This is one of my favorite trailheads as it is for many hikers and equestrians. This is evident by some of the largest number of visitors next to Canyon Creek. Within 8 miles from the trailhead, Morris Meadows lends spectacular views of rugged ridges and the towering "Alps" reminiscent of Switzerland's own mountains.
Morris Meadows and beyond are good stopping points for backpackers, which can accommodate a fair amount of campers. Because of the delicate balance of these meadow's integrity, however, be sure to practice low-impact camping when stopping here. This hike is a fairly easy one but definitely seems like a lengthy one because of the long, undulating trail. I would plan on a good 4 or more hours to get to the meadows. Nevertheless, this trailhead is ideal for weekend campers. For an extended three day hike, which I recommend, continue your hike the next day to the upper lakes known as the jewels of the Alps--Emerald, Sapphire and Mirror Lake.
When
I was here with my father a few years ago, we briefly swam in Sapphire Lake
and absorbed some of the afternoon sun, then returned to base camp at Morris
Meadows to rest our tired feet by nightfall. For the more adventurous, hike
to Mirror Lake past Sapphire Lake, which is just below the ridge line on an
invisible trail. At the first Lake, Emerald Lake, you will also see mining wreckage
and even a rock dam once used to pump water around the mountain to Buckhorn
Summit (on Hwy. 299) many miles away--amazing!
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