The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

Recently, Bodie State Historic Park posted a job opening and since I know a few people in that line of work, I reposted it on LinkedIn. Craziest thing happened and a guy that I worked with years ago posted that his family was one of the last to sell out to the state when Bodie became a state park and a few of them are buried in the Bodie cemetery and out in Masonic/Bridgeport area.

What a wild coincidence!

 

I have no real interest in Whitney anymore. White Mtn peak, yes. Almost 20 years ago I just walked from the gate closure on the road at around 11k feet up to the lower research station, and it seemed pretty tough. I was 50 then, and I’m actually in better shape now. But living at sea level it would take me a week up there to acclimate.

 

That would be a good hike indeed

 

I want to head to Laurel lakes this season. I saw some trail reports of it being inaccessible due to snow as late as August. I guess the only way to find out is to monitor the weather within a month and go around that time. Does anyone else plan to visit?

 

Yes to snow up there. This drift was blocking the road in late July (just before the final descent to the lakes). And then comes the fun of turning around.

 

USFS shows the southern of the two lakes as having 98-197 inches of snow currently.

 

I think labor day is my best bet

Would you mind linking that report? All I can find is one that covers ranger stations.

 

nvm found it https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1045012.html

 

how fun

 

I'm in if you decide to do it. White wasn't hard at all, along the road, and you could make it a lot easier if you do it on the day they open the gate The problem would be enough daylight. You'd have to start White super early so you could get back by lunch.

 

Barcroft gate is scheduled to be open on 10 August this year.

 

Barcroft Station Open Gate Day

 

First time I was there was on skis, 40 years ago. We only got about 2 miles past the station towards the summit before we ran out of gas, metaphorically. Last time I drove, 6 years ago. It's only about 5 miles past the station to the summit, most difficult part of the hike is the lack of oxygen. Kind of disappointing that the station isn't open for visitors. That would be pretty cool, though I can imagine it would be a logistical nightmare.