4 Day Trip - 4th of July

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rrivera
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4 Day Trip - 4th of July

Post by rrivera »

I am planning to do a 4 day trip over 4th of July (4 days, 3 nights) in the Sierras and would like to be at a high elevation but given the snowpack this year going up to 10,000 ft probably will not happen this early w/out an axe and crampons which I prefer not to do. I would really appreciate any trip recommendations that folks have.
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markskor
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Re: 4 Day Trip - 4th of July

Post by markskor »

From many past year's experience...by July 4th, the Sierra snowpack will be mostly gone, even at higher altitudes. There maybe a few stretches - (~100 yards or so, north facing canyons) – some snow crossings, but, for the most part, these should not be any impediment to any conceived trip…without using crampons. When it starts heating up… the snow melts off fast...unless, of course, we have a terrible late-spring dump.

So...go…make plans…and post a trip report here, afterwards.
Expect mosquitos’ aplenty, fields of wild flowers, high stream fordings, spectacular fishing, cool nights, and a great time, anywhere Sierra from Whitney to Tahoe…12,000 ft and below...IE - Perfect.
Mountainman who swims with trout
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SPeacock
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Re: 4 Day Trip - 4th of July

Post by SPeacock »

Southern eastern Sierra, Lone Pine: Start at 10,000 at Horseshoe Meadows -- it will be snow free. The trail head is at red 'x'

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36. ... &layer=DRG

You have two options the more direct route is over New Army Pass (12,200+). You can expect quite a bit of snow near the top of the pass, but much better going up it than down it. Or you can just laze around in the two basins that include South Lake and Cottonwood Lakes. They will be snow free for the most part... maybe a berm or few to cross getting there.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36. ... &layer=DRG

You should be snow free to 11,000' .

The other option is around a lower pass -- Cottonwood Pass

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36. ... &layer=DRG

skirting north of Sieberian Outpost to Rock Creek (other side of Army Pass) and then into Mitre area. If you come across too much snow you can always earlier head south a bit below Cottownwood Pass through Big Whitney Meadows toward Boreal Plateau and Rocky Basin/Johnson Lakes

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36. ... &layer=DRG

Other thought is from Bishop up from South Creek into either Long Lake (another one) below Bishop Pass. The pass, although clogged with snow then, is passable with kick stepping but and might be an adventure. The lower lakes north of Long Lake are nice to visit and hang out.

That trail is my favorite spring day hike. Beautiful.

Another thought if you want to stay mobile every day, is to do Cottonwood Lakes, Shepherd Pass trail (it is just off road to Onion Valley) out of Independence,

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36. ... &layer=DRG

Bishop Pass Trail head,

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=37. ... &layer=DRG

as separate day hikes, camping down low in one of the campgrounds. With the run off from the snow pack, the falls and view going up the Shepherd Pass trail would be spectacular. I'd guess Mahogany Flats would have little snow if you want to lug a tent and bag there. Unless you are going on up over the pass, it is a better day hike.

On the western Sierra, Bearpaw Meadows from Crescent Meadows would be a good walk in. You would find out right away how the snow cover is. You can hang out at Bearpaw and take in the sights up to Hamilton, or Tamarac Lakes. This is a low(er) altitude trail up until Hamilton Lake.
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SPeacock
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Re: 4 Day Trip - 4th of July

Post by SPeacock »

And, Oh Yeah!

Independence CA celebrates 4th of July with a bang. The city was named after a war ship, but that doesn't slow them down a bit.

Pie and ice cream used to be free in the park. They have bar b ques going all over the place. Great place to be in between hikes -- if you can get a room.

They have a rodeo up there on a date, I always remember after its happened.
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pvalovich
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Re: 4 Day Trip - 4th of July

Post by pvalovich »

Shepherd Pass -
Night 1: Anvil Camp
Night 2/ Day 3: Upper Kern - anywhere you like - it's all spectacular
Night 3: Pothole below Shepherd Pass
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