High Sierra Topix

Just got back from a quick trip from Sawmill Pass Trailhead over Sawmill Pass, Coliseum Col, Pinchot Pass, and Taboose Pass and then down to the Taboose Pass Trailhead. A full trip report is here:

https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2019/06/ ... ass-trail/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2019/06/ ... lus-three/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2019/06/ ... ass-trail/

No mosquitoes. Lots of snow. It's solid starting at 9800 feet in Sawmill and big snowfields in Taboose starting at 9200. And nearly everything in between those passes is socked in, too. Most streams still completely closed, and most lakes just starting to open.

This was my first experience with extreme postholing and I now understand why everyone hates it so much (duh!).

The lower Taboose Creek crossing is thigh deep and fast, and the runout there is pretty bad, but it was (just barely) in my comfort zone for a solo hike. I crossed right upstream of the submerged log that is normally used.

Some photos from the trip:


Sawmill Pass Trailhead


Sawmill Lake


Sawmill Pass


Woods Lake basin


Mount Cedric Wright and Coliseum Col (far right)


Looking north from Coliseum Col


Pinchot Pass


Taboose Pass


Sunrise from Taboose Pass

I enjoyed reading your report. Thanks for posting!

Very beautiful, and that is a lot of snow. You made good time considering all the post holing! The sun cups don't look too bad yet....

Wow, beautiful pictures!

I've been down Sawmill only once and that was in a dry September. That lake was half empty and lumber in the foreground of your image was fully exposed and dry. Very different look. It's a pass I told myself I'd never do again, but with conditions like you show it doesn't look so unpleasant and hot.

Great sunrise on Taboose. Makes me want to get out west earlier than I have planned this summer, but I've seen the 2017 snow first hand in early season. The photos are great, the potholing is how you pay for the special scenery

Thank you guys!

DO NOT POSTHOLE IN THE SKIN TRACK!!111

(In all seriousness, awesome pics, great report )

I know, I know. I was desperate!

I really enjoy your trip reports, and I like the layout of your website. Your recent report is great intel. Your efforts are appreciated!

Such a great write up! Thank you so much Not only was the writing great, but the photos, too. Beautiful! And they really help get a sense of conditions more so than satellite images or pics from previous snow years. If you need a hiking buddy around San Diego, I'm always game.