my son and i will be camping in the basin this weekend.we will be doing day hikes from the basin .considering going to laguna meadow, then to upper cat tail canyon as far as the dam ,next day up the pinnacles to toll mountain campsite. some of the pictures taken from the ledge behind the campsite make this look like a worthy destination.my questions are do have to walk into the toll mtn. campsite to get to the ledge or can you skirt it if someone is camping there? is laguna meadow worth the day ? i have three days in the park and want to use them wisely. i'm looking for 6/9 mile hikes out of the basin i haven't done.i'll turn fifty in the park . thanks , jim2
Through Laguna West would be good for a trip into Cattail as far as the dam (and a bit beyond), however a day trip from the Basin is about 11 mles on that route. If your up to it, go for it.
Let us know if there is any water in Cattail and the dam.
Have you considered this as a backpack trip?....
Day 1 - LW (camp) and dayhike Cattail as far as the dam and back to LW.
Day 2 - LW to Boot Spring via Colima trail and up to the Toll Campsite. From there spend the night and watch the sunset, or head back to the Basin via Pinnacles trail.