Re: Marble Peak Trail, Strawberry to Camp Creek

Anne, I can't speak for your capabilities. I know that I can backpack 11 miles in a day in many places, but along your projected trails, I would be cautious. First, unless someone with significant timber cutting capability has been through the Divide Camp - Pine Ridge section (and the NFS is working on the trail, so they might have done so) you will probably find that 4 miles very slow. Second, you will need to carry lots of water, because I doubt you will cross any streams on the way to White Cone and may have to wait until Strawberry Camp to find a running stream. I know there is often water across the trail near Black Cone but we haven't had much rain for some time. However, the sun is out until 8pm and up before 7, so there is plenty of daylight. And, as you mention, it is still pretty cool. Also, don't neglect the elevation gain (and losses) between Willow Springs and China Camp! But don't let me discourage you; you've hiked in the area before and probably have a good sense of what you can do.
Good luck and let us know how your trip went.