Regional discussion and conditions reports for the Golden State. Please post partners requests and trip plans in the California Climbing Partners forum.
Has anyone been up Telescope recently that could share conditions or pics? Are Ice axe/crampons required? The death valley morning report says so, but I wanted to double check. Thanks!
Crampons and ice axe were not needed on May 7, and would only be unnecessary weight now. You should be able to largely avoid snow except for short patches which can be crossed easily.
Here's looking over that way from Sentinel Peak this past Saturday:
It doesn't help you much for the trail conditions from Mahogany Flat, but it looks like you can stay up on the ridge if there is much snow on the trail up near the summit and you want to avoid side-hilling in snow.