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

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.

Store co-owner Matt tackled Contact Pass in September, navigating loose talus, crisp alpine air, and wildfire haze. This rugged Big Pine Creek route rewards with sweeping views of Temple Crag, the Palisades, and turquoise lakes—making it a standout late-season hike in the Eastern Sierra.

Cloudripper is a 13,525 ft peak in the Inconsolable Range of the High Sierra, close to Bishop, CA. Its West Chute route is often considered one of the best “intro to Sierra scrambles” because it combines real alpine exposure with manageable technical demands. Read the report from our staff member who recently did on his first alpine trip out since recovering from surgery!

Staff member Marion hiked Bishop Pass into Dusy Basin before scrambling up Mt. Agassiz via the West Slope. A classic Eastern Sierra adventure, this route offers beginner-friendly alpine scrambling, stunning summit views of the Palisades, and a great introduction to peak bagging in the High Sierra.