Trans-Sierra Snowshoe Trek

Because Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US, is embedded in the Sierra Mountain range, it isn't totally obvious to see which peak it is in the distance. So, the ranger station provides this fixed pipe that shows it to you.

Independence, CA

From breakfast on the west side of the Sierra Mountains, we drive around the south end of the range and work our way back north up Highway 395 into the Owens Valley and finally to Independence where Peter registers us for our backcountry permit.

Teri met a fella named Ken getting ready to head up to Pear Lake for some skiing. He said he had done the Sierra High Route in 1998 and said it was no problem... Thanks Ken.

How's the breakfast bagel, Peter? Mmmmmm.

Teri was astonished with all the food Peter and I had brought... so, they culled it down somewhat and divided it up for each of us to carry.

Teri makes what she thinks is the final touches of packing up before we head out... but as we learned, there's always something more.

Peter scans the scene in the morning light and thinks about the trek ahead.

In case you didn't notice, there is no snow at the trail head... so we have to hoof it with our snowshoes on our backs and gain some elevation before we're in the white stuff.

We get a group shot before we hit the trail, and before the support crew of Karen and Stacey hit the road for their 8-hour drive back to Berkeley. (l to r: Cameron Martindell, Karen Righthand, Stacey Lee, Teri Smith, Daniel Emerson, Peter Chapman)

We turn up a side chute where some of the avalanche came down and find ourselves on a veneer of debris laden snow.

We got to witness the power of an avalanche by walking through the aftermath of destruction it left behind after the snow melted away.

Atlas Trans-Sierra Snowshoe Trek. Five Days; 45 Miles; 12,500 feet vertical gain; 10,800 feet vertical loss; Symmes Creek (Independence, CA) to Wolverton Ski Area (West side of Sequoia National Park). Trekkers: Daniel Emerson, Peter Chapman, Teri Smith, Cameron Martindell. Support Crew: Karen Righthand, Stacey Lee.

Daniel pauses and watches Teri as she continues up the steep 33 degree slope.

Daniel is feeling pretty good with his new Osprey pack.

The snow has melted away from everywhere but where we're heading up.

Packs on, we continue up.

Peter reviews with the group the use of the avalanche beacons we're carrying.

Atlas Trans-Sierra Snowshoe Trek. Five Days; 45 Miles; 12,500 feet vertical gain; 10,800 feet vertical loss; Symmes Creek (Independence, CA) to Wolverton Ski Area (West side of Sequoia National Park). Trekkers: Daniel Emerson, Peter Chapman, Teri Smith, Cameron Martindell. Support Crew: Karen Righthand, Stacey Lee.

Teri mastered the method of resting her pack on a rock. This method is good for taking in the view.

Teri checks her Sunnto... we're definitely going up!

Somewhat revived and ready to go, Peter leads the charge to move on.

Peter says being face down is a better bend for his back to rest. We think he's really just a snuggle bear and needs to embrace something.

After Peter and Teri got going, Daniel pulled out his secret orange dessert! Wow, that's luxury. And a fair amount of weight off his back.

But, the dirt trail kept going and snow was scarce on the southern facing slopes, so we got off our shoes and pounded the dirt.

Even for some of the snowy patches we encountered, we couldn't be bothered with getting our snowshoes back on. The snow was pretty firm as it was.

We continued to alternate from dry ground to snow as we rolled along the peaks and troughs along this southbound traverse.

Teri shows strong form as we pull out of that last break and make the final push of the day to our first camp.

Peter takes in the view of the brown land we came from as we make our final transition into snow.

Teri makes it all look so easy. She's practically sprinting up the hill!

Teri and Daniel keep on chuggin'.

A myriad of emotions as we reach Camp I.

"Just up that slope and on that plateau... we'll make camp there." Peter says.

As our shelter (a kiva) gets finished up, Daniel is ready to serve up our beef lasagna dinner. Mmmmm!

SIERRA MOUNTAINS, CA - Snowshoes patiently waiting until morning.

Our kiva is aglow with activity as folks get ready for bed under a looming rock outcropping of Mt. Williamson.

Teri jots down some thoughts of the previous day... like "what sort of mess have I gotten myself into now??"

Teri gets sassy with her oatmeal, a staple trail breakfast.

Part way up the Shepherd's Pass headwall, we take a break in a small corner only partially protected from the howling winds while Peter steps out on the steep slope for a look at our route up and over the pass.

When you take a moment to step back, you realize how huge this landscape is... Peter, Teri and Daniel are the three specks on the slope in the middle of the frame. This is big country... and there's bigger still to come.

Daniel sneaks out for a peek as well.

We're all smiles to be over Shepherd's Pass. Now which way?

Teri and Peter are slipping ahead down the slope.

We had some down to deal with, and while some of us glissaded on our bums, Daniel had a go sliding on the tails of his shoes and managed to spill some of his stuff around him.

Teri glides down the slopes with the eastern face of Diamond Mesa in the background.

Peter demonstrates excellent downhill snowshoeing form.

Teri and Peter find a great spot for Camp II and start digging the pit for our 2nd kiva camp.

After I work through 3/4 of a Cliff Builder Bar, Daniel happily returns with his hat.