High Sierra Topix

Alright everyone, thanks for helping me in my other post! I'm looking at two loops, one out of Piute Pass in the South Sierra around the Glacier Divide, and one out of Twin Lakes around northern Yosemite. The northern loop is lower elevation, closer to 9-10k at the passes, but looks more forested/shaded, and the southern loop is higher elevation but more exposed. I also recall the south Sierra getting less snow. I haven't been to the Sierra this year and don't have a beta on conditions, and I've actually never been to the Sawtooth/northern Yosemite area so I don't know what to expect even during a normal year. Between those two areas, which do you think will have more agreeable conditions in the next two weeks during this dry, hot summer?

Next two weeks? I'd worry about skeeters more than temps. Assuming you have permits for both.

Both areas will be relatively dry compared to a normal year. Twin Lakes area will have more mosquitoes- more woodsy. It actually is supposed to cool off next week. Piute Pass into Humphreys Basin has more options, better fishing, and choice of either above timber camping or in timber. Personally I would do Piute Pass if I had the permit. But I have been to both. Obviously if you want a new area, pick the one you have not been to. Warmer conditions also means you can take less clothing. But if heat really bothers you, then go to the higher elevations.

Higher altitude usually gives temps 5 or more degrees cooler. This year, remarkably, it is so hot that it is hot even at high temps so I totally identify. I would go to Humphreys And begin my hikes early in the morning and make camp by mid after noon.

Love the Sierra wrote: ↑Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:06 am This year, remarkably, it is so hot that it is hot even at high temps so I totally identify.

I am totally identifying here, as well. Live in Ridgecrest and escaped to the Sierra when we were hitting 118-119 a week, or so, ago. It was cooler for sure, but the amount of relief wasn't nearly what I was desiring, or used to!

ExploreABitMore wrote: ↑Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:33 am

Love the Sierra wrote: ↑Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:06 am This year, remarkably, it is so hot that it is hot even at high temps so I totally identify.

I am totally identifying here, as well. Live in Ridgecrest and escaped to the Sierra when we were hitting 118-119 a week, or so, ago. It was cooler for sure, but the amount of relief wasn't nearly what I was desiring, or used to!

Good that you understood, I meant high altitudes, not high temps!

Given I can't backpack this year, the pool works out well. Simba swims at least twice a day. I do as well. It's fun to just blow the lungs, sit on the bottom and watch him swim over and around me.