High Sierra Topix

Thanks guys! This is all great info. From what I've read in other threads there should be some trails accessible through the Sage Flat area though, no?

gary c. wrote:Someone here might know what the snow situation is like above South Lake, I don't know if the snow clears any sooner in Onion Valley but maybe Flower Lake is an option for an overnighter?

Here's a report on the Whitney Portal board from 10 days ago:
http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum ... #Post90044" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I would assume most of the east side of Kearsage Pass should be clear by now, after another two weeks of heat.

The further south you go the less snow there is. CDEC report says South Sierra was 16% of average for the date on May 4 and still melting fast (even faster than Spring 2007). It looks like we are set for hot weather to continue for the next two weeks, so I'm now getting quite worried about skeeters for my Yosemite trip over Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for the link Tim, that pretty well covers Onion Valley for sure. The view from the pass is always awesome but the posted picture is special.

CloudSplitter, an overnighter at Flower Lake with some fishing at Gilbert and Flower Lakes then a dayhike up to Kearesarge Pass and back down might work for you.

CloudSplitter wrote:Thanks guys! This is all great info. From what I've read in other threads there should be some trails accessible through the Sage Flat area though, no?

Sage Flat is a nice way to access the area, although there's a bit of elevation gain to get up to Summit Meadow. From Summit, you can take the PCT north, although there will be snow at Olancha Pass, or continue west and work your way to Monache Meadow, which is quite beautiful before the ATVs and cows arrive.

You guys are great! I'm going to spend Saturday evening finalizing plans. I'll let you guys know by then where I intend to go and post a trip report for sure. Any good early-season day hike suggestions out of Bishop are appreciated as well!

Not sure if this is in the GTWA but you can get into the Freeman Grove up by Ponderosa. Also can access the Needles

CloudSplitter wrote:You guys are great! I'm going to spend Saturday evening finalizing plans. I'll let you guys know by then where I intend to go and post a trip report for sure. Any good early-season day hike suggestions out of Bishop are appreciated as well!

How about Big Pine Creek? This is a good dayhiking or overnight backpacking destination.

jimmeans wrote:

CloudSplitter wrote:You guys are great! I'm going to spend Saturday evening finalizing plans. I'll let you guys know by then where I intend to go and post a trip report for sure. Any good early-season day hike suggestions out of Bishop are appreciated as well!

How about Big Pine Creek? This is a good dayhiking or overnight backpacking destination.

That was my initial plan, Jim. I just thought there may be a bit more snow up that way than Golden Trout though. I've been in from Big Pine Creek a few times, but never overnight. Does anyone have good early season suggestions in there?

I read on the Rock Creek site this morning that Big Pine Lakes #1-2-3 were iced out last weekend. There were no other details about the trail or snow. The guy didn't even say if it was first or secondhand knowledge.

ScoobyMike wrote:Not sure if this is in the GTWA but you can get into the Freeman Grove up by Ponderosa. Also can access the Needles

The hike into the Forks of the Kern and the Little Kern is GTW but that is even further out of his way than Jordan HS.

Hey guys!

I just got back from my trip, thanks again for all your amazing advice. I ended up doing 3 day hikes in the Eastern Sierra, as the lady was cold just sleeping in my apartment in SF (and the Blackrock mtn. road was still closed at the end of my trip).

-First hike was to George Lake up above Lake Sabrina (near Bishop). We encountered snow at about 9,000 feet.

-Second hike was up to Second Lake from the Big Pine Creek trailhead. If I'd known all the amazing camping spots available up in that basin I would have likely given it a shot. No real snow to speak of even up at 10,000 feet and amazing views of Temple Crag.

Here's a link to a shot of Second Lake/Temple Crag:


-Third hike we explored the Golden Trout Wilderness a bit out of the Horshoe Meadows/Cottonwood Lakes trailhead. I was stunned at how little snow there was up there as well, nothing that impacted any of the hiking we did (mostly just down towards Golden Trout Camp and back).


Anyway, thanks again for all of your information and I look forward to discussing the Sierra with you guys moving forward!

-Adam