Birding McGee Canyon
Friday 6:00 AM-1:00 PM
Trip# 203: Birding McGee Canyon
Tags:
high elevation > 8,000'
single location
Description: McGee is a spectacular, colorful, metamorphic canyon with a strong creek running through it. The hike begins at about 8,000 feet in sagebrush where Brewer's Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee are common. Lazuli Buntings are common in the streamside aspens. After a short climb, the trail passes water birch and aspen with side streams where birds (e.g., MacGillivray's, Orange-crowned, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers) and butterflies gather. The trail gradually climbs up into junipers and limber pines with Clark's Nutcracker, Hermit Thrush and Townsend's Solitaire. Dippers are frequently seen on the creek. After a tricky creek crossing, the trail winds through hemlock and lodgepole to a shallow beaver pond. The hike is moderate with some stream crossings and a great variety of birds and plants. Bring a lunch. (est. driving miles: 80; hiking difficulty: strenuous)
Current Weather Conditions in Lee Vining:
Broken clouds,
68°
(Feels Like: 66°)
Wind: SW @ 4mph
with 9mph gusts
Visibility: 10,000 ft
Forecast for Friday June 16:
Check back within 7 days of this event
Transportation: Carpool/Personal Vehicle