Best time for Sierra Mountains

April is probably a good time. Hard to tell what the snow will be like then, could be pow, could be corn, likely some of both, but that is generally considered prime time for big Eastside riding. Should be a good time to visit Yosemite, as the crowds should be light, and the waterfalls should be going good, as well as wildflowers and greenery in lower elevations outside the park. Mountain biking and climbing are always in play, but likely just in lower elevations that time of year.

This link should give you some ideas of things you can do in the Sierra with a 2-week block of time in the spring. 🙂 That was the last 2 weeks of May a couple years ago. Granted, that was huge spring, but personally I think I would have had just as much fun during the same 2 week period last year, which was a record LOW snow year.

I’d probably recommend the first 2 weeks of May. You will get some epic spring riding guaranteed, and maybe even some pow if you’re lucky. You’ll have a lot more options for lodging/dining as many more places open for the eastern Sierra fishing opener, which is April 27 this year. More roads will be open to higher trailheads at that point, exponentially increasing your terrain options. It is highly likely that Hwy 120 will be open to the east gate of Yosemite, which gives you car shuttle access to some of the best terrain on the eastside (but I’m biased…). The days are longer, weather likely better… and the Mo-mart will be open, which is really the only reason you need (do a search if you don’t know what that is). 🙂 A little birdie also told me that there are rumors that there might be an eastside splitfest being organized around that timeframe, which would be a good opportunity to meet some fellow splitters.

One potential downside is that it is highly unlikely that Hwy 120 will be open through Yosemite until the end of May or later. You can still say fly into San Francisco to visit the city, and drive from there into Yosemite valley… but you can’t get to the east side (which is where all the good bc riding is) w/o driving a LONG way around. This probably means going through Tahoe, which as mentioned above is worth doing anyway. Just plan on driving a lot.

PM me when you get your plans sorted or if you have questions.

great time to go. could get corn or pow and lots of climbing on the eastside to keep you busy. there won’t be a lack of snow during that time

yosemite will either be too wet or perfect – but the waterfalls will probably be pumping – don’t miss the valley if you’ve never been before.

If Hiway 120 is closed you wont be able to skin all the way to Yosemite valley, but you will be able to skin up to some good riding, and then drive arounnd and come in from the north. If you come all the way to the states and come that close to Yosemite valley you have to go. I would say its the number one, or two spots you have to see in the U.S. The other being yellowstone in Wyoming

You will need a rental car. There isnt much public transportation in the Sierra. Although it is in California its a very remote part of California.

Again though as your trip gets closer just give us a shout. We will be glad to help you out, give you an updated snow report and tell you where you will be better off.

here are a few places you can goggle and plan on hitting a few of these

Mount Dana ( Dana Couloir)
Bloody Mountain(Bloody Couloir)
Mount Gibbs
Mount wood
Virginia Lakes/Dunderberg
Esha
Convict lake
Incredible Hulk

or, order up BCD’s Guide book and drool

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Skiing-Californias-Eastern-Sierra/dp/0979264464

for snow conditions go here http://www.esavalanche.org/

and here http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/

They update everyday with forecasts and avalanche observations

The sierras typically have good springs so you may be in for a treat after the recent dry spell

Hey Loche, did you end up doing this trip? How did it go/is it going? Looks like you were coming out April 12. Even with the lame snow year we had this year, that would have been a pretty perfect time to come out, as Hwy 120 opened the weekend after that to the east park entrance at Tioga Pass, so that would have given you access to the goods higher up. If you’re still around some of us will be out that way this weekend. Also Sonora Pass just opened, which provides access to yet another zone.