Itinerary:
Our first day is an easy day to aid in acclimatization as we take the road from Aspendell to our hut at North Lake. We review avalanche rescue procedures that day and on the second day we head up the North Fork of Bishop Creek leaving behind the trees and cross Paiute Pass into the wide expanse of Humphreys Basin. Endless slopes of gently rolling terrain pass easily beneath the skis as we cross Desolation Lake and climb to either Steelhead Pass or Carol Col before dropping steeply into the lakes of upper French Canyon.
The next portion of the trip is certainly the most beautiful section as we cross Royce Lakes below the imposing walls of Merriam, Royce and Feather Peaks. A low pass gives access to the stunningly beautiful Granite Park with gentle slopes and great runs everywhere.
From here we have two options for our route into Rock Creek Canyon. Which one we choose will depend upon snow conditions and the wishes of the group. The technical descent over Spire Pass is a true mountaineering experience, while the less steep option across Italy Pass and the north shoulder of Bear Creek Spire is longer but gives the opportunity for an ascent of Bear Creek Spire.
Rock Creek Canyon has long been known for the quality of its skiing and we will enjoy the best there is: an eight mile downhill run to Rock Creek Lodge. Here our friends at the Lodge will provide us with their famous high country hospitality before we finish our trip at our vehicles at the Rock Creek trailhead.
Notes
We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000') just prior to the trip. Spending a night or two in Mammoth or camped at the trailhead campground would do the trick. Please refer to our Planning for Success info sheet for more info.
SMC does not rent ski equipment, but we work with Mammoth Mountaineering (760 934 4191)to get you set up on the correct equipment. MMS has a very wide range of rental equipment that is probably the best you will find anywhere in California. All gear is current state of the art, well tuned and rental fees are deductible if you buy a set up from them. (We highly recommend renting before you buy so as to find what suits you best, since a full setup is pretty pricy)We can coordinate the rental and suggest that if you can you arrive Mammoth the night before and get fully set up since boot fitting can take some time.
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