Rae lakes and Sixty lakes basin in Dec?

[chris smead]

I know this sounds crazy, but has anyone tried doing the Rae lakes loop in Dec?
Is roads end even open then? Any avalanche danger at that point?

[Backpack Jack]

I tried to do this 2 weeks ago, but was told by the park information that the road is closed on Nov 3rd. No matter what the weather conditions are, thats just a pre-set date that they set. You may be able to enter from Onion Valley over Kearsage Pass.

Let me know what you do.

Jack

[Ken Helwig]

Christopher Jack is correct. Hwy 180 is closed prior to Kings Canyon. You would be hiking about 20 miles to get to Roads End…with that said, you can access the area via Onion Valley or Baxter Pass. There are a few routes that skiers take to get over the Sierra Crest. Also take into account that if you do go over from Onion Valley, that you will have to either go south towards Barstow to get to Hwy 395 or to Lake Tahoe to access Hwy 395 as Hwy 120 is closed for the season.

[chris smead]

Thanks guys. I figured it was too crazy to try, just thought I'd ask.
I'll probably end up snowshoeing in hetchhetchy instead around that timeframe.
Anyone have any other suggestings for winter fun in emigrant?

[Ken Helwig]

Christopher, Hetch Hetchy is below snow level. Glacier Point Rd. and trails offer great opportunities
Emmigrant has Dodge Ridge, or at the Hwy 108 closure. Hwy 4 at Bear Valley offers many opportunities. I am putting together a snowshoe trip that is an overnighter if you are interested. No experience required. It's in the Pre Trip Planning section under Sierra Snowshoe

[chris smead]

I heard there was a good snowshoe loop from Hetchhetchy up to Tilden lake… Was I mistaken?
I might be interested in that Yosemite trip. I'll check my schedule.

[Author]

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