Good time for a lower elevation hike in Alpine

Although much of the high country is still in the grip of snow some good hikes are possible at lower elevations in Alpine County. Sunny sides and elevations below 6,000 feet are snow free and early wildflowers are blooming.

This hike from Indian Creek (off Airport Road) day use parking to Summit Lake is easy; three miles round-trip and about 700 feet of elevation gain. It's possible to link trails and extend the hike and even make a loop by walking part way back on the road.

Park at the day use lot (elevation 5,500 feet) and continue on foot on the paved road. Turn left at the Summit Lake trailhead sign, proceed up a gentle slope and follow the trail as it turns northwest and climbs on a traverse above the campground. Step around deadfalls in mostly jeffrey pine forest interspersed with sagebrush-rabbit brush-bitterbrush clearings typical of the high desert.

Note early wildflowers. Phlox, sulfur flower, death camas and waterleaf phacelia are in bloom. Others will follow as the season progresses but wildflowers are not abundant in this relatively dry area.

Continue as the trail abruptly switches back to southwest and gradually arcs south on a long leg through a transition forest of jeffrey pine, pinion pine, juniper and mountain mahogany. Fine old Jeffrey's with organge-ish bark occur here but notice how small they are in comparison to old specimens in higher and wetter areas to the west. Thickets of manzanita all but preclude cross country travel in forest openings. Some sections of the trail here are eroded and again near Summit Lake but footing is reasonably good on most sections.

This area is unique because it is the transition zone between Sierra forest and high desert and as a result many species of plants and animals common to both can be found here. Although isolated stands of jeffrey can be found on some high peaks across the basin and range to the east, contiguous jeffrey forests of the Sierra give way to desert scrub and pinion so common to these dry areas. It is easy to see the precipitation shadowing effect of the Sierra as you travel these slopes.

Deer are common here which, of course, makes mountain lion sightings a possibility. Bear inhabit the area along with coyote, bobcat, fox and many small mammals. Numerous bird species from vultures and eagles to smallest songbirds can be observed here and many are in breeding plumage now. Reptiles, represented by lizards and snakes are common.

On a recent visit many butterflies were in abundance but annoying insects (mosquitoes, biting flies, yellowjackets) were not. Bumblebees did territorial and investigative 360s around my head but were easily ignored. Adult ticks are common and, by careful examination of new grass shoot tips, can be seen with their long front legs extended into the air to latch on to any warm blooded creature passing by. That includes you and me and periodic examination of clothing and a thorough inspection at home should prevent problems. Latest medical research indicates ticks must bite for at least 24 hours before regurgitating the spirochetes that cause Lyme disease; seek medical advice if in doubt.

Continue on this traverse with good views of Indian Creek Reservoir and the Carson Valley to the north until the trail turns west and undulates on a plateau to Summit Lake (elevation 6,200-feet). This shallow lake is home to trout and a variety of wading birds and waterfowl so approach carefully for possible wildlife sightings.

From here retrace your steps to the car or continue on the east side of the lake to pick up the double track to Curtz Lake and Airport road. Cross the road and descend on the Carson River trail (described in this space last year) to the river; climb back out, take the right fork at the anglers survey box to the airport and descend to the parking area on the paved road.

Do this trail on a cool day or early morning as it gets hot here. Carry sufficient water, cache some at the car and remember the 10 essentials.