High Sierra Topix

I believe Tehipite Valley is a steep "U" shaped valley, due to the glaciation.

Yes, definitely U-shaped (V-shaped further upstream, though; maybe that's what vandman had in mind?). But Vandman is right about it not being particularly meadowy; there are broad sandy sparsely-vegetated flats in the Valley. There is at least one endemic species, Streptanthus fenestratus (Tehipite Valley Jewelflower).

The one species I can guarantee you'll see is Toxicodendron diversilobium.


Edit: here's a (not necessarily comprehensive0 species list from the CalFlora database.

It's a steeeeep U shape more like a UV, you'll see when you get there. Not near as wide as Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite or South Fork of Kings Canyon. Not enough room for concession stands or tour buses.
Here's a pic for inspiration. Taken at the widest point in the valley, in the morning, with the tripod planted in the middle of the middle fork, with trout nibbling at my toes.

More inspiration, from the rim Where the trail meets the river And on the valley floor in the main part of Tehipite Valley

Tehipite Dome in the evening from the NW rim. Vintage Fuji Velvia chrome shot in 1987.

Tehipite Dome from the Little Tehipite area. A little to the west from here, there is a natural definitive line where the rock changes from white granite to orange metamorphic foothill rock. I brought a mask and snorkel with me on this trip and swam with many big trout in the green pools of The Kings. A bit like paradise.

Thanks to all (vandman, lambertiana, Tehipite Tom) for the beautiful pictures and the inspirational comments. And special thanks to Tehipite Tom for the Cal Flora link. Wow. Tehipite Valley jewelflower!!! I definately am a jewelflower fan, and have seen several endemic ones (Mt. Diablo being one).

As far as the shape of the canyon, I was only referring to the general concept that canyons formed by large glaciers are usually referred to as being "U" shaped; canyons formed by erosion (downcutting) are normally referred to as "V" shaped. Thats how Muir got it over on Whitney.

Needless to say, as all the pictures show, its going to be a butt-kicking descent/ascent and I am lookinng forward to exploring the habitats.