See, to me that looks awesome. I'd get up there in a heartbeat because I love that kind of stuff and I have some experience doing it. The mountains aren't going anywhere.
But the snow is - going somewhere that is. This year is one for the record books, so if you're into any type of alpine activities, this is the year to do it.
I might be missing something, but if you have personal experience and you enjoy alpine conditions, what's holding
you back? Why bother with the west slope when the E crest is where it's at? Access? You can always head around Walker pass if you're coming from the Bay area.
I personally hate Cottonwood (boooring), and while Miter is beautiful, you don't really have anywhere to go. Unless you go over Crabtree, but that's a whole different experience.
Like I said up thread, if you went up Kearsarge, you can go either north or south. Either way offers a completely standard, uncomplicated in-out 3 night/4 day trip that delivers great early season alpine conditions.
Last year, my buddy and I section hiked the JMT starting on May 31. You can read the TR here:
http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14472This year we're doing Taboose to Sawmill over Memorial weekend.
