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

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.

Eastside Sports staff Tess and Taimur took on a wild Pine Creek Canyon adventure climb known as the “Great Worm.” Along the way, they tested the Sterling VR 96 rope on loose rock, offwidths, and bush-choked pitches—discovering both why it’s a “never again” route and why the rope is a keeper!

Eastside Sports staff take on the challenge of biking Silver Canyon Road outside Bishop—complete with dawn river crossings, steep climbs, and sweeping views of the Owens Valley. A true Sierra “sufferfest” ride that doubles as serious training for hiking, climbing, or backpacking in big mountain terrain.

Got 3 days off? We finally did! Eastside Sports staff headed into the Eastern Sierra for a classic Middle Palisade summit push. What followed was a true alpine adventure: wildflower-filled trails, mosquito-dodging at Brainerd Lake, and 3rd class scrambling on steep, loose rock to reach 14,012 feet. Read on to get our full route notes, gear-tested feedback, and wild Sierra inspiration.

Join Eastside Sports staffer Marion on a popular 5.5-mile day hike to Treasure Lakes via the South Lake Trailhead. Discover trip highlights, trail tips, and conditions—including creek crossings, bugs, and swimming spots—plus recommended gear and local hiking suggestions from the shop.

Looking for a rewarding day hike in the Bishop area? This staff report follows a 12.5-mile round trip to Hungry Packer Lake, passing stunning alpine scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls, and family-friendly camping options—all accessed via the Lake Sabrina Trailhead. Get the details before you go.

Our co-owners just climbed Mt Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route—no more snow in the chute or Final 400! Check out detailed route notes, camping beta, gear tips, and wildflower conditions from Upper Boyscout Lake to Iceberg Lake, all current as of July 17, 2025.

Eastside Sports co-owners made the most of a long weekend with a basecamp at Upper Boyscout Lake and a high-altitude scramble of Mt. Russell and Mt. Carillon. Read about conditions, route details, and gear recs from the Eastern Sierra.

Tess and her climbing partner tackled the classic Northeast Ridge of Bear Creek Spire on a sunny July day. Conditions were ideal for alpine rock climbing, with dry rock, soft snowfields near Dade Lake, and plenty of mosquitoes on the approach. Here’s her full conditions report!

Looking for a big alpine adventure? This detailed trip report covers a 22-mile hike up Mount Langley via New Army Pass, complete with wildflowers, creek crossings, trail conditions, and summit views. A perfect guide for anyone tackling one of California's 14ers this summer.