High Sierra Topix

In an attempt to find a respite from this years snow fall I am thinking of heading up the Rockbound Valley from Loon Lake this coming week. I have gotten two relatively different stories from two different people at the Forest Service. I am under the impression that this would be a fairly snow free trip. One at the FS agreed with me while another told me I will be in need of snow shoes or skis. I can bring the snow shoes but if i really do need them, I'm not sure i really want to go. So I am putting this out there to see if any of you folks have some beta for me. Has anyone headed out this way early season in the past, or even this season? Any water crossing/trail finding problems that one can fore see? What have folks seen at similar elevations (this will all be below 7000 ft) in the desolation recently? And while we are on it, I am open to any great sierra fishing destinations that won't be absolutely snow choked this week. Thanks everybody.

Hey Patrick,

I'm in the same boat. I was looking for an overnight backpack destination in Desolation for next weekend, but I spotted this on the USFS website:


These were taken on June 17 in the Velma Lakes basin, and it's not looking like any of the lakes in the 7,800-8,000 foot range there will be definitely ice-free by the beginning of July. So Rockbound Valley should be a go, but you might run into snow. I'm going to search for some west slope options down in the Hwy 168/180 country, since the snow line should be higher the further south you look.

Decided on my 25 year standby: Davis Lk. single-person pontoon boats. A campground on Monday/Tuesday. Rainbows and maybe a Pike

Based on my historical data, I'd guess you'll be fine. I'm sure they'll be some snow around, but the most important thing is that the lakes will be thawed out and you can go lunker hunting. There will be enough dry ground to camp. I would be absolutely shocked if this is not the case. If it were me and I didn't have other obligations I wouldn't hesitate to go to this area right now. In fact I would have tried it a bit earlier.

We hiked this last weekend as a day-hike. Pretty tough sledding on the early sections, with tons of water on the trail,a nd very stream crossing an adventure. (you can see photos on our Picasa page here:

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We got to Spider Lake and called it a day...I am sure the crossing of Rubicon Creek would be really hairy!