Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Good spring hikes in Eastern Sierra

Spring hikes will still involve some snow travel, and climbing might require ice-axe and crampons. Looking out my library window this morning, here in Bishop, I see a lot more snow than any time previously in my 40 years living here; it's beautiful. After mid July you will have a better chance of snow-free travel.

A good, non-technical climb (Class 2), with easy trail access is Mt. Agassiz, near Bishop pass; altitude 13,893. Follow a shallow chute from Bishop pass, which when snow-free is on stable rock. This route can be done from the South Lake trailhead in one long day, or from numerous nice campsites along the trail to the pass. This South Fork of Bishop Creek trail is my favorite day hike.

The Palisade Glacier area, near Big Pine, is another popular mountaineering location, but with most routes requiring technical skills.

There are a lot of class 2 climbs in the Eastern Sierra. Look them up on Summitpost or Secor's book. For recent, first-hand information, a good source is the staff at Eastside Sports on Main Street in Bishop.