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Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
WanderingJim #54439 10/17/18 12:17 PM
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White Mountain peak is mystical. It looks like a martian landscape and seems like it should be a breeze to walk up, given its gentle grade... but WMP is the only peak I've ever had full blown mountain sickness (twice!).
Maybe there is something about being jostled around on that horrendous trail for 2 hours that makes acclimatization more difficult. Sleep at 12k ft is not usually an issue for me, but is always awful for me at Barcroft area. I don't know why. Headaches are massive and striking sleep is difficult and nausea comes and goes. But, suffer this and you'll get some privileged scenery. The views from the summit to the west are epic, and occasionally you'll see some gnarly old bristlecone. Also, you'll likely see bighorn sheep and a peculiar black stallion that apparently escaped from Bishop years ago and haunts the hills up there.

The roads are known by the locals as particularly problematic, and they are often called on to help for flats tires, etc. Don't expect help. Tow trucks can charge over $1000. I'm pretty convinced that the best way up and down that mountain is on a mountain bike--and I wish I still had the fitness and technique to do that. Another way is to hike it winter and do the 20+ miles on foot. Just be aware that wind across the summit can exceed 100mph, and you'll need to melt your own water from the airy snow that accumulates. I did this many years ago and it still is one of my favorite trips.



Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
marc g #54441 10/17/18 10:00 PM
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Outstanding picture of the stallion!!

What time of year were you there to find that snow?

Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
Steve C #54447 10/18/18 04:10 PM
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That photo was late march, several years ago (2011?). The horse is still there.

Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
marc g #54448 10/18/18 10:18 PM
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Late March? Wow!! What was your mode of travel? How far could you drive?

Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
Steve C #54451 10/19/18 06:56 PM
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We hiked in from the parking lot called Sierra vista point, which is about a mile before the Ancient Bristlecone forest. From that parking lot, it's about 22+ miles and 7k feet to summit. Snowshoes weren't required for upper mountain, but I recall postholing thru some stuff at the bottom. Some single digit temps.

Re: White Mountain Peak conditions and fall color around Bishop
Steve C #54454 10/21/18 01:21 PM
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The SoCal mountain town of Idyllwild (mile hi!!).

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