I’ll add more details as time allows and as I find more information about this area.
Planned Itinerary
- Day 1 (Fri)
- 11 AM
- Start drive to Mammoth
- Afternoon
- Optional Hike?
- Sunset photos from the Alabama Hills
- Other ideas?
- Optional Hike?
- 11 AM
- Day 2 (Sat)
- 6 AM
- Snowshoe Minaret Summit and Beyond (photos here: https://goo.gl/6e2JX9)
- Mammoth Mountain Inn > Minaret Summit (9,215′) || 1.75 miles || +425, -75
- Minaret Summit > Deadman Pass(9,948′) || 2.5 miles || +1115, -385
- Deadman Pass > Two Teats(11,340′) || 2.5 miles || +1600, -210
- Two Teats > San Joaquin (11,560′) || .75 miles || +425, -205
- Snowshoe Minaret Summit and Beyond (photos here: https://goo.gl/6e2JX9)
- 6 AM
- Day 3 (Sun)
- Possible Snowshoe Options
- Sunrise from Minaret Summit
- Base start time on Saturday’s snowshoe to Minaret Summit
- Lakes Basin Winter Public Access Corridor
- Twin Lakes > Horseshoe Lake & Beyond?
- 5.0 miles RT || 3 hrs
- “Beyond” Options
- Twin Lakes > Horseshoe Lake & Beyond?
- Inyo Craters
- 6.2 miles RT || 4 hrs
- Little Lakes Valley (SNO-Park Pass required)
- Leave Hotel around 4 AM
- Start snowshoeing around 5 AM, turnaround by 8AM
- Sunrise from Minaret Summit
- 10 AM
- Start driving home
- 4 PM
- Arrive at home
- Possible Snowshoe Options
Here is an interactive map showing the routes that I have planned out.
Gear
Whenever I hike in the Sierra, I keep the following in mind:
(Source: One Best Hike: Mt. Whitney, by Elizabeth Wenk)
Based on the forecast, we will need to be prepared for temperatures ranging from -10° F to 30° F. Here is the forecast for the San Joaquin Ridge: NOAA.
In general, I use the HikingGeek.com Winter Gear List to pack for winter hikes. With the cold temperatures, I recommend using bottles rather than a hydration bladder.
I have a ton of gear that I need to test this winter, so I may carry two items or more that are very similar for testing purposes on this trip. I’ve listed specifics of what I will carry below:
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First Aid/Emergency Kit
I will carry a large first-aid kit for the group. Each individual should carry the following:
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Resources: