Snow Shoeing Anyone?

[Ellen]

Howdy All

It looks like I may actually be able to use the snow shoes I purchased in the spring of 2004 I'm thinking of riding the tram up and snow shoeing up San J this weekend, weather and conditions permiting.

Any suggestions for another place to try them out? I don't have a 4 wheel drive, so being able to get to and from the location is also a consideration.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Dead Blond Hiking/Post holing

[zippetydude]

Hi Ellen. I'm partial to the South Fork trail when there's snow. (Mostly because there's almost no exposure all the way to the peak of San G, and I'm a big chicken!) I'm guessing you've already done San G though, haven't you?

Is there much exposure going up San J? I've been up to the peak when there's no snow and I can't picture any bad areas, but I'd rather hear first-hand from someone who has actually done it.

Incidentally, I enjoyed your trip report! Sure seems like snow doubles the work and halves the speed, huh? Especially when it's exhausting on the downhill - somehow that doesn't seem fair. (Please excuse the whining.) Still, the wilderness is so beautiful in the snow that it entices us forward, just a little more, then a little more . . .

See you out there!

z

[halhiker]

There's not a lot of snow at the Tram, 14-18" according to the recording. And since there's not much new coverage I don't know how much you'd need snowshoes. I don't know what the weather was closer to the coast but the desert was BEAUTIFUL today. I played in a work golf tournament and I wore shorts and a short sleeve shirt all day. It's always fun to go up on the mountain but you might be able to do it with just boots over hard pack.

[phydeux]

Hard to say what its like past the Tram. However, even in good snow years, it tends to be packed down into a hard icy trail from the Tram to Round Valley in the morning. By the time you get out to Round Valley and can see the peak's east-facing slopes, the sun will have warmed the snow and it'll get very soft. Combine that with the brush and rocky terrain (think lots of air pockets) and snowshoes become essential. Look up towards the peak when you first get out to Round Valley and the amount of visible brush should be inversely proportinal to the snow depth.

Most winters its usually easier to go over to Tamarak Valley, go up towards the Miller Peak gap, cross through the 'gap' (where the summer trail turns back towards the hut) until you clear the brush and can easily see San G, then head SW up to the peak.

And definately bring a map and compass! Trail-less winter navigation can be a challenge.

[Ellen]

Howdy phydeux, halhiker, and Z-dude

Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions

Hal -- Thanks for the snow report in Long Valley. Sounds like I'll bring the snowshoes wherever I go this weekend and see what develops.

Phydeux -- based on my lousy navigation skills, I'll make sure I'm with someone who has these skills if I opt for San J peak. I think Kathy Wing has snow-showed the route you mention.

Z-dude -- cluck, cluck, cluck. I am a big (er short) chicken. I'm the person that carries crampons and ice-axe when there's any hint of ice. I have never hiked in the snow from South Fork, great suggestion. You're sure right about the slower pace in snow. If I can't bag a peak, at least I can burn enough calories for the post hike beer....

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

You've never done South Fork in the snow!? How nice! You've got a real treat coming. Check out Kathy's pictures of Dry Lake if you haven't already. The trail is easy to follow (as in discerning where it goes!) and the path on up to the peak (if you have time and energy) is surprisingly easy to figure out.

The first time I did South Fork I came across a migration of butterflies that was coming across Dry Lake and down the ravine. It was the most amazing sight, nothing but pure white snow, green trees, and black and orange Painted Lady butterflies. Thousands upon thousands of them. I made a video with my little digital camera, but it doesn't do them justice.

I might head that way this weekend myself, or I might go check out Long Valley. I'm hoping to hear how much snow this current storm drops. Either way, I'll keep an eye out for you.

z

[magikwalt]

I'm waiting for there to be enough snow to hike over the Manzanita bushes. To heck with all those switchbacks on Tamarisk!

[KathyW]

I'm with you Walt - as soon as the snow is deep enough to cover the Manzanita I'll be heading up there. Is it deep enough now?

Kathy

[magikwalt]

Somehow 18" in Long Valley doesn't seem to equal a Manzanita bush. May the next storm or two through the area will give us what we need.

I have seen several posts on this board about the speed of going "staight down" to the tram station. I want a chance to join the Nascar crowd on top of San Jac!