Inyo
Mountains - Daisy canyon Descent Steve Smith - September 25-27,
1992 |
|
Daisy Canyon is the
southern most of the eight major named canyons on the east side of the Inyo
Range. Not only is it notable for its size but also for a historic aerial tram
that runs through it for over six miles. I had made a fast two day descent
through this canyon seven years ago but had always wanted to go back and take
more time to really see the area.
In September, Debbie and I along with
six Desert Survivors and Friends of the Inyo WBA followed the tram's access
trail drown through the canyon. We set up a shuttle, leaving vehicles in Saline
Valley at 2,600' near the mouth of Daisy Canyon and then drove up to the Inyo
crest. Starting where the tramline crosses the crest at the summit tram drive
station at 8,600', the upper part of the trail was easy to follow as it wound
from one tram support to the next.
The eastside leg of this historic
tram is still well preserved. due to its inaccessibility and being on the lee
side of the range for storms coming in from the west. Its is a fascinating
structure to follow with a variety of large and high tram supports. The canyon
itself is an enjoyable experience, dropping 7,000' in six miles without the
waterfall obstacles found in all the other eastside canyons. Like all the other
east side Inyo canyons, Daisy has a rugged and colorful beauty with only one
short segment of brush.
On Friday, we had a leisurely time inspecting
the tram and camped at the middle drive station at 5,800' by late afternoon.
Near the station is a small spring with the only surface water we saw in the
canyon. camping on the wooden deck of the drive station which was tapered of f
at both ends and surrounded by desert terrain gave the feeling of being on a
ship at sea and was certainly a pleasant, level camping site.
Saturday
we followed the canyon bottom down to 4,500' at which point the trail climbs
back up to a ridgeline at 5,100' before starting its final descent into Saline
Valley. We followed the trail down to the next drive station at 3,700' and
again camped on the wooden flooring with a panoramic view of Saline Valley.
Sunday it was a fast descent on down the trail to the vehicles and then the
long drive around to retrieve our vehicles on the crest. The trip through Daisy
Canyon is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the eastern Inyos plus have the
remains of the historic salt tram with its impressive tram supports and drive
stations. Fortunately, there has been very little vandalism to the structures
which date back to 1911. |
|