I'm planning a trip to Mammoth with a couple of friends (four 17-18 y/o boys, all very fit) for Memorial weekend, and we're looking at a lot of the area's hikes. If we want to do any nearby peaks (we're considering Morgan S, Starr, Bloody, Laurel, or San Joaquin - we're not super experienced and are really only looking at the less technical peaks) or hike Mammoth Crest, will it be necessary to bring spikes or axes? Also, any other recommendations for class 1-2 peaks under 15ish miles close to Mammoth Lakes? Thanks!

I'm from the UK and planning a backpacking trip all over the US with a good mate. I am a reasonably experienced hiker / camper and used to decently cold / windy conditions but not with snow (I have no ice axe experience for example). I'm really keen to visit the Sierra Nevada area but have read that snow can make a lot of it impassable without the right skills / experience. How feasible would it be to hike / camp around areas like Lake Sabrina / Blue Lake (near Aspendell) in mid May which are at 9000-10000 ft elevation? Will they be completely snowed in and require ice axe / crampons and some mountaineering experience or would you be able to get away with microspikes?

If the above locations should be avoided based on our experience, is there an approximate elevation below which we can be reasonably sure not to run into serious issues with snow?

Apologies in advance if this is a stupid question - I can't seem to find a definitive answer on this so looking for guidance.

Hey!

I'm on the hunt for true backpacking tours in Sierra Nevada or Yosemite where you camp out each night—no hotels. I've come across several tours that only offer short day hikes with hotel stays at night, but I'm looking for something more immersive. Does anyone have recommendations for multi-day, full camping tours?

Thanks in advance!

Planning on going up to Kennedy Meadows for Memorial Day weekend this year with some cousins, how packed is it up there that weekend in your experience? I figure the camping season is starting back up but really just curious to what this group has to say.

Edit: Southern Sierra Kennedy Meadows

Hi all! My fiance will be taking the BAR exam at the end of July and will need to de-compress, so I would love to surprise him with a backpacking trip after he takes it!

I'm looking for something that is within a 4 hour drive of the East Bay and is dog-friendly. We're both pretty in-shape so it can definitely be somewhat challenging, but probably no more than 10 miles per day on average (our dog is still very active, but she's approaching her older years, so def don't want to push her too hard!). Would love something with nice views and/or that crosses an Alpine lake that we can swim in at some point! Tysm in advance!! :)

Hey yall, anyone know how far up decent snow is on the 108? Im looking to frolick.

Getting a sno park pass for the day, hoping theres still some solid snow within reach

Are there good campgrounds near upper peppermint / lower peppermint that are in hiking distance to fishing spots?

Going to be camping at Rock Creek Lake in mid to late June. The Mt Morgan hike looks challenging. I will have my two sons 12 and 13.

In your opinion, would this hike be too much for someone their age? We have been camping and hiking in sequoia the last few years. AllTrails says only experienced people should attempt. Want to get opinions. Thanks in advance.

Mount Morgan on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-morgan?p=-1&sh=mblfm7

Based in Reno. Taking a 5 day road trip in a 2wd van. Was thinking of doing the Mojave or Joshua Tree but Jtree sounds like a bummer with a dog. I’m very familiar with most of the Nevada dessert but less with the southwest areas and haven’t spent much time past the Mojave other than driving through. Looking for suggestions on a good itinerary. Love quirky off the beaten path sites, hiking, hot springs, camping and stars. Love exploring with the pup. What would your perfect itinerary be so explore the Nevada desserts and or eastern sierras (below snow)? Thanks so much!

I am relatively new to California and trying to familiarize myself with the Sierra.
I booked a campsite in Onion Valley for early June.... is that too early for Kearsarge pass?
I am training for trail ultras and would love to do a big training weekend out there.
If you think it is too early, where else would you recommend?
I appreciate all the insight! Thank you!

Hey! I'm looking to go on a two day backpacking trip next weekend or soonish, but don't know where good options are. I've gone backpacking in the snow before and enjoyed it (I have snowshoes and microspikes, I'm not looking for a full on mountaineering adventure). I have pretty good access to Yosemite and the area through south Tahoe. Dies anyone have recommendations?

Hoping to fit in a trip this summer (snow melt permitting) around the Thousand Island Lakes area. Ideally hitting Banner Peak in a day trip then heading north along the JMT for a day then splitting off to hit somewhere in the backcountry. I am looking at a few spots to the north such as Marie Lakes, Ireland Lake, or another option that seems to be heading south past Garnet Lake towards the Minaretes, I.E. Lake Ediza Etc. Going off-trail would be good, we are trying to avoid people at all costs haha. What are some of your favorite spots in the area?

Wilderness permits for popular passes seem to be taken six months in advance. How do I compete to get one? Do I start typing as fast as I can at midnight? I don’t see auction process on forest service website.

Doing a backpacking trip from Sequoia this summer, but haven't been to the Western Sierras in 5+ years. Looking for a solid day hike option to do as a warmup for a 5 day backpacking loop. Ideally in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon area, preferably 10 miles or less. Thanks!