Eastern Sierra Timberline Trail - (Sept 11-15)

[OTG Ben]

*** You must have a ticket to attend this event ***

Sept.11-15
Trip duration: 5 days/4 nights
GPX File: download link

Trip Lead: "OTG Ben"

Meeting Location Sept 11
Bishop @ 9am. Meet in the parking lot of Mountain Rambler Brewery
186 South Main St
Bishop, CA 93514

Please make sure you arrive with a full tank of fuel and all of the necessities required for the duration of the trip.

Documents/Fees
There is a $6 fee to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine visitor center. We recommend bringing extra cash ($40 w/ small denomination bills) as it's possible we may stay at 1-2 developed campgrounds.

Camping
Expect to be dispersed camping for the duration of this trip but we may possibly spend a night or two at developed campgrounds (but plan not to). You should bring the appropriate gear to pack out all of your garbage, including wagbags for solid human waste.

Firearms
This is a family friendly event. We ask that you leave your firearm at home or keep it stowed away in your vehicle at all times. Please make sure you are familiar with the CA state regulations and regulations within Inyo NF and the Ancient Pine Bristleone Areas.

Pets
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trip.

Gear & Fuel
We'll have an opportunity to refuel about half way through this trip, but please arrive with a fuel tank of gas.

Medical Info / Emergency Contact
Please print a copy of pertinent medical info and emergency contact info (at least two persons) on a card/piece of paper, and have this attached to your visor.

Comms: GMRS channel 15, freq 462.550
Firewood: please bring firewood if you can!


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Itinerary


Day 1 | Bishop to Green Lake Viewpoint

Camp: Green Lake Viewpoint or Coyote Flat vicinity
Mileage: 50-60 miles (mostly dirt)
Day 1

• Buttermilk Country loop
• Buttermilk boulder fields
• The Hunchback
• Opportunities to visit mines depending on timing
• Green Lake viewpoint

Day 2 | Green Lake Viewpoint to Goodale Creek Vicinity

Camp: Green Lake Viewpoint or Coyote Flat vicinity
Mileage: 50 miles (mostly dirt)
Day 2: expect slow going around funnel lake and the Coyote flat area due to lots of rocks

• Funnel Lake
• Coyote Flat
• Fuel Stop in Big Pine
• Crater Mountain

Day 3 | Goodale Creek to Papoose Flat

Camp: Green Lake Viewpoint or Papoose Flat
Mileage: 45 miles (mostly dirt)
Day 3: More slow going, rocky terrain as we make our way through Mazourka Canyon

• Mazourka Canyon
• Badget Flat
• Mazourka Mountain
• Papoose Flat

Day 4 | Papoose Flat to White Mountains
Camp: White Mountains or possibly volcanic tablelands
Mileage: 70-100 miles (depends where we camp)
Day 4: Once we get through the narrows, the rest of the track is much easier.

• The Narrows
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine visitor center
• Patriarch Grove (short hike approx .5 mi)
• Drive to the end of dirt at White Mountain Gate
• Silver Canyon
• Volcanic Tablelands

Day 5 | Drive Home
Depending where camp on day 4, we may need to drive down the mountain via Silver Canyon Road.

 

[OTG Ben]

I'm leaving the Bay Area early afternoon on Tuesday, so hoping to roll in sometime around the evening. I've been thinking of driving up to the Buttermilk Boulders if anyone would like to join.

 

[ronaldre-697]

I'm leaving the Bay Area early afternoon on Tuesday, so hoping to roll in sometime around the evening. I've been thinking of driving up to the Buttermilk Boulders if anyone would like to join.

I'm also leaving Tuesday around 1pm.
I will make my way to Buttermilk Boulders area. Hopping to roll in around 7pm.

 

[OTG Ben]

@ronaldre-697

I should say, I'm hoping to make it to Buttermilk Country tomorrow night. A lot of this will be dictated by when I arrive in Bishop. If it's before 7pm, I'll try and make it up to Buttermilk Country, otherwise I may try to camp down in the Owens Valley if it's already dark out.

 

[K ccart]

I'm headed up on Tuesday around 1200, I'll head out to Buttermilk as well. It will be good to see you guys. Looking forward to the adventure.

 

[OTG Ben]

@K ccart @ronaldre-697

There's a small loop off the main route that goes into the Buttermilk Boulders. I was hoping to snag this camp, or one of the nearby sites if available:

37.33269, -118.57493

 

[K ccart]

I was trying to leave at 1200, but now looking like not till after 7PM tonight. So won’t be up in the area till about 0100 if I make it that far might just find an area around Independence to camp for the night and in the morning drive up to Bishop. Worst case see you guys in the morning.