Where to hike in March near Fresno for Snow and Fish

March 20, 2009 2:05 AM

Where should we (Me +1) backpack next weekend (Mar 28/29) near Fresno, CA that has SNOW, WATER and FISH?

My and my buddy want to stay at least one night - I suppose we could camp the night on Friday at the trail head if we need the extra time.
He wants to fish.
I want to build a snow shelter.
We want to be home Sunday night so we can work Monday.

We are both in excellent shape. He has backpacked several times and this will be my first experience.

He has gear enough for the both of us including snow shoes.

We have talked a bit about hiking somewhere in the Dinky lakes wilderness (island lake?) but I thought I would tap the hivemind to see if we are biting off too much or if there might be a better place to go for what we are looking for.

Thanks in advance!

posted by farmersckn to sports, hobbies, & recreation (3 comments total)

You are an hour from either Kings Canyon or Yosemite. I am sure you can park and hike up into lakes and snow but I have no specifics beyond that.
posted by Danf at 8:59 AM on March 20

Call the staff at Kings Canyon to ask about the snow levels: 559-565-3341. Some of their campgrounds are open year-round, and it's always open season on the Kaweah River, which runs through the park.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:14 AM on March 20

You guys should check out Mineral King sometime, take a look at your maps, but the road is closed until Memorial Day.
There will be both snow and rainbows up the trail in Spring. It's an ass-kicker, but incredibly beautiful and totally worth the effort.
posted by artdrectr at 11:50 PM on March 20