"To the Ends of the Eastside & Beyond" - Trip & Conditions Reports

Chidago Canyon in the Volcanic Tablelands offers a quiet, easy outdoor escape just outside Bishop, CA. This trip report highlights mellow dirt-road walking, fascinating volcanic geology, and a flexible outing perfect for families, casual explorers, and anyone looking for a low-effort Eastern Sierra adventure.

A winter day trip through Death Valley National Park highlights Lake Manly at Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist’s Palette. With cool temperatures and easy road access, this trip report shows why Death Valley is an ideal seasonal escape from the Eastern Sierra.

Paved roads are easy, but how about the unpaved ones? We spend a bunch of time in the desert, so we want to keep fellow desert rats in the loop. Fresh desert road conditions from Saline Valley to Death Valley, including North Pass, Hunter Mountain, and the Racetrack. Snow, washboard, and washouts all noted—updated for mid-October. Perfect for high-clearance and 4WD drivers planning remote back road adventures in the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley region.

Eastside Sports staff report on classic shoulder-season climbing conditions in the Alabama Hills after a birthday mission packed with 30+ pitches. This firsthand update covers weather, route density, camping at the Candy Store, and why the Alabama Hills remain a go-to destination for efficient, fun winter climbing.

Co-owner Sabine reports on current winter conditions in Rock Creek after a recent outing on January 7, 2026. This update covers road access, snow depth, snowshoe travel below treeline, avalanche awareness, and why Rock Creek Road is shaping up well for snowshoeing and classic XC skiing.

A late-December conditions check of the Volcanic Tablelands near Bishop shows dry access, no snow, and easy off-trail travel. This update covers Fish Slough Road access, puddle conditions, and current terrain around the Happy and Sad Boulders—ideal for hiking, exploring, and winter desert adventures.

A post-Christmas storm check at the Buttermilks reveals snowy boulders, wet ground, and challenging road conditions. This conditions update covers access, washouts, and current climbability around Grandpa Peabody and beyond—helping Bishop climbers plan safe sessions while melt-off continues.

A warm November day made for an excellent hike from North Lake to Piute Pass, with light ice, muddy sections, and wide-open High Sierra views. This conditions update covers trail status, creek crossings, footwear tips, and what hikers can expect before the next storm arrives.

A peaceful fall hike from Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake revealed crisp air, melting snow, and quiet Sierra trails. With minimal crowds and stunning alpine views, this update details current trail and snow conditions—perfect for hikers planning late-season adventures near Bishop and the High Sierra.

Join Eastside Sports staff on a fall climbing trip to Little Egypt’s Frontier Wall near Bishop, CA. Discover quiet granite walls, classic cracks, and stunning Sierra views. From Jammin’ with Jane to Classic Crack, this underrated crag offers solitude, challenge, and year-round adventure in the Eastern Sierra.

Time travel and visit Bodie Ghost Town in California’s Eastern Sierra to experience 100+ preserved buildings, gold-mining history, and unique sights like the intact stamp mill. When you step out of your car, you feel like you have stepped straight into the 19th century. Enjoy scenic drives, Mill Tours, and off-the-beaten-path adventures while learning about life in a high-elevation, windswept historic town.