20 Apr 2025 - Conditions Report: Tungsten Hills Trail Run

Bishop and the Eastern Sierra has so much more to do than just rock climbing!

Our avid trail runner on staff, Scott, got out to the Tungsten Hills on a recent day off to check out a portion of the course traditionally used by the High Sierra Ultras (a local trail race festival just outside of Bishop in the scenic foothills of the Eastern Sierra Nevada each May). 

Here's his report:

Conditions Report

Current As Of: 20 April 2025* [Route tracks included below for reference]

Last weekend, I set out for a long run starting from the Buttermilk Aid Station, heading all the way up toward the snowfield just before the Overlook Aid Station. It was a beautiful spring day, and the conditions were better than expected for late April!

I anticipated getting my feet wet at the McGee Creek crossing, but to my surprise, the creek was low and crossable without much trouble. Fun fact: I spotted a bear near the crossing — a pretty exciting wildlife encounter and a good reminder to stay aware out there.

The round trip was about 17–18 miles. Water was plentiful along the route, and a single 1-liter BeFree filter bottle was more than enough to refill at the creeks. If you prefer carrying extra water between stops, bringing an additional bottle could be helpful, especially as temperatures start to rise.

At the top, I made it to the snowfield just before the Overlook. The snow patch stretched about 100–200 yards, but it was totally manageable for careful navigation if you want to tag the overlook itself. Traction devices weren’t necessary on 4/20/25, but conditions can change, so assess as you go.

On the way back, I descended the Edison Loop, which was in excellent shape — only one lingering snow patch in the usual shady spot. The entire outing was an awesome spring adventure with just the right amount of challenge and plenty of flowing water to keep things easy. I did not turn down to Intake 2 and instead headed back to my car at the  traditional location of the Buttermilk Aid Station.

If you're heading out soon, the next month or so is a great window to go before temps get too hot. Happy adventuring and possibly sign up for the High Sierra Ultras!

Gear Used on the Run (...and available at here at the store and online)

• Water Source: Katadyn BeFree 1-Liter
• Food: Probars / GU
• Hat: Outdoor Research Swift Cap
• Upper Body: Patagonia Cap Cool Daily Hoody
• Shoes: Topo Ultraventure
• Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Crew
• Anti-Chafe: Squirrel's Nut Butter Salve

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As always, don't hesitate to call us at store (760-873-7520) if ever in need of adventure ideas or conditions information!

(And if you need any gear to prepare for your own Eastern Sierra adventure, we got you covered with free shipping! All you have to do is join our email list and place your order with us online.)

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General Overview of the Route Taken by Scott and the One Used by the High Sierra Ultras

 

Snowfield near the traditional Overlook Aid Station location

 

Dry trail conditions and gorgeous view of the Sierra skyline early on in the run

 

The Desert Peach is in full bloom!

*All trip/conditions reports are subject to change, increasingly so with each passing day since the observation(s) were made. They are provided as a tool to assist your adventuring, not to replace your own risk management and decision-making. No information in any trip or conditions report published by Eastside Sports should be considered definitive in its information or directive in its recommendation.