Short Trip to Rock Creek and around the Eastern Sierra

[Harlen]

We shared the amazing Eastern Sierra country with an old friend from Tasmania. We left the coast on March 12, and made the very long drive to the Eastern Sierra, crossing under immense snow drifts by Carson Pass, and spending the first night on the south side of Mono Lake. The next day we obtained a Wilderness Permit from the self-issue box outside the Mammoth Lakes Ranger Station, and headed up to the Little Lakes Valley.

We could only drive the Rock Creek road to a closed gate around the Palisade Campground, which gave us a 4 mile ski on the icy road up to Mosquito Flat. A late start, and an Aussie who had never donned xc skis before, made for a camp not far from the MF summer trailhead. We woke early, skied a long day, and came out in the evening, very happy to get warm again in the Keough Hot Springs. Tough skiing on breakable crust, but really fine weather, and we were alone up there the entire day. We spent our last night in the Alabama Hills to enjoy the morning light on the Muir Crest.

Mono Lake.

A LOT of snow around Mount Morrisson!

Lizzie and friends heading into Little Lakes Valley.

Me and Bearzy.

Very early to be skiing up for a photo- I froze my face!

Wolfie!

The great cliffs above Ruby Lake in the distance.

Heading down, light packs, heavy pulks.

Above Rock Lake.

Sunrise from Alabama Hills above Lonepine.

We envied our traveling friend who is seeing this country for the first time.

[zacjust32]

Great trip! That shot of Mount Morrisson is amazing!

[Harlen]

Thanks Zac,

Yes, it was very nice to be there, but I am keen to go on a longer trip. Do you know Convict Creek well Zac? I am interested in ski touring all around the upper basins, but my memory- and the map tells me that it is likely to be avalanche risky until later in the spring. Unfortunately, so is Magee Canyon's upper basin. It was very easy to stay safe in Little Lakes Valley/Rock Creek.

[DAVELA]

Beautiful pics....always looking heavenly up there.