R03 TR: Mcgee creek, Rock Creek, Hilton lake 5/5 2018

[overheadx2]

Went up trailer camping to Toms place last weekend and did a few days of day hiking.

Very little to patchy snow from 10k to 10,200'. This is Rock Creek trail just below
the Mono Pass turn off

The beginning of McGee Creek Trail head.

The trail to Hilton Lakes looking back toward toward Morgan Pass.

I believe this is Box lake in Little lakes Valley towards Morgan Pass. As you can see, there was some open water at the inlet. Long lake was almost completely iced over. Snow became pretty consistent after this at 10,300' and I would suggest snowshoes for any thing above that.

All lakes below 10,300' had a lot of open water at the inlet and outlets.
Constant snow past Heart lake on out of Little Lakes Valley, the steelhead lake turnoff at Mcgee creek and the ridge overlooking Hilton Lakes.
Seemed like the perfect time to for newby's to snow camping since the weather was very nice with plenty of snow and longer days to hike around.

Thanks to technology I was even able to return to camp, have a beer and watch the wave pool finals at the campsite.

Phil

[maverick]

Thanks for the update.
Any pictures coming?

[overheadx2]

There you go mav

[Jason]

That looks like a good time. I'm not much for winter explorations in the mountains, so seeing this is pretty exciting. The season is upon us!

[maverick]

There you go mav

Garcias, nice photos!
I see you were roughing it.

[overheadx2]

Yep, that's as close to winter camping as I get.I hiked the grand canyon last February and I found that I'm pretty delicate, being holed up in a sleeping bag for 12 hours wasn't my thing. I could probably do it now with the longer days and slightly warmer temps in the evenings. Nice little set up for late fall and winter snow shoeing and skiing treks to the bishop and Yosemite areas.

[maverick]

I hiked the grand canyon last February and I found that I'm pretty delicate, being holed up in a sleeping bag for 12 hours wasn't my thing.

More like 14 hrs in the Sierra, which is why I'll go in May for photo's with snow, longer days, warmer temp, and no need to melt snow for water.