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As a new resident of Mammoth Lakes, I feel compelled to explore the "must do" treks in the area. I've gotten most of San Joaquin Ridge done recently and am now looking at the Sherwins (on skis and on boot). More specifically, day trekking to Pyramid Peak and back from Mammoth Rock. Anyone been up there recently with conditions report? Although it did snow last night.

There is a boot packed trail up to the top of the Sherwins from Lake Mary Road. You can park at the outlet of Twin Lakes and hike up the left side of Lake Mary Road until just past the top end of Old Mammoth Road. You will see the bootpack start up the lower end of the ridge and continue up through the old mining claim, across a talus field, then up a small gully to the top of the ridge.

The wind keeps the ridgeline clean of snow, so the walking is good for quite a way, then you can put the skis on when you need them. You can scout the many descent routes from the ridge, including the ever popular avy path and Rock Chute.

The bootpack route is typically pretty safe from avy activity, but I have seen a slide or two there in extreme conditions. I would not worry about hiking it with a foot of new snow. I can't recall all of the details of the ridge beyond Rock Chute, so maybe there is some danger there. In big snow years, snowmobilers have made it to the top of Pyramid Peak.

Something to think about while you are up there: There was an article in the local paper that said geologists had been looking for proof that the earth's magnetic fields had, at one time, been the reverse of what they are now. The proof was found up there, when they found rocks that had been created with the reversed magnetic fields. I probably have butchered their theory and all, but it's more interesting the way I remember it.

Hey Rick, Life is good in Crowley. Just workin and playin, as usual.

That's quite a pack of pooches you got there. Hope you are having fun too.

More Sherwins info: The snow in the Sherwins is much colder than other areas near Mammoth. Unconsolidated snow layers can develop during prolonged dry, cold spells. The trees keep things from sliding much, unless a big dumper comes through and lays a big fat layer of wet snow on the sugar.

The big avy path was covered with mature pines until 13 feet of wet snow fell on top of a week layer, back in Feb 1986. A local firewood company spent years cutting the pile of broken trees into firewood.

Thanks Greg! I decided to go ice climbing on my day off but there's still tomorrow.

And Toxo, my 4 parrots will kick your cats' ASSES twice a day, everyday! BTW, they don't all pose together either, that's how bad ass they are. tee hee

2 checks in the box! Skied off Sherwins Tuesday, climbed Pyramid Peak Thurs. The post-holing on descent was f'ing annoying but it sure is beautiful up there.

+1 Pyrachute