{"id":578,"date":"2013-06-26T09:29:05","date_gmt":"2013-06-26T15:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/?p=578"},"modified":"2022-12-23T22:51:17","modified_gmt":"2022-12-23T22:51:17","slug":"backcountry-skiing-in-the-sierras-mammoth-to-tioga-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/backcountry-skiing-in-the-sierras-mammoth-to-tioga-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Backcountry Skiing in the Sierras (Mammoth to Tioga Pass)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The last week in March, me and 3 friends skied from Mammoth Lakes to Tioga Pass. \u00a0We started skiing Tuesday morning, and reached the car Saturday, early afternoon. \u00a0 We passed through some truly spectacular country. \u00a0Here are some details of our trip.<\/p>\n

We drove to Lee Vining, and left our car at a parking lot near the winter gate that closed the road up Lee Vining Canyon. \u00a0We used a shuttle service,\u00a0Mammoth Shuttle<\/a>, to pick us up from there and drive us to Tamarack Lodge. \u00a0 We\u00a0spent Monday night at the Tamarack Lodge and had a great dinner at the Lodge’s restaurant. \u00a0Tuesday morning we headed out on our adventure. \u00a0The touring started on the groomed Tamarack Lodge x-country ski trail right outside the door. \u00a0We took the left fork at the warming hut, and were on our way.<\/p>\n

We skied along the gentle, groomed trails following the signs to Horseshoe Lake. \u00a0Then we left the groomed trail and headed up and over the broad slopes of Mammoth Pass and down into Red’s Meadow. \u00a0From the meadow, we decided to take the road north, following snowmobile tracks, and eventually taking a left fork that brought us to a bridge crossing across the river.<\/p>\n

From here, it was a long, steady climb up towards Minaret Falls, through open forests. \u00a0We had planned to reach Minaret Lake the first day, but we were getting a bit tired, and decided to make camp in the drainage a ways below the lake. \u00a0The camp spot was sheltered and pretty, and surrounded by big trees, but if we’d known how scenic it was at Minaret Lake, we probably would have pushed on the extra hour to reach the lake. \u00a0GPS coordinates for our camp site are: \u00a037.653633\/-119.112911<\/p>\n

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Our first camp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next morning, we followed the drainage up to Minaret Lake. \u00a0When we finally crested the steep rise and saw the basin, we were treated to some really beautiful alpine scenery. \u00a0In fact, from here on, the terrain became much more rugged and alpine in nature, with sweeping vistas and granite peaks replacing the pine forests we had been traveling through.<\/p>\n

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Climbing up to Minaret Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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View from Minaret Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The pass above Minaret Lake leading to Cecile Lake was steep and icy. \u00a0We strapped crampons on our boots, and strapped our skis on our packs and headed up a left-slanting couloir the led up to the top of the pass. \u00a0If we hadn’t brought crampons and axes, we probably could have booted up it, but it was quicker and more secure with our ice gear.<\/p>\n

From the pass above Cecile Lake, it was a nice, mostly downhill run down to the valley above Ediz lake. \u00a0From there, we had to climb again, and by late afternoon had arrived at Nydiver Lakes. \u00a0We were tired, and the weather was cold, blowing and the skies were filling with dark clouds, so we made our camp on the edge of the lake.<\/p>\n

Because of the winds, we took our time preparing our camp, pitching our tents behind a rocky knoll, and constructing snow walls to shield us from the heavy gusts. \u00a0I treated myself to an extra cup of hot cider that evening to ward off the cold.<\/p>\n

GPS coordinates for 2nd night camp by Nydiver Lake: \u00a037.693705\/-119.172778<\/p>\n

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Cold and windy camp at Nydiver Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next day, we made short work of the 2 passes north of Nydiver, and then traversed the wide expanse of Thousand Islands Lake. \u00a0Then a long, steady climb up to Island Pass.<\/p>\n

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Up above Nydiver Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Traversing Thousand Island Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Climbing into the clouds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent down from Island Pass was quick, and we crossed the creek right above Waugh Lake. \u00a0The climb out of this drainage was strenuous, and by the time we got to the headwall\/pass below Lost Lake, I was pretty beat. \u00a0We made camp in the valley, with views of the Palisades to the East, the Pass to the North, and the far off peaks we had passed earlier spread out to the South.<\/p>\n

GPS coordinates for 3rd night camp: \u00a0\u00a037.769840\/-119.203715<\/p>\n

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Our campsite the 3rd night<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next morning, we were faced with a bit of a conundrum. \u00a0We were not sure how best to tackle the pass up to Lost Lake. \u00a0Some of us thought that the couloir North\/Northwest of us would be the best option. \u00a0Others (myself among them) figured that contouring around to the East and Northeast looked like an easier option. \u00a0In the end, we decided to contour around on the less direct Northeast route. \u00a0This way turned out to be pretty easy, with a relatively gentle slope. \u00a0(The direct route up the couloir might have been fine too, but I guess we’ll never know now.)<\/p>\n

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Skinning up to Lost Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the pass above Lost Lake, we traversed Northwest \u00a0until it was time to turn Northeast and make the long climb up to the Kuna Connection pass. \u00a0We had been fearing the Kuna Connection for the whole trip, as it was reputed to be the steepest slope we would encounter. \u00a0If it was icy, then descending could be quite challenging.<\/p>\n

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Lunch break below the Kuna Connection Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When we finally arrived at the Kuna Connection pass, our first emotion was dismay. \u00a0It looked dangerously steep and pretty scary. \u00a0However, the South section of the pass was much steeper than the North, and as we traversed the ridge Northward, we found that the angle eased up quite a bit. \u00a0It was steep, but not suicidal. \u00a0However, there were a lot of large rocks midway down the slope that could make things quite painful if a skier were to fall here. \u00a0 My friends all skied down. \u00a0I decided I wasn’t too sure I could get down without falling. \u00a0I knew I could get down walking, however, so I clipped my crampons on my boots, strapped my skis to my pack, and down climbed the steepest section before putting on my skis again.<\/p>\n

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On top of the Kuna Connection Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking at my friends, who were all very far ahead of me by this time, I was in a hurry to catch up to them. \u00a0I opted not to de-skin my skis and skied down the slope with my skins on. \u00a0This turned out not to be a very good plan, as it made skiing quite difficult. \u00a0Making turns was very challenging, and the skins would grab at inopportune moments, throwing me off balance. \u00a0 I made it down, but would have been much happier if I’d taken the few minutes necessary to take my skins off.<\/p>\n

With the dreaded Kuna Connection behind us, we had a long slog out the gentle drainage towards Tioga Pass. \u00a0The snow was deep, wet, and soft, and breaking trail was a real challenge. \u00a0We alternated positions in line, with the trail breaker rotating to the back when he got too tired. \u00a0 Finally, we set up camp in the drainage along the creek. \u00a0It was noticeably warmer than it had been up at our higher elevation camps. \u00a0 It was our last night on the trail. \u00a0The technical difficulties were behind us. \u00a0I was getting excited to get back to civilization.<\/p>\n

GPS coordinates for last night’s camp by Parker Pass Creek: \u00a037.874025\/-119.242558<\/p>\n

The next morning, the soft deep snow had frozen from the overnight low temperatures, so thankfully we didn’t have to slog through it breaking trail like we had the previous afternoon. \u00a0On good snow, the descent went pretty rapidly, with our biggest challenges being a couple of stream crossings.<\/p>\n

We left the drainage, and headed north up a broad open valley with beautiful views and under sunny skies. \u00a0Finally, we reached Tioga Pass. \u00a0 We were able to ski from the pass to just below Ellery Lake before we had to strap on our skis and start walking down the paved road to where our car was parked at the gate. \u00a0 We all knew that a hike down the road was part of the trip, so we had packed running shoes to wear for this section. \u00a0I strapped my skis and boots to my pack and motored down the road, fueled by thoughts of Kentucky Fried Chicken.<\/p>\n

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Hiking down Lee Vining Canyon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hike down the road took several hours, and I was pretty happy to finally see the parking lot with our car in it. \u00a0 The trip had been challenging and amazing, with gorgeous scenery along most of the way.<\/p>\n

I can’t seem to figure out how to put in a downloadable link to a Google Earth track<\/a> of our trip from Tamarack Lodge to the top of Tioga Pass. \u00a0However, if you contact me, I’d be happy to e-mail you the KML file.<\/p>\n

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Our route, along with an altitude graph<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Our ski tracks down one of the passes (can’t remember which one this is.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Skiing through the wind<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

List of gear I brought on the trip:<\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong>
\nMammut All-Year top
\nCraft boxer briefs with wind panel
\nREI running pants
\nBlack Diamond AT gaiters
\nFull side zip precip pants
\nPatagonia Piton Hoody
\nMountain Hardwear Quasar pullover
\nBrooks Range down hoodie
\nBuff headband
\nOR Sun runner cap
\n3 pair Smartwool ski socks
\nDynafit \u201cTLT-5\u201d boots with inserts
\nRab phantom grip gloves
\nOR Supercouloir gloves<\/p>\n

Personal Gear<\/strong>
\nKelty Cloud Spectra backpack
\nAdidas Terrex Pro sunglasses
\nMSR Hydromedary 2.5 liter water bag
\nPetzl Zipka headlamp
\nSuunto Vector altimeter watch
\nSunscreen
\nAndroid cell phone
\n4 paper towels .7
\nToothbrush\/paste 1.6
\nLighter
\nSony RX100 Camera
\nExtra camera batteries, lens wipes<\/p>\n

Ski Gear<\/strong>
\nLife Link probe ski poles with powder baskets and self arrest grips
\nDPS Wailer 99 skis with Plum Guide bindings
\nLeashes
\nSki Crampons
\nMammut Barryvox Avalanche beacon with new batteries
\nGrizzly Folding shovel 21.4
\nSki skins
\nVelcro ski straps .8<\/p>\n

Ushba ice axe
\nCamp Aluminum Crampons<\/p>\n

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Personal Camping Gear<\/strong>
\nSnowpeak Titanium cup and lid 3.8
\nTitanium Spoon .3
\nThermarest XTherm sleeping pad
\nMontbell pillow
\nMarmot Helium 15degree sleeping bag with Granite Gear compression stuffsack<\/p>\n

2 Person Group Gear:<\/strong>
\nPyramid tent with pole adaptor
\nMSR Reactor stove 20.1
\nSnowpeak titanium bowl 1.8
\n3 Fuel canisters (12.5 each)<\/p>\n

Entire Group Gear:<\/strong>
\n1st aid kit with firestarter, duct tape,
\nLighters
\nMap
\nSkin Wax
\nCompass with inclinometer
\nEpoxy, steel wool
\nBrooks Range Ski Multi Tool
\ninReach satelite transciever<\/p>\n

Food<\/strong><\/p>\n

Breakfasts
\n12 oatmeal<\/p>\n

Lunches
\n10 energy gels
\n10 shot blocks
\n10 energy bars
\n5 packages of pepperoni
\nCheese
\n5 Bagels
\n5 Baby Ruth candy bars
\nNuts<\/p>\n

Dinner
\n4 freeze dried dinners
\n8 hot drink mixes<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The last week in March, me and 3 friends skied from Mammoth Lakes to Tioga Pass. \u00a0We started skiing Tuesday morning, and reached the car Saturday, early afternoon. \u00a0 We passed through some truly spectacular country. \u00a0Here are some details of our trip. We drove to Lee Vining, and left our car at a parking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[59],"tags":[22,196,207,195,61,197],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/578"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=578"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2045,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/578\/revisions\/2045"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/larsonweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}