High Sierra Topix

I am mainly asking, but can share from my phone call with a ranger at White Mt. in Bishop that yes, as per the USFS News Release of 7/31, the trail is reported to be very difficult for backpacking (and of course closed to stock), and the trailhead parking is now down the road a small distance. And of course, no $$ for any trail work to happen this season.

Has anybody been up there since July 28th? (yes they have had more rain the last couple days, but probably too soon to ask if anybody has been there next week)

Taboose has always been described as an adventure anyway, but that aspect of the challenge we figure we're up to. In a typical year or even a dry one like this year, is there water in Taboose Creek and maybe even camping options on the way up?

Any info appreciated.

Rich wrote:
Taboose has always been described as an adventure anyway, but that aspect of the
challenge we figure we're up to. In a typical year or even a dry one like this year, is
there water in Taboose Creek and maybe even camping options on the way up?

There will be no issues with water, Taboose Creek will be running. There are a few sites
on the way up, one is in the forested section on your left as you ascend and good for
someone who may have gotten a late start or planned to wait till the late afternoon, then
there is then main campsite area which is around 9600 ft with several small places right
by the trail also on your left with the creek near by. The third is a little over the 10000
ft level where on sees a small area with some trees and bushes to ones left off the trail
a bit, there are some sites in this island between the rocks.
Make sure you get an early start which probably the most important info one should know
concerning this Sierra treadmill, besides being in good shape, and knowing everyone's
issues with altitude if any.

I returned earlier in the week from Taboose pass. The Conservation Corps had a crew working on the eastern side the whole time I was up there, loping brush away from the trail and repairing washouts on the upper section. Now a hiker can actually hike the trail, using trekking poles because of the brush clearance so late season travelers on this trail will be rewarded as will those planning on this trail next year. But remember, it still is Taboose, and retains it's basic rustic character despite the improvements.

"True that" for the trail crew and maintenance. My guess is that the "not maintained for 50 years" you hear about Taboose was not broken just this year, either. As for Cartridge Pass - we can talk about that later.

Our "early start" was only 11:20 AM (earlier than noon!), and we were already figuring on camping along Taboose Creek and breaking that Sierra Treadmill in two. We spied the trail crew's equipment along the leg south of the creek as we finally admitted it was raining and donned rain gear and pack covers. Before the rain, some clouds and breeze spared us the super hot punishment we deserved for starting so late with it 90 degrees in Big Pine...

So that was 9/14 and we did camp at the trailside lodging just south of the creek before the second main Taboose crossing and few switchbacks up to the "main camp" of which Maverick spoke. We figured the trail crew were all up there anyway, and still we did get a chance to thank them the next day.

If "being in good shape" can be qualified with "for approaching 60", then we didn't so much break that advice, except for my being at about 85% on the mend from a cold (which Julie did sadly get nailed by after we were over the pass, and no no no, she is not "approaching 60" - she is ageless). As for altitude issues, we did take an extra high-altitude day at Bishop Creek before the trip, and my usual first night headache may have been a tiny bit milder than usual thanks to that?

Our timing did enjoy the great shape of the repaired trail for the most-important top part, and close to two weeks later hiking out, the brush trimming for the entire trail was great since day one over the top (9/25) was incredibly windy (destabilizingly windy), and the next day down from the "dry camp" (with the striking huge pine tree - closer to the lowest creek crossing south to north, but still too far up the trail to just run down to gather water easily) was snowy and it was nice to not be rubbing elbows with so many snow-filled bushes.

About the only other thing I can think to mention about Taboose is that it has plenty of wild and crazy geological rocky type stuff going on for it. Rock Hounds really need to go barking up this pass! But as Freestone says, it's still a fairly rustic old trail. You've got to keep an eye on it in lots of places to avoid twisting an ankle, etc.