When I was growing up, my family took me on many trips into the Sierra Nevada mountains. This area was our playground. Many backpacking trips started here, and many day trips to enjoy the views and have a picnic were enjoyed here over the years. It has always been a very special place to me. My mother hiked up here in her seventies, and I made this hike with a backpack when I was seven, so all ages can make this trip if you are in fairly good shape.
Originally, this was the Walker River Route used by settlers from 1852-1853. A unique birth gave this place the name Birth Rock, and some still know it by that name. Burst Rock is the more common name, and you can decide which you like better after you make the trip and see the area for yourself. You will be able to see views to Castle Rock, the Three Chimneys, and The Dardanelles looking northeast from the ridge. It is quite a sight. Try to imagine traveling through this area with horses and wagons!
When I was young, there were still a few logs left in the site of Gianelli's Cabin. Fifty years later, it is just a lovely meadow with a stream near the trailhead and parking. We used to have to hike nearly straight up and it was a steep climb, causing us to breathe heavily and put one small foot in front of the other. We felt very accomplished when we made it to the top. That first half mile was the hardest part of the trip. Stopping to take in the views was a treat as we caught our breath, before hiking on down to Powell Lake for an overnight stay if we were backpacking. We often went beyond to the lakes and meadows among the many fields of granite.
Now the trail sweeps away with switch backs lessening the elevation gain, and it is a much easier hike for all to enjoy. Taking the time to come here and view the sweeping vistas at the crest of Burst Rock is a real treat. You never know what you may see. At the top, the mountain falls away on either side to reveal breathtaking vistas as you enter the Emigrant Wilderness. One year, there was a river of butterflies flowing up and over the crest, following the valley into the distance on the other side. It was magical. Every year I visit here, I hope to see something just as special. I remember the time spent with my friends and family, and the memories here, and renew my soul.
This area is accessible only after the snow has melted. Check for road conditions before you go. Taking Highway 108 to Crabtree Road, then continuing the drive to the trailhead is approximately 9 miles on mostly gravel road, but most passenger cars should handle it fine. You will be hiking about 3 miles round trip in the 9000 ft. elevation area. Follow the signs to Gianelli's Cabin after you pass the Aspen horse pack station. It is especially lovely in July when the wildflowers are blooming, and perhaps there will be butterflies! Bring extra water and a picnic if you want. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. It can be windy at times, and afternoon summer thunder showers are common. Stay off the high peaks and mountain tops during lightning and thunder storms. Expect to spend several hours here to enjoy the area!
To log this as a find:
1. List the elevation of each of the listed Waypoints.
2. Who was born to whom at Birth Rock?
3. How many trunks do the snags at Waypoint 3 have? Describe what you see.
4. Briefly describe what you see at Waypoints 4. What do you see to the north of the ridge, compared to what you see to the south? DO NOT GO TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE!!
5. Please feel free to post pictures and enjoy the mountain.
Please email me (via Messaging at Geocaching.com) the answers within a reasonable time of logging your find. There is very poor cell reception in these mountains and if you are camping, I expect it will be a while before you have some WiFi. Take your time and enjoy it!
Please do not post the answers in your log, but we would all love to see your pictures.
Thank you for taking the time to visit one of my Favorite Places on Earth! I was very grateful to receive this Virtual Reward to put this special place on the geocaching map. Permission for Placement is courtesy Jesika M. E. D'Orsay, USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest, Summit Ranger District, 1 Pinecrest Lake Rd., Pinecrest, CA 95364-9700
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.
CONGRATULATIONS TO brentnlaurie FOR FTF!