High Sierra Topix

Hi Cdib,

Welcome to HST!

Bottom line, is that any way you go, you will be on snow on the passes in early June. Wait until mid-July, and not the same problem. I personally would be more worried about river crossings. Definitely avoid peak flows and be willing to turn around and retreat if needed.

Don't forget the skeeterz, they will be out in force too in June and July.

Wandering Daisy wrote:Doing his (Tom's) suggested loop out of Leavitt Meadows adds a lot of extra miles, and cannot be as easily done in seven days. I am not sure this really solves anything.

I guess we have to disagree on this one my friend. I know you hate that trail due to the sand and the cattle droppings. It is true that it adds miles, however for someone without snow experience, covering more miles on ground that is both flat and dry can be a lot easier than shorter but steeper ascents on snow (assuming snow is still present-which may not be the case). If he has the capacity for doing a lot of miles on flat dry ground, I think it is a viable alternative. I agree that if the destination is the same, the condition of the remaining passes will not change.

1982 saw a very heavy snowpack. I had a Kennedy Meadows to Twin Lakes trip with participants planned. Sonora Pass was still closed and the backcountry reportedly still deep in snow at the end of May. My boss and I flew his Cessna over all of Emigrant and Hoover. Everything was still completely covered except the route from Leavitt up Kirkwood and down Buckeye, which was all snow free. We drove around on Hwy 4 and returned via a just opened Sonora Pass in mid-June. I know that doesn't get him to where he wants to go in the backcountry, but it's the general area. The route does change from a loop to point to point.

Entry at Buckeye is one of my least favorite places, but it does get one into the area with less snow in late spring. So doing a lollipop out of Buckeye might be considered if there is still snow.

Hopefully, though, the snow will be gone and he can execute his original route.

It is approximately 22 miles, +5300 feet from Leavitt TH to the same place just west of Peeler Lake, that is 7.5 miles and +2700 feet from Twin Lakes. That, to me, makes no sense. The more relevant alternative is from Buckeye. However, the creek crossing is difficult early (waist deep the last time I did it). If you can instead start on the north side of the creek, then OK, but it may be private land. Tom, maybe you could shed some light on that. From Buckeye TH it is 13 miles, 2560 gain. I have been up Buckeye several times, and the lower part is quite scenic. Past the junction with the trial from Kirkwood Pass, not so much so.

I stand by my statement that it is best to do it from Twin Lakes, but just later in the year.