[pct-l] French Speaking Hiker Help -- Other Advice Needed

[Aaron Wallace]

Some thoughts on "low Sierra" trails that can be accessed during winter:

o Yosemite Valley.  The Yosemite Falls, Snow Creek, and the Mist trails
are generally open through winter.  Depending on conditions, it can be
possible to camp on dry ground past the top of Yosemite Falls, above the
Snow Creek switchbacks (excellent views of Half Dome), or in Little
Yosemite Valley.  Also, in winter, the trails in Yosemite Valley itself
can be enjoyable--I'd recommend the valley loop trail, which is 10-12
miles long.  Curry has heated tent cabins that are not too expensive
mid-week.

o Badger Pass.  A previous list member already discussed the
opportunities here.  The day ski trip along the groomed Glacier Point
road to the Clark Range Viewpoint (~ 6 miles out) is definitely worth
it.  There are also guided overnight trips to Glacier Point that provide
accomodations inside a lodge-like building (the summer snack "stand").

o Hetch Hetchy.  The Rancheria Falls trail generally stays snow free.
This trail can be done as a dayhike or an overnighter--in winter,
nighttime temperatures are usually moderate.

o Sequoia NP frontcountry.  Cross-country skis can be rented (at
Wolverton) to travel through the Giant Forest area.  Conditions could
allow traveling along the High Sierra Trail (which has a generally open,
southern exposure for the first several miles) without encountering too
much snow, at least far enough to get views of the Great Western Divide.
Overnight camping is available along this trail (e.g. at Merhten Creek).
The trails up the Middle and South forks of the Kaweah River also
generally stay free of snow (but perhaps not illegal agricultural
enterprises).

Note that a particularly cold system is moving into the Sierra now, so
places that would have allowed for spring-like camping at 7,000' a week
ago will probably have more typical winter conditions.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net 
> [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of 
> dsaufley at sprynet.com
> Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 11:45 AM
> To: dsaufley at sprynet.com; Back Country Mail List
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] French Speaking Hiker Help -- Other Advice Needed
> 
> [...]
> They want to experience as much of the Sierras as they can 
> without putting their lives in danger, so the focus of this 
> message has shifted:
> 
> What DOES make the most sense to see and enjoy the Sierras 
> this time of year, and under the current conditions without 
> ice axe, snow shoes, etc.?  I was thinking that heading up 
> 395, and trying to get in at the passes (such as Trail Pass, 
> Kersarge, or Mammoth) would at least give them some kind of 
> Sierra experience.  But then, that may not be feasible either.  
> 
> L-Rod