Tehipite from the East or West?

[milescarlile]

What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 3- Numerous backpacking trips, some x-country travel

What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Easy Class 3 terrain/pass/x-country

What is your main interest?
- Tehipite Valley!

When is your trip?
- July - September (flexible)

How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead?
- No more than 8 days

Hey All,
It’s that time of year again when I’m planning my next big Sierra backpacking trip. I’ve had my eye on tehipite valley for multiple years, and I would love for this year to be the year I finally make it happen. Looking at most recent trip reports it seems trails into the valley either from the east or west have not been maintained in years. Reports discuss lots of downed trees, disappearing trails, ect. I would still like to give it a shot as I doubt any maintenance will occur on those trails in the next few years, especially considering recent funding cuts for land management agencies. I am hoping some of you may be able to help me answer the questions below, as this community is the most hardcore group of Sierra backpackers on the internet!

Has anyone been to Tehipite Valley last season? What were the conditions like? From which direction did you get there?

What are the conditions typically like (water crossings, temps, bugs ect) in July vs later in the season?

I am considering entering TV from the east to avoid the steep drop from rancheria trailhead. Anyone had experience with accessing TV from Bishop pass?

Thank you

[c9h13no3]

Where you're driving from and when you're going would decide it for me. If I lived in Reno, I certainly wouldn't drive around to the West side, for example.

Rancheria/Crown/Spanish will be a better shoulder season choice. But it's lower, a lot of forest walking. Bishop Pass has much better scenery on the way, but could be a challenge early & late season. Copper Creek wouldn't be a horrible start either, if you want to see some new terrain.

[maverick]

Even though it is right outside of your September limit, you might consider this: viewtopic.php?t=23973
Also, use the search feature in the Trip Report section to view some reports from TV.

Here is one from last year: viewtopic.php?p=186428&hilit=R04+R01+Te ... ey#p186428