Backpacking the Eastern Sierras | Steelhead Lake

Join my niece Christine and I on our first overnight backcountry backpacking adventure in the Eastern Sierras. We were warned of bear sightings, crossed creeks and did some vertical elevation gain hiking all with the reward of reaching a gorgeous Alpine like at 10,350 ft. We braved the frigid, but crystal clear water for a cool off dip. There wasn't a soul around. The lake was all ours. Please subscribe for more adventures and a thumbs up is always appreciated!
Check out my niece Christine's channel for another view of this hike and other great videos. She's quite talented:
/ @nomad_unknown
Music:
Golden - My Morning Jacket
Moonshiner - Redbird
Hold on to Nothing - David Gray
Don't Wait Up - Colin Hay
For entertainment purposes only

[@marklafollett6266]

The lake was crazy beautiful as well as the hike.

[@williamlawrence5455]

Merrell ladies I'm 60 years old I live in Southern California and I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life that is incredible I'm disabled and can't get out of my house or very far and four to see this t r e t is incredible thank you so beautiful

[@redwhiteblue7831]

What a nice backpacking trip... Beautiful scenery right next to that lake... wow

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

This was probably my favorite hiking/backpacking trip in the Sierra's thus far. The most beautiful I think. That and the fact we had the lake to ourselves made it really special. Thanks for watching!

[@johneason6540]

Beautiful, aqua blue water color. You were brave to refresh yourself. I have not braved swimming mountain lakes since boy scout days. Our Jean's would freeze overnight Good times. Another great adventure. Thank you.

[@ranch3518]

Hi Catherine I am a fan of both yours and Christine's channels and videos. Both are well put together, and I play them a lot throughout the day. The mountains are my therapy, and your videos are my stress reliever. Thank you to both you and your niece for being a big part of my day. Tom Denver Co

[@Oregonremote]

Lovely video. Brought back good memories... I did this trail in May of 2003 with snow still on the ground.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you! I'm about ready to do this one again. I think this summer sounds like a good time. Thanks for watching.

[@sikandernuruddin9214]

You are rocking always👍😊! Nice song too!👍

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

I’m off work sick so spent last few days watching your fab films. I can’t wait to get out and solo camp now and do my own film 😃

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much. Hope you feel better soon.

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

Catherine Gregory thanks Cat 👍

[@david521]

great video and great music. thanx for sharing.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnnypoppyhead4116]

Thank u enjoy these video s .places I hike over 50 years ago..bring back memories and like seeing the beautiful area again

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I'm so glad you can live vicariously through them. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Great video, great photos, and beautiful scenery.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Don. Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@65LB]

Beautiful lake. The thought of the downhill return trip make my knees scream in fear/pain.

[@JonJaeden]

Did this one (as far as Grass Lake) 46 years ago. Scheduled to go back in 2 weeks. Beautiful video.

[@mikeferrannini712]

I got an Amazon Fire tablet now.....watching your videos on this is a brand new experience now....even your videos that I have seen are bigger...brighter....and more vivid. This tablet has a great big screen.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Very cool Mike! Feel free to watch as many times as you'd like. :) I appreciate the views. Thank you.

[@stevel3o7]

I am (finally) binging your videos Kat! We have packed in many of the same areas. Love your videos / music choices!

[@roystephens1534]

Word's could not express how beautiful and relaxing that video was !!! Great job !!! Thank you !!!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Roy! So glad it gave you that peaceful, easy feeling. :)

[@leecoffman2594]

I love to hike in the Sierras, and I have done that many times on hikes to the beautiful lakes there with my wife and me. When we camped at a lake we would enjoy "skinny dipping", and that is a wonderful experience to really feel close to nature. I loved your video, very well done, and thank you for sharing your trip !

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you and thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@hikewithmike4673]

stunningly beautiful scenery and awesome music too!........I had a nice bonding overnight campout with my nephew in law, it was a great time!.....I love this video alot, especially now that I know the "backstory!"....good medicine!

[@hikewithmike4673]

btw one of the songs is from Colin Hay....is he the Colin Hay from Men at Work?

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Yes...same Colin Hay. haha

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

The earth is an awesome place! Thanks for sharing it in such a nice way. It’s your calling I believe!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@MosquitoFood]

👍 wonderful footage! Glad to see you both have such a rewarding trip. What a special place that JMW is.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Kent. We are heading back up again in less than 2 weeks. It truly is special. We are lucky to have it within driving distance.

[@viewsandreviews180]

The Eastern Sierras are gorgeous, thank you for posting this video. The two of you go some really awesome places. The music with this video was great too. Keep up the good work.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much! I miss backpacking! I love the winter, but it can definitely bite into the outdoor adventure time. I may try a snow camp/backpack before the winter is through.

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

Great video! I like seeing the different perspectives from you and Christine. Thanks for taking me along.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you for watching Jaxx! I'll take a look at your channel, as well! Looks like you have some good stuff..

[@ehtcom]

Awesome video, well done. Thank you so much for sharing. :)

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you and THANK YOU so much for watching. I just returned from another 2 night adventure in the Sierra's! Stay tuned for that to be uploaded within the week.

[@pamelaandrade6930]

You bring me peace and contentment, a beautiful video.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I’m so glad Pamela. Thank you for your comment.

[@tammyfleming3643]

I liked that one so much I watched it twice! The music was great too. Thanks for sharing.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Awe...thank you Tammy!

[@BBQDad463]

Beauty and peace! Thanks for this video!❤

[@tomjones7232]

Hi Catherine, we enjoy your videos here! OK: Back when I was 10 yo or so, Dad would take all six of us camping to Twin Lakes. Every year, right when school got out. To fish. To visit Bodi. To hike! I remember the heat once. Daddy would always tell us kids: just over that mountain is Yosemite. Can you remember the thousands upon thousands of Tiger Swallowtail butterflies at Twin Lakes Campground? Wow! The only one year that we made it without the car breaking down was when we borrowed my Dad's best friend's 1956 Chevy Station Wagon. It had much more 'power' than Daddy's brown 1956 Chevy Station Wagon. My mother used to join us even though she hated camping. Thank you.

[@randythompson6175]

Wow,Gorgeous,Beautiful,Breathtaking,Peaceful,Amazing. Thanks for sharing.Love,love your videos

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate you watching my videos.

[@susanbrown2909]

Lovely hike,nice music too..so beautiful theses places.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I haven't watched this in awhile, but after seeing your comment, I re-watched. The Sierras are so beautiful. I'm glad you enjoyed. It was a wonderful trip.

[@donsurdej7824]

Wonderful inspirational awesome i felt like I was there,,, a thousand thanks 😊👌

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Catherine, thank you once for sharing another awesome video. Take care out there. 🤗

[@somchai9033]

Excellent editing

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Jeff!

[@doubled5037]

Another fantastic adventure, great video and thanks again for taking us along. Here's A idea; What we do here in south Florida swamp we carry two 6 mil garbage bags put them on ,cross water ,take off and repeat when necessary . Keep your feet dry as long as you want.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Double D! That's ingenious! I hadn't even thought of that. Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

AWESOME! THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! ENJOY! BE SAFE!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you for watching David!

[@sandraray3617]

Hi! I'm a new subscriber!... I love your videos they are very informative. I'm really out of shape right now and you are motivating me to get up and get going in the great outdoors! ! Thx.... Christine I love your videos also.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Hi Sandra! Thank you for subscribing. I hope you do get out there. I have only been hiking/backpacking for the last year. Let's just say I am in my 40's, so I'm no spring chicken. haha. I know that I will need to take moments to stop and catch my breath and that's okay. For me, it's not a race. I like to go shorter distances per day which can still be a challenge and take my time. Especially, on backpacking trips. I look forward to having you along as a subscriber! Thank you!

[@Ernie.Cantor]

Hey there pretty lady... thanks for sharing your awesome video.... keep up the good work...

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamhager1872]

A very enjoyable video!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you William! I appreciate you watching!

[@AndrewStarlife]

Very beautiful scenery where you were! I would like to travel there in the future! Great video looking forward to more :)

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Andrew! I appreciate the kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching!

[@anthonyspicer874]

Awesome hike and beautiful scenery.... Was that Sawyer Fredericks singing ? Think the lyric was "Nowhere To Write It Down." Love the that young man's old school voice....

[@scottgilsdorf2938]

omG BEAUTIFUL! 😎

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

It is incredibly beautiful. Really looking forward to backpacking season again and exploring more of the beautiful Sierra's. Thanks for watching!

[@johnpinckney4979]

*Awesome!* Cat, have you ever considered what a celebration of life your videos are? This was just what I needed (Apologies to The Cars) on a sunny and chilly locked-down Sunday morning after online worship. Indeed, I feel as if this is a continuation of that worship. You, sharing with us, that Majesty of God's Great Creation! God Bless and Protect you!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much John!! 🙏🙏

[@Hiker63]

That water looked awesome.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

The water was some of the most beautiful, clear blue that I have ever seen! It was very, very cold though. haha. It was a quick dip in and out. Thank you for watching.

[@rosbirodas1]

Well done Catherine and Christine!!👏🏼👍🏻 love your video, I did this same hike last October. We witnessed the most beautiful fall colors up here in McGee Canyon, amazing experience stunning views. Keep up the good work, always have fun and be safe :) "Happy trails"!!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much Rosbi! This was definitely my favorite backpacking trip, so far. We had that lake to ourselves and it was so incredibly beautiful. I will do this one again. Thank you for watching!

[@johneason6540]

Now that I'm subscribed, catching up with your earlier episodes. Very pretty lake,gorgeous blue color. Thanks again Up here in norcal I go to a lake like this. Jamison lake, plumas county.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you John! It's funny coming back to these older videos. I think I've progressed with my videography skills since then. haha This is such a gorgeous area. I want to do this trip again actually. Having the lake to ourselves was the icing on the cake. Thanks again for subscribing. I really appreciate it.

[@johneason6540]

John eason, yes everything is much better. Yes having a beautiful spot alone Wow!

[@joeynighttrain1126]

Enjoyed✨

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a great trip. Can't wait to get back to backpacking up there after winter. Thanks for watching!

[@jimwolff3823]

Thanks for all your videos, great work. Is the lake you went to in this hike Golden Lake? I may be doing McGee Pass from Duck Lake later this year. Very cool.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Hey Jim! Thanks for watching and for the kind words. This is Steelhead Lake in this video. It's really a beautiful spot if you can make it up there.

[@jimwolff3823]

Cool, thanks

[@RViscara]

I want to be honest here. At first I wasn't going to take you seriously and make a crack it looked like you where carrying 3 backpacks but after watching entire video I changed my mind. The views of the lake and particular the scene where you are in the lake back to the camera the view of the lake was something that made my day. The boulders that had fallen to lakes edge was also something. Those views with that song playing really made my day. So sorry for what I had originally thought. It may due to the fact you don't usually see such pretty barbie dolls out in the sierras at least that's my experience when I backpacked there.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Well..thank you for taking the time to watch it through. It's as the old saying goes..."You can't judge a book by it's cover". I appreciate the compliment, but there is definitely substance and strength behind the beauty. The scenery is the star of this video. The Sierra's are one of the most magical places on earth to my mind. Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate your admitting your initial thoughts. It's a lesson and reminder to me as well to keep an open mind. :) Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

Funny, have to admit I thought it was a fashion show for REI ;-) It's hard work to film and hike!

[@RViscara]

I dont mind if she wants to look nice on the trail and otherwise.. She seems to be honest in her love of hiking and outdoors and apparently good music. More power too her and more woman who are willing to give this backpacking a go.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you RViscara. I just started seriously hiking this year and backpacking is completely new to me this year. I had no real gear at the beginning of the year. I had to start from scratch. I was born a city girl, although my love for the mountains grows with every day. I can't get enough of being one with nature. These experiences have changed me for the better. Although, my gear may match and look nice...give it a time. You will see it worn and well used. Trust me...the experience is real. When I come out off that mountain, I am as dirty and stinky as any other backpacker out there. haha. Yes...videoing and hiking isn't easy, but I enjoy having these visual memories/documentations of my adventures and sharing them with all of you. People can see areas they may not otherwise see. Thanks for watching.

[@RViscara]

Catherine Gregory oh I hope you didn't think I was judging you're worthiness by how new you're gear looked. I was just replying to the other persons comment above. Hey if you want to look good on the trail no one should think less of you for it. Enjoy it how you want to. I don't like when people judge other backpackers if they use heavy gear or old gear or different gear. Or this whole craze of how many miles you log and how fast. Everyone should enjoy it on their own terms. Hey maybe one time can put in David Crosby's song "cowboy" great tune for the trail. Cheers and keep at it and enjoy.

[@robertandersson331]

so great

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Robert.

[@PachillChannel]

good views

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed the view.

[@gingerbread6614]

Thank you.

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

Hi Catherine, It looks like your hike to Grass Lake in June was a warm up for this hike. My Topo map shows the trail to Steelhead Lake ending before the lake. No route finding problems? I liked your combination of photographs and video. How wide a lens did you have for Steelhead Lake? Maybe next year you'll go all the way to Big McGee Lake or even McGee Pass. I've had a lot of good hikes this year too and saw some of your views (from South of you) from Mono Pass and the Mono Creek Trail two weeks ago.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

It definitely was, although it got quite a bit more strenuous after leaving Grass Lake. The trail was mostly easy to follow although some areas were covered in rocks and branches. Thank you for the nice complement. I am better at shooting stills than video, but definitely have fun learning the video process. I used my Sony RX 100 III for this video which has a 24-70 mm Zeiss lens attached. It would be nice to go even wider, but it's an awesome little camera and for the weight of 12.26 oz., you can't beat it. I will definitely explore Big McGee in the future. Thank you for watching! Getting ready to head out this weekend, so stay tuned for a new video from that adventure!

[@donsurdej7824]

Also great music

[@donsurdej7824]

Who are the musicians

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you. Here is the music list: Music: Golden - My Morning Jacket Moonshiner - Redbird Hold on to Nothing - David Gray Don't Wait Up - Colin Hay

[@bluejeans8001]

Great video. Take a look at Joe Brewers video on Tenkara fishing. Super lightweight/compact fishing set up and Mr Brewer is a devout lightweight hiker. Subscribed and looking forward to more backpacking videos.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I will definitely take a look at that. Thank you for watching and for subscribing! I appreciate it!

[@gregparrott]

There must be more than one Steelhead lake in the eastern Sierra. Where is the one you camped at located? Compared to the lake you camped at, the one in upper Yosemite near North Peak is much smaller and is above tree line.

[@denniswycoff9799]

Wow, what a great video! You did a nice job editing video and still shots. I also liked the music choice. I have a few questions for you. First, where did you begin the hike? Would you recommend this hike for a beginner? I am a seasoned camper and love being in the outdoors but new to backpacking. Did hiking with wet feet have any adverse impacts on your hike? Thanks again for posting this trip.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. We began the hike at the McGee Creek Trailhead. I have added a link below which gives the details of the hike. The hike each way is a little over 5 miles. On the way up, you have an over 2,500ft elevation gain. This was only my second backpacking trip. It was challenging especially the last push which is straight up. I would recommend knowing what pack weight you are comfortable with. Also, give yourself a day prior to hiking to acclimate to the altitude. We stayed at the McGee Creek campground the night before our hike. You can definitely do it. I had to stop frequently to catch my breath, but that's okay. As far as the wet feet go, they didn't stay wet long. It was a warm day and they make all the materials quick drying. However, I did take off my shoes and wore my Crocs to cross on the way back down. There is a log you can cross on as well, but it was narrow and seemed easier to just trudge through the water. haha It was freezing cold, though. It is a very magical place. I highly recommend making the trek. Once again, thank you for watching!! www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/ca/ca_ses/mammoth_lakes/mcgee_creek/mcgee_creek_detail

[@philiphabak9164]

I noticed some milkweed with leaves partly eaten by caterpillars. Have you seen any monarch caterpillars or monarchs on your hike?

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I’m not sure I’d know what the monarch caterpillar would look like, but I’ve definitely seen the butterflies. :)

[@tomjones7232]

A resident of Oregon for several years, I prefer to travel and to visit the Pacific Northwest. So, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Even the rich state of Washington.

[@tomjones7232]

Catherine, just enjoying your videos here. May I ask you a question? Should I just make up my mind to get that pickup truck and cab over camper? If all is intact? What do I have to worry about? Keep up the great work! Randy

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I am happy with my decision to get a truck camper. :)

[@aaronchamberlin1957]

What trailhead did you start at? I want to do the same route! It looks awesome!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Hi Aaron. We started at the McGee Creek Trailhead. It's about 3 miles off Hwy 395 off the McGee Creek exit north of Bishop, south of Mammoth. It was awesome! Thank you for watching! Happy hiking!

[@beeamerica5024]

Isn't it wonderful to do stuff like that

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

IS THE BUOYANCY OF THE WATER DIFFERENT AT A HIGHER ALTITUDES?

[@kylestauffer9091]

Such a wonderful place I'm looking for some people to go backpacking with would you be interested in going back

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

CHECK OUT THE TAKARA FISHING RODS.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you David!

[@williampotts5393]

😋

[@AColoHi]

Should have been facing camera on "Sitting on rock" shot.

[@givetolive635]

i got gregory fam...in w.v..

[@tomjones7232]

Did someone say fishing? I can help you in this department. Give me a shout! Randy

[@mtndudebro7083]

Done this hike many times. It sucks. Don't bother.