Seeing how winter was going to end early (not sure it ever really started..), my friend and I decided to look for snow before it all melted. Seeing how Yosemite was looking dry and having gone to SEKI in the past week, we planned to check out the Eastern Sierra. With the NOAA data showing areas around Big Pine(10673ft) having over 14 inches of snow, we opted to head that way. Not knowing entiby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
QuoteVengeanceASX Any opinions out there on whether or not snowshoes will be needed to climb Cloud's Rest in 2 weeks? Long term forecast doesn't show any new major storms in the next few weeks. Seeing the webcam, I say probably not. Seeing how the snow level is generally around 8000-8500, that would mean you'd be almost up to the quarter domes before seeing snow. My partner and I are movinby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
QuoteVengeanceASX We won't be in until late Friday night and we'll have to get permits on Saturday. I spoke with a ranger yesterday and she said snow in minimal around LYV. Bear containers are required until 7200 feet. I checked that trail report and I can't believe how little snow there is. We did this same hike about 3 years ago and had to turn around less than a mile from the top of CR dueby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
According to the post in the general section, the mist trail has reopenedby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
NWhkr's CR trip report https://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?17,91356,91378#msg-91378by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
QuoteVengeanceASX Yeah, it's going to be Firefall Weekend. Might be sleeping in the truck. damn completely forgot about that. We are planning to hit the trail around 4-5am. If you want to drive up friday night, you can spend the night at our campsite in upper pines.by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
QuoteVengeanceASX Yeah, President's Day weekend. Thinking of camping at the HD/JMT intersection. Nice! Same. We are planning to get to the Valley friday then heading up Sat and hopefully reaching CR by Sun. Just worried about the Valley crowd though. May delay to the following monday.by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I'd assume the mist trail is doable considering the minimal snowfall we have had this year. 3 weeks you say...presidents day weekend? I'll be out in Yose that weekend and am planning for CR too! So far forecasters are saying its going to be relatively dry with maybe a 1 or two minor storms for Feb.by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Quotenwhkr QuoteKevinD Should I bring crampons and ice axe since there's more snow now?? I want to do the "normal" route from the valley but if its sketchy, I may just do the forsythe (however you spell it) and go the longer back way. In our case, the daytime high was in low 50s. There was one dicey section with a mix of ice and rock steps (shown in pic where the person with no trekkingby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
QuoteAlex L Nwhkr, thanks for this great trip report and gorgeous photos. Balzaccom, thank you kindly for those suggestions as well. I will definitely look into those USFS roads next. After some busy working weekends, I decided to bite the bullet and take up winter camping. Current plan is to head up in the direction of either Clouds or North Dome next weekend. If I do, I'll definitelby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks for sharing those photos! Was going to do CR this winter too! Just waiting for a little more snow. Didn't think there would be that much by now but your photos now have me thinking...Should I bring crampons and ice axe since there's more snow now?? I want to do the "normal" route from the valley but if its sketchy, I may just do the forsythe (however you spell it) and go the lby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Well....not that it matters for a few days now but just got back from SEKI. First time ever that I was in a National Park when the gov was shut down and opened! Bathrooms were all closed. Roads were fine and didn't need any plowing thankfully. If the gov does shut down again, bring a pen since the self-registration booth didn't have one....result of the shut down??by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Dang guys, hiking in the dark on a relatively old and forgotten trail...you guys are hard-charging adventurers!!! I hate Poison Oak and probably would have turned back much earlier Thanks for sharing!by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Heading to Sequoia tomorrow. Will update on conditions when I can!by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Wow fresh pizza at the trailhead?? I would totally pay for that service!! Trip looked great! I've been wanting to do a trip like this but worry about having to bring snowshoes in case it suddenly dumps :/by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Happy belated bday! Hope you have many great trips coming up!by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Likewise! Just waiting for that snowby KevinD - General Discussion
Yosemite's new way of scaring off bears Also NSFW!by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Happy birthday basilpop! Hope you and the gang are planning an awesome birthday getaway in SEKI!by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Well....here it is https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46211347&nid=148&title=rep-chris-stewart-proposes-national-park-in-grand-staircase-escalante From reading the bill, it seems like he believes grazing and hunting should be allowed in the park. Also believes grazing should be managed by the NPS...by KevinD - General Discussion
Wow, this is fascinating! Thanks for sharing!by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Thanks for sharing! Didn't know the Watkins tree fell overby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Hey BP! Thanks for the suggestions! Regrettably a section of the zipper teeth is completely ripped off so looks like it'll need a complete overhaul. I actually contacted the mfg (Rab) and was quoted $40 for a replacement (side pocket zipper). Would you say that's reasonable?by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Hello all! Regrettably my zipper failed on my winter jacket and was hoping to get it repaired within a reasonable amount of time (nothing under 2 weeks for sure). Anyone have any suggestions? There is rainy pass but damn...cost of shipping + $89 per hour is hefty! Thanks! Kevinby KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Quotechick-on QuoteKevinD Where have you heard of this fella?? We talked to a Kings Canyon employee before doing a small overnight backpack from Big Meadow(s) thru Jennie Lake(s) to Roaring River... over Avalanche Pass ... out Roads End... Things matched up. I could be wrong though. Searched on z web and found no details... only "yeah... found!" The mileage you guys do...is...by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Where have you heard of this fella??by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
That last photo is spectacular! If JKW is with you, does that mean her foot has finally healed?by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I'm waiting patiently for the snow > (((((((((( It has been awfully quiet around here...Chickon? Basil? JKW? Are you guys on some super-secret trail quest??by KevinD - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Got some off-roading wheels on it?? hahaby KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Last year, coming down from my winter Cloud's rest trip, I ran into an unbelievable amount of people with iPads, heels, etc ,etc trying to get up the trail lol.by KevinD - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion