ASPEN BUTTE FROM CLOVER CREEK
May 29: leave at 8:00 AM
TH: Take DIM up to a right on Clover Creek Road just past milepost 28. Follow Clover Creek east for 5.6 miles to a left onto FR 3852 (not sure the FR # is posted, but there is a sign on a tree on the right side of Clover Road pointing at the turn) The lead car will wait after making the turn. Proceed 3.4 miles to the TH at the end of the road staying on the better gravel road and bearing left when in doubt.
Description: A beautiful trail up a creek, past a lake, and over ash fields to the rim of a giant caldera with a commanding view of Lake Harriette, the largest in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness. We will be shooting to summit Aspen Butte, the highest point in this wilderness at 8,200 feet. It is a partially collapsed caldera (much older than Crater Lake) with many of its walls collapsed. It was created before the latest ice age and experienced considerable glaciation, unlike Crater, which is much newer and formed after the latest ice age. 10 miles, 2,400′ elevation gain EDT: 60 minutes, Weather forecast. RT mileage: 80 miles
Hike Leader: BOB HUTTON