Posted by Encinitas_Guy
here Hi Folks. Planning on a quick one night trip up to Meysan Lakes this weekend with the girlfriend and dog. Has anyone been up there recently that can let me know what to expect? From what I have found I am expecting snow around 10,000' but any other info would be great. I have quite a bit of experience elsewhere in the Sierras but I have never been up this particular trail before. Thanks!
I was up there this past Saturday (June 24th). The trail was dry up to 10,200 ft. where I encountered a first snow traverse. It was short (25 feet maybe) but at a steep angle with rocks at the bottom. Snow was consolidated so self arrest would be the only way to slow down a fall. I put on my crampons and used my ice axe instead of hiking poles. Probably an overkill but then again I was by myself (7 am) and didn't want to take any chance. It was dry again after that for another 0.5 mile, then the trail turned into an all out snow field. That's where I turned around, maybe 1-1.5 mile away from Meysan Lake. It's been warm, so conditions probably improved. I saw 2 guys pass me as I turned around, they went ahead on the snow field without pulling out any of their traction devices, so it can be done...
Hope this helps!
