Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Shepherd's Pass Trail/Trailhead conditions?

Anyone been up to Shepherd's Pass recently? I'm heading up there with a small group to try Tyndall and Williamson, and would love to know both trail conditions, as well as trailhead conditions (specifically the road between the pack trailhead and the hiker trailhead.

Any beta on the two peaks would also be welcome

=) tif

I have read some weeks ago that the snow below Shepherd Pass was easy to cross. Climbing the peaks should be clear of snow.

Just came back from there yesterday and the trail is in good shape other than some rockfall just below Shepherd Pass which is easy to get around, but the whole trail is very steep climb until you top Shepherd then flattens out. There is no snow on the trail. Mt. Williamson which I bagged has just a few patches of snow is all but will not affect the climb. Tyndall is also clear of snow.

Water issues?

I just returned from a 6 day Kern River loop and I was really taken back by the low water levels. I would not be surprised if upper Rock Creek may be dry by summer's end.

paul

Heavy rain has damaged the trail, there's photos on the Inyo forest website... and some of the area roads were washed out too!

Thanks for the update, 1962!

From the "photos link, the Shepherds Pass trail text shows:

Photos of flash flood damage, July 2013:
Three hikers pick their way through a washed out section of trail.



This section of trail is not passable to stock.



Here are more pictures from another hike, showing the same area:
http://orbitor.smugmug.com/CollaboratorArchive/Williamson-2013-Bill/i-6KfSbjN