Any recommended alternatives to Sierra hike in early July?

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eliburakian
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Any recommended alternatives to Sierra hike in early July?

Post by eliburakian »

I'm reposting this, as I was informed that my post would be better served in a new thread and not in the conditions update. Post is below, but basically interested in alternatives to the Sierra High Route in late June/early July. I'm coming out west for a wedding, so don't have a flexible schedule.

Hey all, new to this forum.

I did most of the Sierra High Route last summer, but am planning a trip to complete the section I skipped, from Humphrey's/Piute Pass to Mammoth/Red's Meadow. I will be hiking from June 27 to July 6.

Yes, I know it's early and I know there is a ton of snow. Too much? We'll be bringing crampons, ice axes and snowshoes (so much for ultralight!) but wondering if it will be passable. Seems like the biggest hassle with snow involves timing, trying to climb when it's hard, and heading down when it's fairly (but not totally) soft. Seems like a north to south route would make better sense.

If we decide against it, we'll either end up doing the High Sierra Trail, which being farther south and an actual trail, will most likely be passable, or even heading to the Trinity Alps.

Has anybody here been to the Trinity Alps or elsewhere in the Klamaths, and would that be a good alternative for an early trip during a high snow year?

Looking forward to participating in this forum, and I'll try to post conditions reports from wherever we end up. Right now though, I'm leaning toward toughing it out with the big snowpack and still doing the SHR.
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balzaccom
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Re: Any recommended alternatives to Sierra hike in early July?

Post by balzaccom »

I would just suggest that you should not confuse the lower elevations of the Trinity Alps with less snow than the Sierra. Many years, those mountains have snow longer that the northern Sierra....

The other option would be a hike at lower elevations in the Sierra itself, where the snow wouldn't be so bad....and skeeters would be out in force!

We've got a bunch of suggestions on our website.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
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