wilderness looking for good fishing and solitude near the Lillian Lake Loop. Our destination was Lady Lake the first night and Rainbow Lake the second night. The Fernandez trailhead was about 140 miles from Turlock traveling through Oakhurst and past Bass Lake along Beasore Road. We were surprised to see more than 20 vehicles when we arrived at the trailhead after several miles of rough road. We feared the cars were an ominous sign of an overcrowded area, but our fears were alleviated once on the trail. We only encountered several other hikers on the trail and several sets of camps along various lakes, but ultimately had the area to ourselves. Check out the photos to see our great adventure!