HST in 09 - Crossed Kaweah Gap 7/18 with quite a bit of show on the trail near Precipice Lake and around the lake as well - The gap itself wasn't as bad - (Crampons not needed) Water crossings were higher than previous trips - Merhtin Cr, Big Arroyo, and a few of the creeks that cross the trail on the east side of the Kern River between Kern Hot Springs and Junction Meadow - Biggest issue on this trip was the Hail Storm on the 21st near Guitar Lk - The switch backs above Guitar Lake were fine.
July 08 - Horseshoe Meadow - Portal, via Cottonwood, Guyot Pass, Crabtree, etc. -- Cottonwood Pass 7/7 was clear of snow on the trail but some patches off the trail - The rest of the trip also only patches here and there - Side trips to Arctic Lk and Hitchcock Lks found more snow -
Summit day was 7/11 - We all summited early then my son and a buddy took off ahead of us to get to Trail Camp, drop their extra gear, They then hiked to the Portal and back to Trail Camp. by then we were set up and had food and water ready for them and they were off for a second summit bid - At the top of the switchbacks they got hit with a Hail storm and turned around -
Note - watching the weather is just as important as checking trail conditions.
Note #2 - The west side approach is so much more enjoyable - acclimatization may be a part of that - scenery, less people... Definitely my fav.
Dave
