Approaching White Mountain from the west, the line of least resistance is the ridge on the south side of Jeffrey Mine Canyon. The road in Jeffrey Mine Canyon may be passable to capable vehicles until it goes to pieces at about 6000'. We found it easier to park at about 5600' and go south to cross the wash and climb onto the ridge. The 600' climb to the ridge from the 6000' level on the road is very steep and loose and not recommended in the dark at the start, finish or both, of a long day hike (or any other time). On top of the ridge there are traces of a track that may have been used as a road 80-100 years ago. The track fades away by about 8000'. Scrambling on the ridge top at 13,100' avoids a traverse across the top of a steep fresh active talus slope. Pass the false summit at about 14,000' on the left.
The ridge top collects and holds less snow than the canyon bottom. There will be snow during the winter. There is no other water of course. When descending in the dark it is important to stay heading west on the ridge top to avoid dropping south into Millner Canyon which has much steeper and rougher terrain. Of the 8600' of gain, about 4000' are scree.
The Mammoth Mountain Inn at the main lodge area is just below 9000'. The people who named the restaurant there "Altitude 9000" rounded up.
Dale B. Dalrymple
