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Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:44 pm
by Luciano136
Looking to do something Saturday in the Mammoth area. Weather will be pretty crappy, so I'm looking for some easy peak to stretch the legs. Any suggestions? Something that doesn't involve dirt roads since I don't want to get snowed in. Do have 4wd with snow tires and decent clearance (if that matters for any reason).

Re: Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:40 pm
by Kurt Wedberg
Laurel is a good one. You'll be on a dirt road for a bit but given that you have 4wd and snow tires you should be OK. Bring a shovel just in case. They try to keep the Convict Lake Road plowed so hiking up around Mt. Morrison should be possible.

You may also be able to get to Crystal Crag. It has a nice 3rd class scramble on it. It gets steep in places and some people feel more comfortable using a rope on it.

Re: Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:54 pm
by Luciano136
Thanks Kurt!! I'll check it out. Hopefully it doesn't dump too much Friday night that I can actually get somewhere Sat morning.

Re: Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:43 pm
by Greg Enright
Looks like a foot of new snow overnight in Mammoth with double that on the Sierra Crest. The wind and continued snow Saturday will make it difficult to get up on most peaks.

Inyo Craters is a good trek through the forest and out of the wind. Routefinding can be difficult if you don't know the area, but it is a good map/compass or GPS exercise. Obsidian Dome is another great place to visit in a storm.

If you don't have gear for skiing out to those spots, you could try hiking near Hot Creek or along the south shore of Mono Lake.

Re: Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 1:05 am
by Princess Buttercup
And it was raining/misting there near Canyon Lodge when I was there this afternoon. Here's hoping tonight starts some accumulation at least. Going to try skiing tomorrow anyway! :D

Re: Quick "foul weather" peak Mammoth area?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:29 pm
by Luciano136
Weather Saturday was too windy with low visibility to attempt anything really. I hiked to Horseshoe Lake for a little exercise.