Hi All - I'm looking to get some advice on a trip:
I plan to do 6 days, 5 nights, in a loop from Hetch Hetchy to Jack Main Canyon area and back during the second week in May 2011. I've spoken to a ranger and understand that snow will be something to expect. My group (4-8 people) are all Minnesotans and we enjoy the cold! We also have no problem with snowshoes and snow camping.
However, despite our temperament, I'm concerned that my planned route would simply be inaccessible due to deep snow, bridge outages, or heavy currents. Although it's hard to predict at this time, can anyone comment further on what to expect? What type of winter has it been out there so far? Is the Wapama falls bridge really not crossable even for able-bodied men? If we have a map/compass and the trails are generally there, we can still cross-country, right?
Thanks for the advice, Max
The Moon is Waxing Crescent (39% of Full)
Re: Backpacking Hetch Hetchy in May
All posts are those of the individual authors and the owner
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January 02, 2011 06:01PM |
January 02, 2011 06:17PM |
Here's a photo with the trail drawn in that I took from just below Ardeth
just around Memorial day a few years ago (2008):
just around Memorial day a few years ago (2008):
January 03, 2011 08:13AM |
To give you another idea...
Here's the spot where the trail will def. be under water.
This was JULY 2, 2006:
I'd expect this or worse... if you decide to slosh your way this far and haven't given up.
Paradise Valley's trail is risen... but there will be streams flowing across..
Good luck... or wait until later in the year
(I've contemplated bringing a boat to cross 7643)
(but then again... people who really know me.... know I have all kinds of kookie ideas)
Here's the spot where the trail will def. be under water.
This was JULY 2, 2006:
I'd expect this or worse... if you decide to slosh your way this far and haven't given up.
Paradise Valley's trail is risen... but there will be streams flowing across..
Good luck... or wait until later in the year
(I've contemplated bringing a boat to cross 7643)
(but then again... people who really know me.... know I have all kinds of kookie ideas)
February 02, 2011 12:21AM |
Quote
bill-e-g
(I've contemplated bringing a boat to cross 7643)
(but then again... people who really know me.... know I have all kinds of kookie ideas)
Every time I hike or backpacked near lakes, I always wish that I had a trail boat with me; I could probably spend extra days in the same area just dragging the boat around exploring all of the ponds/lakes.
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
February 02, 2011 12:45AM |
February 02, 2011 07:39AM |
Quote
eeek
Quote
Bee
Every time I hike or backpacked near lakes, I always wish that I had a trail boat with me;
You probably wouldn't wish that on the hike up the hill to get to said lakes.
It's not that heavy. A number of pictures here were taken on my "Boatin' Branigans" little trip.
But not this one:
With the boat you can avoid some nasties, have a lot of fun, hit an island without getting your feets wet, etc.
Saved me a lot of time checking off Upper Penn. last year.
February 02, 2011 07:53AM |
February 02, 2011 01:55PM |
Quote
hotrod4x5
Boats on a backpacking trip? How big are they? What do they weight? Got a link to a product page?
Heck ya! Been doing it for years and years. Boated a large number of lakes in NW Yose:
Kibbie, Eleanor, Gravel Pit, Laurel, Vernon, Branigans (all 3), Many Island, Mercur,
Otter, Peninsula... to name a few...
You can see the boat in the picture above...
Loads of fun. Sevylor Trail Boat - < 4 lbs. with oars. Unfortunately you can't find them anymore.
For some reason... just last year, Sevylor quit selling them. Bummer b/c they work just great for lakes.
Now the only thing I can find is a boat that is 4x what the Seylor cost.
Flytepacker Packraft
Talked a little about boats here too:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,26350,26350#msg-26350
Have fun
February 02, 2011 09:55PM |
Quote
AlmostThere
Do searches on pack rafts, or pack rafting. Lots of people doing it, a few packable options available.
There may be a lot of people doing it... but I think you should strike the "a" from the sentence above.
Alpacka, Flyweight, ... and... I couldn't find any others... please amuse me.
(I'm serious!) Flyweight is 3 bills.... Alpacka is > 4 bills... Sevylor... < 1 bills... but not available anymore.
(I need a new boat) (mine has a small problem... )
February 02, 2011 10:00PM |
February 02, 2011 10:10PM |
Cool! I love the picture of The Bird at the helm (he should be facing the other direction so he can bee one of those ornaments)
Do you have any peek-chures of your pack with the boat in it (did it take much room?)
As far as weight goes, after toting 4 Larries of water up to Whitney Summit, I am sure that I am up for anything kooky.
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2011 10:11PM by Bee.
Do you have any peek-chures of your pack with the boat in it (did it take much room?)
As far as weight goes, after toting 4 Larries of water up to Whitney Summit, I am sure that I am up for anything kooky.
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2011 10:11PM by Bee.
February 02, 2011 10:43PM |
Have pictures taken while in boat with pack in it. But this one is much better that
was taken by "Rocky the pinecone". It's bill-e on Otter Lake:
(typically he will take off his shoes in case something really bad would happen)
(in the background is Tower Peak)
Pretty much what we did was we got to the lake and we jumped in boat with our
gear and paddled around to where we were gonna setup camp.
(thus why we're in the boat with all our gear)
The other people... they walked around to the campsite area...
was taken by "Rocky the pinecone". It's bill-e on Otter Lake:
(typically he will take off his shoes in case something really bad would happen)
(in the background is Tower Peak)
Pretty much what we did was we got to the lake and we jumped in boat with our
gear and paddled around to where we were gonna setup camp.
(thus why we're in the boat with all our gear)
The other people... they walked around to the campsite area...
February 19, 2011 08:45PM |
Quote
chick-on
Have pictures taken while in boat with pack in it. But this one is much better that
was taken by "Rocky the pinecone". It's bill-e on Otter Lake:
(typically he will take off his shoes in case something really bad would happen)
(in the background is Tower Peak)
Pretty much what we did was we got to the lake and we jumped in boat with our
gear and paddled around to where we were gonna setup camp.
(thus why we're in the boat with all our gear)
The other people... they walked around to the campsite area...
That is so cool. I need to do this sometime soon. I've never even heard of "pack" boats like this.
February 28, 2011 03:04PM |
Before photoshopping:
April 27, 2011 04:11PM |
Quote
chick-on
Have pictures taken while in boat with pack in it. But this one is much better that
was taken by "Rocky the pinecone". It's bill-e on Otter Lake:
(typically he will take off his shoes in case something really bad would happen)
April 27, 2011 05:22PM |
April 28, 2011 07:20AM |
Mr. President,
It is nice to know there are crazier people out there than me.
The review should have been titled "how to ruin your boat".
or "I used it 3 times and then threw it down a cliff".
They don't make the boat anymore. Perhaps they kept changing
it some (since two of the reviews whine about the oars, which
are anything but flimsy on my model).
Probably plenty of people out there doing this sort of thing, but
not in the Sevylor... did enjoy the video though, looks like his
buddy has a FlytePacker.
It is nice to know there are crazier people out there than me.
The review should have been titled "how to ruin your boat".
or "I used it 3 times and then threw it down a cliff".
They don't make the boat anymore. Perhaps they kept changing
it some (since two of the reviews whine about the oars, which
are anything but flimsy on my model).
Probably plenty of people out there doing this sort of thing, but
not in the Sevylor... did enjoy the video though, looks like his
buddy has a FlytePacker.
|
Re: Backpacking Hetch Hetchy in May April 28, 2011 06:01PM |
Quote
plawrence
Here's a short video of the Sevylor Trail Boat in action, courtesy of an Amazon.com reviewer:
Amazon.com: Sevylor Inflatable Trail Boat (Customer Review)
That guy must have brass ones. I took a larger Sevylor across the Colorado last month, and it was the first thing thrown in the garbage at the end of the hike. Still water might be one thing, but the raft sagged a little bit too much for comfort (for me) to be in a current.
Will it float? by urbandispute, on Flickr
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2011 06:13PM by bbb.
April 28, 2011 07:23PM |
April 28, 2011 07:37PM |
February 02, 2011 10:46PM |
Thanks. I did see NSR before.
Hadn't see the other one though... but dang, that's heavy... getting to be too much there IMO.
Maybe I nixed all the others so far b/c flyweight was the cheapest and lightest...
I'd already have one... but they were out of stock for a couple months now.
Anyway, many thanks.
Hadn't see the other one though... but dang, that's heavy... getting to be too much there IMO.
Maybe I nixed all the others so far b/c flyweight was the cheapest and lightest...
I'd already have one... but they were out of stock for a couple months now.
Anyway, many thanks.
January 03, 2011 01:49PM |
January 03, 2011 02:01PM |
Here's another photo for you to contemplate:
This is the view from Forsyth Peak. Again JULY (I think 4th) of 2006.
On the left you can hopefully see Tilden Lake (it's frozen). On the right is Grace Meadow. In the middle is Keyes Peak.
If you compare the 2006 snow pack to the 2011 closer to May... you'll be able to get an idea of what to expect in more clarity.
This is the view from Forsyth Peak. Again JULY (I think 4th) of 2006.
On the left you can hopefully see Tilden Lake (it's frozen). On the right is Grace Meadow. In the middle is Keyes Peak.
If you compare the 2006 snow pack to the 2011 closer to May... you'll be able to get an idea of what to expect in more clarity.
January 03, 2011 02:04PM |
January 04, 2011 07:23AM |
Max,
Was gonna mention a few other things... but then remembered someone asked about
similar things on another forum... you should really read this thread:
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1169
Thing to bear in mind is that going earlier doesn't nec. make it not doable. Water may
not actually be as high and snow instead of running water may cover the trail.
Of course you need to be able to navigate over snow with map/compass and be
comfortable w/water crossings. Do what you and your group are comfortable doing.
Another thing to consider is bringing an extra pair of shoes and about 3 pairs of
socks... change into them when wading thru water then change back into dry pair when
safe to do so.
To see the best of JMC you really want to get all the way to Wilma, which in early season
conditions, for a first timer, you should allocate 3 days.
Here's a couple more photos from below Andrews that shows more of the canyon:
(the meadowy area is Paradise Valley... and you can see how the water would be
running thru it)
Good luck
(btw ... been chucking peeps over to this forum b/c I like it way more and it gets way more traffic)
(although it'd be nice if there were more trip reports)
Was gonna mention a few other things... but then remembered someone asked about
similar things on another forum... you should really read this thread:
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1169
Thing to bear in mind is that going earlier doesn't nec. make it not doable. Water may
not actually be as high and snow instead of running water may cover the trail.
Of course you need to be able to navigate over snow with map/compass and be
comfortable w/water crossings. Do what you and your group are comfortable doing.
Another thing to consider is bringing an extra pair of shoes and about 3 pairs of
socks... change into them when wading thru water then change back into dry pair when
safe to do so.
To see the best of JMC you really want to get all the way to Wilma, which in early season
conditions, for a first timer, you should allocate 3 days.
Here's a couple more photos from below Andrews that shows more of the canyon:
(the meadowy area is Paradise Valley... and you can see how the water would be
running thru it)
Good luck
(btw ... been chucking peeps over to this forum b/c I like it way more and it gets way more traffic)
(although it'd be nice if there were more trip reports)
January 04, 2011 09:56AM |
January 04, 2011 09:08PM |
Probably had enough but... Was looking again to see if had better shot of what we
had to go thru thru Paradise Valley... and found this gem:
This is the old guy wading thru a part of the trail that was under water near the isthmus.
I do have shots of Paradise... but they're ho hum compared to the old dude wading pix.
If you do make it to about a mile before Wilma where the river splits in two... it's really sweet there.
Looking downstream:
And here's a video (The Old Dude is hiking towards me on the trail)
Hope you enjoy
(it should be obvious you will need much resolve to get all the way to Wilma...)
(and yes, I have thousands and thousands of pictures)
had to go thru thru Paradise Valley... and found this gem:
This is the old guy wading thru a part of the trail that was under water near the isthmus.
I do have shots of Paradise... but they're ho hum compared to the old dude wading pix.
If you do make it to about a mile before Wilma where the river splits in two... it's really sweet there.
Looking downstream:
And here's a video (The Old Dude is hiking towards me on the trail)
Hope you enjoy
(it should be obvious you will need much resolve to get all the way to Wilma...)
(and yes, I have thousands and thousands of pictures)
January 04, 2011 09:40PM |
January 05, 2011 07:35AM |
Quote
ttilley
Cool pictures!
Question though...does the Old Dude have pictures of you wading through this stuff?
I don't wade thru that stuff.... I go up on the rocks.
Old Dude is like the Little Engine that Could, too busy to take pictures and thinking:
- I did this a "few years ago", I can do it
- What the?!
- He lied to me again! 1 mile, my butt!
- I'm gonna kill him!
- Why do I agree to this?
- mmmm, pillow...
Seriously... OD is pretty awesome. He's OLD. And he just puts one foot in front of the other and
gets er done.
Here's a better one of the canyon taken by Ardeth:
(the lake furthest upper right-ish is Branigan)
January 04, 2011 09:19PM |
Ok, you're bored now.
But... THIS is my favorite video from one of the trips into Jack Main Canyon:
Wildlife in action.
As dangerous as the N. Pacific Rattlesnake, faster than the Mountain Lion,
smarter than a Yosemite Black Bear.
(got nothing on Yosemite though)
But... THIS is my favorite video from one of the trips into Jack Main Canyon:
Wildlife in action.
As dangerous as the N. Pacific Rattlesnake, faster than the Mountain Lion,
smarter than a Yosemite Black Bear.
(got nothing on Yosemite
though)|
Re: Backpacking Hetch Hetchy in May January 05, 2011 07:58AM |
Quote
bill-e-g
Ok, you're bored now.
But... THIS is my favorite video from one of the trips into Jack Main Canyon:
Wildlife in action.
As dangerous as the N. Pacific Rattlesnake, faster than the Mountain Lion,
smarter than a Yosemite Black Bear.
(got nothing on Yosemite
I seen those. Thank goodness for bear canisters, it was a narrow thing, I barely crammed myself inside and I almost couldn't get the lid on before the toad leapt up and -
No, I can't. Too graphic.
January 08, 2011 05:12AM |
January 08, 2011 08:53AM |
January 08, 2011 04:16PM |
January 10, 2011 11:01AM |
Quote
mpuchtel
Bill-e, where exactly is the paradise valley you are describing? I don't see it on my NG map.
I put a photo of it above. That big meadowy area... it's right in Jack Main (not on the way
)Just before the first trail jct. as you head up Canyon... or South of Mahan Lake (not Ardeth).
There is a snow survey meter there... unfortunately it is not working... with it you'd really know what
the condition was (how much snow is still there)... you can look here:
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/snow/current/snow/pillowplots/TuolumneMerced.html
I'm planning on heading in the canyon May 7 so I'll let you know what happens...
(right now... I'm expecting to snowshoe from Beehive up... and am contemplating
bringing Scuba booties) (I'm not kidding)
Have fun
January 10, 2011 01:31PM |
January 11, 2011 06:11PM |
January 11, 2011 07:51PM |
January 27, 2011 09:21PM |
Quote
mpuchtel
Hi All -
The advice so far has been great. However, if I determine later in the season that the conditions in Hetch Hetchy are indeed too unfavorable for my planned trip, what other options would you recommend for that time of year? Either in Yosemite or in the Seirra Nevada?
Thanks, Max
Max, there are loads o places to go in May. You said yourself that you are a survivalist, so
with the right equipment you can go just about anywhere.
But seriously, if you've never been to Yosemite... prolly go up the Happy Isle up the
Merced to Washburn or further... then turn around and come back. Other places are
fine and dandy... but ... that canyon is just spectacular.
As far as Jack Main is concerned... we'll be in there May 7th and report back... only
way not going is if it is gonna be >70% chance o rain. Other than that, we don't care
about the conditions... that's what makes it fun.
Been plenty o other places in the Sierra... Yosemite wins it all for us... so I won't
mention any others...
Have fun
January 27, 2011 09:25PM |
O... and if you haven't seen the Kolana Rock thread... that's Hetch Hetchy...
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,31617
You can see how right now the trails are all def. clear to 6K right now...
but we've really had some GOOFY weather lately... abs. no snow...
and super warm... so it's really impossible to say what the future holds.
And, again, don't count on Wapama Falls bridge being up in May...
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,31617
You can see how right now the trails are all def. clear to 6K right now...
but we've really had some GOOFY weather lately... abs. no snow...
and super warm... so it's really impossible to say what the future holds.
And, again, don't count on Wapama Falls bridge being up in May...
|
Re: Backpacking Hetch Hetchy in May January 29, 2011 11:44AM |
From the yosemite website it seems like the "Happy Isle up the Merced to Washburn" idea isn't accessible (due to the road closures to the trailhead) by early May. That's the main reason I've been planning for Hetch Hetchy: its access at that time and the solitude. I plan to be hiking in on the 8th so maybe we'll see each other.
Like you said, there does seem to be large range of conditions possible. Parts of this post say to expect waist-deep snow and some of your photos show no snow at all right now <6000ft in January. I guess I'll need to wait to assess conditions and therefore plan equipment appropriately.
On another note, do you have any suggestions for snowshoe rental in the area? Perhaps outdoor clubs or outfitters? I don't plan to bring a pair all the way from Chicago.
Like you said, there does seem to be large range of conditions possible. Parts of this post say to expect waist-deep snow and some of your photos show no snow at all right now <6000ft in January. I guess I'll need to wait to assess conditions and therefore plan equipment appropriately.
On another note, do you have any suggestions for snowshoe rental in the area? Perhaps outdoor clubs or outfitters? I don't plan to bring a pair all the way from Chicago.
January 29, 2011 11:55AM |
January 29, 2011 02:01PM |
January 30, 2011 08:38AM |
January 30, 2011 01:29PM |
January 31, 2011 06:32AM |
January 31, 2011 01:14PM |
January 30, 2011 03:11PM |
January 29, 2011 01:54PM |
January 29, 2011 02:35PM |
January 29, 2011 04:41PM |
May 09, 2011 05:21PM |
May 11, 2011 07:42AM |
January 26, 2012 09:50PM |
Quote
jasper286
three of us will attempt the beehive-jmc-wilma-tilltill loop in late april 2012. we are experienced with snowshoeing and backcountry navigation. I am hoping the experience on this forum can answer a few questions:
1. will falls creek after Wilma be crossable in late april? or is it too early to know?
2. pitching a tent on snow vs granite: what is the downside of snow? do you get wet?
3. does a heel lift on snowshoes help? what about lateral crampons?
thanks for any advice!
You may want to just open a new thread.
You want to perhaps read everything in here...
and then also read this:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,35489
You may think that going later is better... well... that's not necessarily true.
There were many instances where on the trip there in early May 2011...
if it would have been later it would have been quite delicious in many places.
I never got my feet wet really and could take advantage of numerous snow
bridges. Getting through Paradise Valley may be a complete nightmare
after the snow bridges are gone (at which point you WILL get very wet).
Anyway, here's my take on your questions:
1. crossing after Wilma... well... if you keep going past Wilma... eventually
you will be able to cross... but if you go too far then you have Tilden outlet to deal with.
but really you should cross where the trail crosses at Wilma. That is really
your best bet. Probably better than in Paradise Valley. I know I
put some pictures of Paradise crossing at various times of year.
I actually contemplated crossing at Wilma but it just wasn't worth it IMO since
after Wilma I'd have to climb more and preferred to revisit gorgeous
Jack Main (I even brought Scuba Booties cause no way in H was I
gonna cross it w/o some protection on my feet) (actually I was thinking
I'd be hiking in them at some pt.). Plus the banks can be steep from snow
which can take you crossing it completely out of the equation.
2. pitching tent on snow... uh... this one confuses me. You have snowshoe
experience? but no snow camping experience?
Wet = hypothermia = death ... so no you won't get wet by pitching on snow
3. you don't need the risers. I don't have them. opinions vary
more crap to break imo. So I like my shoes without them.
You don't need any super duper backcountry snowshoes really...
my wife uses "trail" snowshoes.. and has gone all over with them in the
backcountry. that being said... I would recommend shoes like MSR
Ascent that have 360 degree crampons per se.
It's too early to say what things will be like with any precision... been a strange one so far....
but almost assuredly if it's not snow then there will be a whole lot of water
Take a good look at the photo set in the thread I linked above.... in a couple
of photos you'll see the trail under FEET of water... have gotten permits
in and around Jack Main that time in years past and people always
get stymied in the canyon... it's all about how much you are willing to deal
with and such...
Ask more if you like
January 26, 2012 09:54PM |
Here's the Paradise Valley crossing I was talking about:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,35443
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,35443
January 30, 2011 09:04PM |
January 30, 2011 10:19PM |
January 31, 2011 06:47AM |
February 19, 2011 08:45PM |
Well... if you would have asked last week I would have said "at this rate you might just have a dry trail at the beginning of May"...Quote
mpuchtel
Hi Bill-e-g,
Do you have more photos of the snowpack from years past during April/May? I'm trying to make snowshoe decisions.
Thanks!
but... as we speak... we are getting dumped on big time... which will undoubtably put us back ahead
of last year. If you look above you can find the link to Nance. That was END of May 2010. I would def. have
taken snowshoes last year if I went up Moraine Ridge.
(by the way the last 3 times went backpacking overnight this year.... it's been warmer than many times
gone before Memorial Day and after mid-Sept.... go figure)
Here is what Beehive looked like April 17, 2009:
By end of first week in May of that year I probably wouldn't have bothered with snowshoes
and just dealt with the pain.
You can go on the cdec website and get reports like this:
In 2006 at the end of May I went into Jack Main after going to Miwok and Mahan. Here is what it
looked like between those lakes:
(my tracks... and bear tracks)
Since we are getting smacked right now... I very highly doubt that I won't be strapping the snowshoes
on come May. And beyond Beehive you will probably be needing some very good navigational skills if
you are concerned about staying close to the trail.
Are you still planning to go May 8th?
My current plan is to go shoe up to Merced Lake with wife 2nd week of April and then into JMC on May 7th.
(and whatever else I can fit in between and before and such)
Again, I perhaps mentioned it before... but typically... Memorial Day = snow level about 7500ft.
I can remember at least 5 years where this is the case. You can extrapolate and make your
own conclusions looking at the graph above...
Good luck
February 22, 2011 05:24PM |
February 22, 2011 07:07PM |
March 04, 2011 12:23AM |
April 28, 2011 07:24AM |
Mitch,
The answer undoubtedly is no. However, if you want to use your phone as a GPS then
simply preload the maps and you're good to go (or something like that).
Buddy has a droid and pretty sure he bought some app from mytopo and was
good to go w/o cell coverage. I've seen it in action and it worked really well...
If you want more info I can ask the guy exactly what he did.
Have fun
The answer undoubtedly is no. However, if you want to use your phone as a GPS then
simply preload the maps and you're good to go (or something like that).
Buddy has a droid and pretty sure he bought some app from mytopo and was
good to go w/o cell coverage. I've seen it in action and it worked really well...
If you want more info I can ask the guy exactly what he did.
Have fun
April 28, 2011 08:58AM |
I remembered what it was. Backcountry Navigator
(btw never answered or addressed Mike's comment due to info never came back it seems)
(btw never answered or addressed Mike's comment due to info never came back it seems)
May 02, 2011 11:17AM |
|
Re: Backpacking Hetch Hetchy in May May 03, 2011 05:01PM |
Send us your pics and reports Bill-e-g! Im heading into JMC via Beehive and out through Rancheria in mid-June so I would love to know the conditions at present. 
May 09, 2011 06:31AM |
Quote
emc2
There is rain/snow forecast for both weeks in the first two weeks of May, so I hope you are prepared.
Already did it. I no Dough Dough Bird.
Hopefully Mitch and his boys are well prepared. Wilma Cabin was up to the roof line in snow.
Saw more bear prints (and rattlesnakes for that matter) than peeps out there. Pretty spectacular.
May 13, 2011 07:32AM |
Quote
[email protected]
fantastic photos mr. chick-on. i love the pics of wapama. i'll be up there in a couple weeks. you've provided an excellent preview.
couple questions for you. should i plan on bringing snow shoes? my tent is not a stand-alone. do you think it will be ok in the snow?
cheers.
Sir,
I have to assume that even though you said Vernon loop (which is Rancheria/Tiltill Valley/Gibson/Vernon/Beehive), that you
are doing Rancheria/Tiltill Valley/Tiltill Mtn/first turnoff to JMC/Moraine Ridge/Beehive (which is 33 miles-ish).
(which you also implied) Anyway, no biggie...
No way that this year I would go that way and NOT take snowshoes. Unless I didn't really care to get over Tiltill Mtn.
For non free standing in the snow... you can buy snow anchors or make them yourself ... just bring some plastic
bags and fill them with snow, tie them on and you're good to go.
(note that I didn't camp in the snow on my trip)
I would not plan to (or setup myself so that I had to) complete that loop this year at that time.
(and have serious doubts with your stated level of intermediate that you will be able to)
And that is ok. Just go and enjoy yourself.
Perhaps Mitch and his buddies will give some different perspective soon .. ???
Have fun
May 13, 2011 10:40AM |
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[email protected]
we'll be dong the vernon loop (Rancheria/Tiltill Valley/Gibson/Vernon/Beehive). is that the trail you dont recommend this time of year? a couple of my companions are less than intermediate level . . .
OK. Got it.
With that info what I would recommend is that you guys just go join the masses at Rancheria.
From there you can dayhike to Tiltill Valley and also to the real Rancheria Falls at the bridge.
From there you could also hike up some towards LeConte Pt.
And of course enjoy the cascades west of the "campground".
I have doubts your "less than intermediate" level people will enjoy the hike up Gibson.
You WILL hit snow when you get up there. And probably lose the trail.
The switchbacks down into Vernon are in this picture:
https://picasaweb.google.com/yosemite.chick.on/JackMain#5605138738775964994
Maybe they will be more open in a couple weeks.
Anyway, I've said stuff about the bridge over Vernon already and the stuff thru Beehive so I won't say it again.
If you just go to Ranch then you won't hit any snow and you can leave any question of
taking snowshoes or any snow camping out of the equation.
Anyway, have fun whatever you decide
(btw I'm now assuming you haven't been to Rancheria either)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/2011 10:42AM by chick-on.
May 14, 2011 12:30PM |
May 14, 2011 12:37PM |
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chchan23
Hi! I am also planning a trip starting from Hetch Hetchy in late July - early August. Specifically up through Moraine Ridge, JMC, Wilma Lake, Bond Pass, around Huckleberry Lake, down towards Cherry and Elanor Lake and back to HH.
I guess my concern is if there would be snow through that loop. I think the highest elevation in that route would be just shy of 10k feet. I have been looking through the CDEC page, and let me know if I am reading this correctly, that it says there are 44 inches of snow currently in Bond Pass? Do you think by the end of July that will all go away? thanks!
You shouldn't be too concerned. Getting over Bond Pass even in early July with snow is not anything to be worried about.
It's a very gentle pass, nothing like Red Peak Pass, for instance.
By August nearly, if not all, of the snow will be gone.
Here is a shot from Forsyth, very early July in 2006 which was a monster snow year too.
(I labeled Summit Mdw, Bond Pass, Jack Main, and where Dorothy lies)
Was up there last year in mid-Aug and I can show you that... but there wasn't a stitch of snow
in Jack Main or on Bond Pass.
Have fun
May 15, 2011 08:11AM |
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chchan23
thanks for the quick response! I hope the scenery would be great. This would be my first time hiking in Yosemite, I wonder why this trail head and other from Hetch Hetchy are not as popular? Or is it going to fill up as the other trails from the Valley and Tuolumne are to capacity?
My idea of the wilderness is to get away from people. so hopefully I wont see too many other people there.
BTW, I dont see a trail up Forsyth, did you scramble up? What other summit would this be possible along my route to get a better view?
Not sure you saw this or not:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,35489
So, yes, the scenery will be great. After you get back go back to that thread and compare it to what you saw in Jack Main.
Why isn't HH so busy? Well, IMO mainly b/c there are a large number of easier trails out of Tuolumne Meadows
and a huge number will want to hike by Half Dome or hike downhill into the Valley.
I've heard loads of people complain about the trails out of HH (except Rancheria, which is an easy backpack) but
to me it's all pretty darn sweet. And you may well second guess yourself too while you are chugging up Moraine Ridge
(4400 ft. gain from HH Dam) but if you put in the effort you will be rewarded IMO.
It's unlikely that Beehive will fill up regularly once Tioga opens. (pretty sure it seldom does)
I did the Bear Valley loop (via Rancheria Mtn) in late Sept. one year and was told by the ranger that
only one other person went to Bear Valley that way that year (from what I remember him saying)
(may well have been the only).
Anyway, as for "better" views. That's subjective. Any high peak will have a sweet view.
For your route, you could hit Bigelow along the way if you skip Summit and Horse Meadows.
It's a pretty simple peak, go to Bond Pass for a view of Summit Meadow, and then head
straight to Bigelow. From the Bigelow Saddle you can drop to Bigelow Lake and
catch a trail again, following it past Black Bear Lake to Upper Twin before heading to Huck.
Here's a picture b/t Bond and Bigelow:
Here's looking west:
With little work you'll get a nice view of Grace Meadow. And looking at a map it'll be obvious you can
see Dorothy (which you should go and touch at least) (great great views of Forsyth there), Forsyth, Keyes,
Saurian, and Tower. I'll let you wonder about those...
I'll comment a little bit about your route... b/c few, if any, do that loop. My recommendation is to go to Eleanor
via Kibbie b/c that route is far better than hiking past Shingle Springs IMO.
Probably the trail from Eleanor to Shingle is used by a scant few before April 15th and after Sept. 15th
(when you can't drive to Shingle).
Have fun
May 15, 2011 04:48PM |
May 25, 2011 09:01AM |
May 16, 2011 07:35AM |
May 25, 2011 09:15AM |
May 25, 2011 12:03PM |
June 02, 2011 01:47PM |
Really appreciate that you came back and said what you did.
A couple of comments:
- You didn't see much snow out of Tiltill b/c of the angle of the sun in the sky. That is classic south facing slope losing snow much earlier than north facing.
Not sure you looked at the photos I posted about Jack Main... but you could see that the trail was clear weeks ago in those photos.
This is very typical. In lower snow year you would get nearly the same. Snow at top of Gibson almost always persists thru Memorial Day.
Perhaps you coud not see in the photos b/c you aren't super familiar with the trails and whatnot.
- "a couple of my friends saw a bear in the meadow the next morning. too far away to identify". Chuckling a little about this.
You already identified it. It's a bear. Yosemite only has Black bears.
Glad you had fun
A couple of comments:
- You didn't see much snow out of Tiltill b/c of the angle of the sun in the sky. That is classic south facing slope losing snow much earlier than north facing.
Not sure you looked at the photos I posted about Jack Main... but you could see that the trail was clear weeks ago in those photos.
This is very typical. In lower snow year you would get nearly the same. Snow at top of Gibson almost always persists thru Memorial Day.
Perhaps you coud not see in the photos b/c you aren't super familiar with the trails and whatnot.
- "a couple of my friends saw a bear in the meadow the next morning. too far away to identify". Chuckling a little about this.
You already identified it. It's a bear. Yosemite only has Black bears.
Glad you had fun
June 02, 2011 02:50PM |
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