Mt. Dana remains my favorite mountain, and I have done it both in "summer" conditions (August) and early "Spring" conditions (snow on the last 1/3 of the route). Due to its rounded shape and wide open face, Dana is an excellent training ground to get used to hiking at altitude, snow, and areas that are not stomped to death by the hordes. Like all snow covered terrain that is sun facing, the timing should be that you start early enough -- but not too early -- to hit the face when the snow is softening up, but not too late that your return turns into a post hole nightmare! The slope is gentle enough for a very controlled glissade on the return trip (providing that there are not too many sun cups or if the snow is too soft, you will actually get bogged down) I cannot say enough about the views....(I will post some pictures in a bit)
On the way up (courtesy of Bob R.)
Dana Lake looking down from the ridge
Mono Lake to the East
(for those who have seen these pix one too many times -- close your eyes)
