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Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:02 pm
by mtngirl
Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some help with revised travel plans! I plan to go backpacking (two of us) July 3-9. (Unfortunately, I have to put in for my vacation in January, so I’m stuck with that time frame.) Due to this year’s snowfall, we’ve scrapped our original trip plans and are now scrambling to check out all other possibilities.

We would like to go to the eastern Sierras. We have up to 5-6 days/4-5 nights for the trip, but I’m willing to be flexible (or considering this year, extremely flexible). Would rather do one or two great 3 day/2 nights and then explore (day hike/road trip/car camp) other parts of the region (such as the White Mountains, for example) than have a not-so-great 6 days/5 nights.

I would rate my backpacking experience at a 3.5 (mainly because I’ve been doing this only for 5 years); my hiking partner is a 4+ (avid backpacker for 30+ years). I’m comfortable with Class 2 terrain and have done some river crossings and some snow travel. My partner is comfortable with Class 2-3 terrain as well as river and glacier crossings.

My main interest is big mountain scenery (why I love the Sierras!), photography, flowers and lakes. I like forests, but prefer to camp with a view. I tend to hike about 4-8 miles a day (with large pack) at the most. (I’m constantly taking photos.) I do like camping at one site for a couple days and taking long day trips from there. I would like a loop trip, but I’m willing to go back the way I came if I need to—and this is not the year to be picky!

Any suggestions (including where not to go!) would really be appreciated!

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:36 pm
by maverick
Hi Mtngirl

Welcome to HST!
With the mileage of 4-8 per day, and the amount of snow still up high my
recommendation would be to go down the Tuolumne River to Waterwheel Falls http://wildernessapertures.com/p6184779 ... #h378e960e" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , and Leconte Falls http://wildernessapertures.com/p7815096 ... 2#h76d8c2d" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The area above California Falls will be flooded, and will be the bridge at Glen Aulin, but
both can be done with tevas or water shoes.
Your first night could be at Glen Aulin, and the second above Waterwheel Falls, both are
very special, and quite spectacular during the peak of the run-off.
Also a climb up to the cliffs above Waterwheel Falls, near Wildcat Point affords some of
the best views in the Sierra. http://wildernessapertures.com/p7815096 ... #h1e451270" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If this interests you PM me and I will describe the route.

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:43 pm
by Mike M.
Try the Horseshoe Meadows area, just south of Whitney. Cottonwood Lakes are beautiful. New Army Pass will probably still be snowed in (nasty cornice on top), but Cottonwood Pass is easy and you can use it to venture into the Rock Creek drainage and explore the lake basin below Crabtree Pass.

Another option would be Mosquito Flat. Mono Pass would be a hard slog through snow, I expect, but it puts you into the Mono Creek basin, where you could explore the recesses and Pioneer Basin. Alternatively, you could forego Mono Pass and do an easy hike up the Little Lakes Valley instead.

Finally, you could venture over Kearsarge Pass and into the Kearsarge Lakes basin. Kearsarge is one of the easiest eastside passes; there will be lots of snow the last mile of the hike, but by the time you are there, a nice trail will have been established by other hikers.

All of these are high elevation trailheads, which put you into alpine country almost right away. It is hard to tell how much snow will be left on the trail at the time of your trip -- the snow is melting fast. Just come prepared to trudge through some snow at least. Stream crossings will be high. And skeeters will probably be out by then. Bring lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellant!

Mike

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:42 pm
by Saltydog
Check out the TRs at Whitney Zone board and Whitney Portal Store website. Lots of folks in the same boat, and lots having really great trips. Whitney is being done from Crabtree/JMT by PCT through hikers, and can be reached from Horseshoe/Cottonwood. ALso lots of Whitney main trail permits being picked up due to cancellations, if you just want a yo-yo.



Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:58 am
by Kris
Ediza, Shadow, and surrounding (lower) areas should be fine as well. High mountain scenery abounds. Also plenty of great day hiking (devils postpile, hiking/fishing along the San Joaquin, etc). There's also a ton of hotsprings, developed and otherwise, for you two to check out. It's a great area. Enjoy! :thumbsup:

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:16 am
by mtngirl
Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions so far! I'm currently checking them all out. Appreciate any additional comments and route updates. I'm excited to get out of LA and see it all for myself. We may end up doing one or two short trips and a couple day hikes, and incorporating in the White Mountains, which I've never been too. So much to see--so little vacation time!

I'll be sure to post conditions at the areas I go to when I return.

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:16 pm
by East Side Hiker
The photos in the "Hoover-Green Lake" thread looked promising. What about thinking about a Toiyabe adventure? The trail out of Leavitt Mdw looks like it could be fun. You can stick to the river (x country) and find a bunch of cool places if you're doing 5 miles a day and doing a lot of exploring on the side.

Re: Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 7:40 am
by East Side Hiker
There might also be good opportunities in the Sweetwater Mtns, or trails out of the Carson District of the Toiyabe, or the east side of Hwy 4 (E. Carson River).