Best Alternatives to the Sierras

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becomingamountainman

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Jun 13, 2017
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9
Hi all,
I have been planning a trip to on High Sierra Route but the snow is ruining my trip. I can't go any later then 3rd week of August but still want to do 7 days, at least 100 miles. Anyone have any suggestions within 10 hours drive from Los Angeles?

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Are you sure that the trail will be impassable due to snow by the third week of August? I see that the snowpack is still above average, but 2 full months seems like adequate time for it to clear off. I'd bet it'll be clear or mostly clear by the time you plan on going.
 
If there is still snow in August you can get by with the right gear and skills.

I went last June and encountered a lot of snow. The biggest recommendation that I can give is know how to navigate without seeing a trail and don't skimp on ice ax and crampons.

You can read my trip report here :

http://www.cattywampur.com/2016/06/11/high-sierra-trail-to-mt-whitney-introduction/

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becomingamountainman said:
Hi all,
I have been planning a trip to on High Sierra Route but the snow is ruining my trip. I can't go any later then 3rd week of August but still want to do 7 days, at least 100 miles. Anyone have any suggestions within 10 hours drive from Los Angeles?

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Click to expand...

Head for the CDT in Colorado. There's a lot of it and it's all killer.:dance:
 
I have had numerous backpacking trips around Mammoth along the John Muir trail, many in big snow years. I have always done them in late July and August. Mammoth is only 5-6 hours from LA.
 
Mike Jones said:
If there is still snow in August you can get by with the right gear and skills.

I went last June and encountered a lot of snow. The biggest recommendation that I can give is know how to navigate without seeing a trail and don't skimp on ice ax and crampons.

You can read my trip report here :

http://www.cattywampur.com/2016/06/11/high-sierra-trail-to-mt-whitney-introduction/

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Click to expand...
I'd be fine with this, but don't think my wife would enjoy it. She can handle backpacking, but not if we have enough snow that we need ice axe. I have no issue with navigation though

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Jackson said:
Are you sure that the trail will be impassable due to snow by the third week of August? I see that the snowpack is still above average, but 2 full months seems like adequate time for it to clear off. I'd bet it'll be clear or mostly clear by the time you plan on going.
Click to expand...
Trying to plan a backup plan just in case. I'm not sure
 
gnwatts said:
I have had numerous backpacking trips around Mammoth along the John Muir trail, many in big snow years. I have always done them in late July and August. Mammoth is only 5-6 hours from LA.
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I did thousand island via high Sierra, garnet, and the rest to lake Ediza, the minarettes cascading waterfall (to a set of lakes that I forget what they were called). We ended at Devil's postpile. What did you like the best in that area?

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This hike I have done in pieces. You can start from Agnews meadows, follow the pacific crest trail, along the San Joaquin River, to the John Muir trail, then I would hang a left to see Duck Lake,worth the side trip. Back to the John Muir Trail to Purple lake, Not one of my favorites, but you can hang a left and visit Ram Lakes, my favorite lakes in the area, amazing camp spots (most of my trips I followed the John Muir back to Duck Pass Trailhead near Lake Mary). But 1 trip, we kept on the John Muir, past Lake Virginia (this is where my memory gets a little hazy), to Fish Creek follow Fish Creek up and over McGee Pass, it follows McGee Creek to McGee Creek road. I have no idea how far this is, it has been 25 years since I was there. You can also start at the Duck Pass trailhead and access the John Muir trail.
 
I'll be heading into the Sierras on July the 6th, snow be damned (famous last words). :) My concern is crossing the Middle Fork of the Kings River. If I am unable to cross then I will alter my route accordingly.
 
Its too early to change plans yet. We are having a good heat wave in the Sierra right now. Like the wicked witch said...I'm melting:hot:

Give it some time. I like to follow the Whitney portal store message board for general info on the mid sierra conditions. They are reporting snow starting above Lone Pine Lake right now which is 10,300 ft. That should change a lot after this weekends heat wave.

tv
 
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