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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
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apologies for posting here but i'm not planning on a whitney hike. However i know this forum is most frequented. I am looking for an acclimation hike before i go down to the Andes, and as such, I wish to find out the highest possible trailhead in the eastern sierra. this way, i can spend less time hiking up, and more time at altitude.
I considered white mountain, but i think the road is usually snowed in and not passable to the trailhead. any other ideas?
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 24
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Joined: Jan 2014
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You hit the highest one I would suggest in "southern" California, with the trailhead in the rarified 12,000 feet. After that, the Mt. Langley/Horseshoe Meadows area at 10,000 feet is next best. Not aware of any others that get above 7-8,000. Doug, Sr. has commented on the Portal weather/accessibility on another subject. Good luck in your search!
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 985
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Once winter starts (tomorrow), your best option will be Mammoth. Take Lake Mary Road as far as it's open then start hiking, either toward Lake George & the Crest trail or past Lake Mary up Duck Pass way. You'll average 9-11k. Sleep in town. Repeat.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 444
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The visitor center told me a week ago that the Horseshoe Meadow road is closed until mext April.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 330
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The Mt. Rose trailhead, on highway 431 between Reno and Lake Tahoe, is ~8,900 feet. It’s open all winter and provides easy access to Mt. Rose, Church Pk., Mt. Houghton, and Relay, Pk., all over 10,000 feet.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,006
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apologies for posting here but i'm not planning on a whitney hike. However i know this forum is most frequented. I am looking for an acclimation hike before i go down to the Andes, and as such, I wish to find out the highest possible trailhead in the eastern sierra. this way, i can spend less time hiking up, and more time at altitude.
I considered white mountain, but i think the road is usually snowed in and not passable to the trailhead. any other ideas? I'm in Bishop and always try to get ready to guide my yearly expeditions to Aconcagua right around now. Your most reliable trailhead along the Eastern Sierra is Convict Lake because they plow it. There is a way to get to White Mountain most of the year though. There may be other training options depending on where you live and what you're training for. What is your objective in the Andes?
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 16
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You could also try Carson Pass. It's about an hour south of Mt. Rose. I think the elevation there at the pass is 8652 feet. The road (Hwy. 88) that goes over the pass is open in winter. There's a snow park there I believe. From there, you can hike up to Round Top Lake at 9400 feet and Round Top Peak (10,381)
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 447
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Rock Creek Rd. Toms Place on 395. Drive, Hike or ski, depends on the day, to Mosquito Flats Trail head 10250'.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 389
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Rock Creek Rd. Toms Place on 395. Drive, Hike or ski, depends on the day, to Mosquito Flats Trail head 10250'. There is a California Sno-Park at about 8880' on the Rock Creek road. Storms may close the road higher than the Sno-Park. Thereafter, the road may be cleared only to the Sno-Park for the rest of the winter. The Rock Creek Lodge still operates in the winter for skiers and those who ride the resort's snowmobiles to the lodge after the road is closed. Dale B. Dalrymple
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