High Sierra Topix

Thanks but that isn't very helpful, no I can't wait longer because I am flying out to visit my dad in California, for 2 weeks on Thursday. The time is already set.

But yeah so what do you think of that route?

I think there will still be a lot of snow above 10,000 feet--and sawtooth pass is 11,600.

Most of the previous suggestions have been for routes that are at lower elevations--because at this time of the year, there's still a lot of snow up high. Picking a different route at high elevation isn't going to change that.

Well when I looked at the maps on some of the other areas suggested like SEKI a lot still crossed 10,000 feet around sometime. But I am considering Dinkey Lakes like windknot suggested, and I figure as long as we stay below 9,000-10,000 ft. we shouldn't encounter any troublesome snow. Also, what should we pack as far as clothing? I mean obviously a raincoat, but like will a raincoat and a REI marmot "fleece" top be enough as far as jackets and stuff goes?

And I made a map of a possible route. It doesn't include possible day hikes, just a main route, and it's not above 10,000 feet. Some parts are around 9,000 but we can always change stuff. Sorry, I'm new at all of this lol, and thanks for all the advice and patience. I figure this route is maybe somewhere around 12 miles?? And with day hikes to the lakes and stuff several more.
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This looks like a more reasonable route for a first trip into the SIerra. ANd I htink you are right---it looks like you should be able to go up the west face of the Mt. in the middle there, and that would make a nice adventure for one of the days.

As for clothing---I bring an underarmor long sleeved shirt to sleep in--but it can also be worn if it get really cold. And then a short sleeved hiking shirt for most days---and a fleece, and a very light rain shell. That means that when it gets really cold, I will be wearing all four, but most of the time it's a combination of one or two...

And be prepared for bugs. Bring some DEET and maybe even a head net...

If all else fails and u r heading to Dinkey area or Edison...you have to go right by the Ranger Station in Prather on 168. U'll need a permit anyway. Stop in and ask if they have any intel on snow conditions. Remember, Doyle did the Pioneer Basin trip early season and seemed to be ok due to it being a south facing terrain.
Good Luck.

ltkenbo - The Dinkey Lakes area is a beautful place, no doubt you'll really enjoy it with your Dad. Your route looks like a nice trip with plenty to see (Cliff Lake is really nice). Have a great time.

Thanks guys, do you think it's worth it to send $5 in the mail to register ahead of time? Do you think the trails will fill up?

Anyone? And also do you think we should head up the day before and stay somewhere (my dad lives down in Temecula near San Diego) or leave at like midnight and drive all night?

Go up the day before. It's no fun to hike on three hours of sleep. Dinkey Lakes won't be an exhausting trip, but start out with a good night's sleep, and a chance to get acclimated a bit to eht elevation. It will make a big difference on the first day's hike