Kearsarge Pass/Rixford or Equivalent
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:42 am
I'm looking to check out Kearsarge Pass next week (06/09/15-06/11/15) and perhaps throw in Rixford. I've read it is all Class 1-2 up Rixford which I'm comfortable with but my concern is snow. I've used spikes before and that is about it. I've checked the reports (PCTers post, weather sites, etc.) and have only found that Kearsarge is clear with some possible light snow this weekend and rain but I've yet to find anything on Rixford. Any info would be greatly appreciated. The plan is to:
Day 1: Backpack to the lakes below Kearsarge, setup camp and enjoy the day. Perhaps check out the pass.
Day 2: Rixford.
Day 3: Head home.
My questions would be these:
1) What are the current conditions on Rixford?
2) Is it an easy climb even with light snow?
3) The surrounding lakes (Gilbert, Flower, Matlock, etc.), will they have snow? My concern is that I want to backpack in but only have 3-season gear.
4) If snow is not an issue around the lakes any recommendations?
Since this is my first request (I did the "lurker" response but don't know how to link that) here's my basic info:
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
-Level 2.5 - A lot of hiking/mountain running, a few backpacking trips, mainly trails with some XC in groups and solo
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 1-2 - I'm fairly certain I've never done Class 3 (at least nothing atop a mountain). XC in groups and solo. No "big" river crossings, microspikes only snow travel, and I'm not sure what "pass" means (listed under Class 3).
What is your main interest? (I arranged them in order of preference)
- Big Mountain scenery
- Lakes
- Forests
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead?
-3 days/2 nights, but could add in a day/night if desired.
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers?
-I'm looking to take it easy, 4-8 miles/day with 4 for harder miles and 8 if they are easy. I hike/run in the mountains/hills almost daily. 500 ft/mile I consider relatively easy, even with a pack, even in altitude.
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which
may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)?
-Loop or out-and-back. This trip seems much more out-and-back though.
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in(Yosemite, SEKI
western sierra start or eastern start ect.)?
-Some friends did Kearsarge last year and it has been on my mind since but I'm open to suggestions, keeping my mileage concerns high on the priority list (I'm running a 33-mile race the preceding Sunday in Big Bear so my legs will be a bit tired).
Will you be hiking with a dog?
-No dog.
Thanks in advance. And of course if you have other equitable options I'm all ears (or eyes as it were).
Day 1: Backpack to the lakes below Kearsarge, setup camp and enjoy the day. Perhaps check out the pass.
Day 2: Rixford.
Day 3: Head home.
My questions would be these:
1) What are the current conditions on Rixford?
2) Is it an easy climb even with light snow?
3) The surrounding lakes (Gilbert, Flower, Matlock, etc.), will they have snow? My concern is that I want to backpack in but only have 3-season gear.
4) If snow is not an issue around the lakes any recommendations?
Since this is my first request (I did the "lurker" response but don't know how to link that) here's my basic info:
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
-Level 2.5 - A lot of hiking/mountain running, a few backpacking trips, mainly trails with some XC in groups and solo
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 1-2 - I'm fairly certain I've never done Class 3 (at least nothing atop a mountain). XC in groups and solo. No "big" river crossings, microspikes only snow travel, and I'm not sure what "pass" means (listed under Class 3).
What is your main interest? (I arranged them in order of preference)
- Big Mountain scenery
- Lakes
- Forests
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead?
-3 days/2 nights, but could add in a day/night if desired.
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers?
-I'm looking to take it easy, 4-8 miles/day with 4 for harder miles and 8 if they are easy. I hike/run in the mountains/hills almost daily. 500 ft/mile I consider relatively easy, even with a pack, even in altitude.
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which
may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)?
-Loop or out-and-back. This trip seems much more out-and-back though.
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in(Yosemite, SEKI
western sierra start or eastern start ect.)?
-Some friends did Kearsarge last year and it has been on my mind since but I'm open to suggestions, keeping my mileage concerns high on the priority list (I'm running a 33-mile race the preceding Sunday in Big Bear so my legs will be a bit tired).
Will you be hiking with a dog?
-No dog.
Thanks in advance. And of course if you have other equitable options I'm all ears (or eyes as it were).