The Sierras can be unforgiving. Six years ago a friend of mine and her friend tried to walk three miles from their car to a lake they saw on the map, got disoriented and lost in the woods for five days. NOTE: Always turn around and remember landmarks when hiking in. They also didn't have water, drank their piss, and dealt with temperatures dropping almost to freezing wearing only T-shirts, but were finally encountered by horse back riders. POINT BEING: Recognize risks and take time out early to make a rational assessment.