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

Planning a Pacific Crest Trail or John Muir Trail trip through the High Sierra? Here's the latest update from Forester Pass, where steep snow, icy mornings, and challenging travel remain. Learn what hikers are encountering and what gear and skills are currently recommended for safe passage.

Wondering where the snowline sits near Mammoth Lakes? We checked current conditions on the Davis Lake Trail via Hilton Creek and found mostly snow-free hiking, with only patchy snow and minor mud near the lake. A great early-season option for Eastern Sierra hikers looking to access higher terrain.

Wondering where the snow starts in the Eastern Sierra? This April 2026 conditions report highlights current snow coverage around Bishop Pass, Lake Sabrina, and Bishop Creek Canyon to help hikers, backpackers, anglers, and snowshoers plan spring adventures.

Explore Conglomerate Mesa via Cerro Gordo in this detailed Eastern Sierra desert trip report. Includes route options, driving beta, conditions, and key considerations for a remote, off-trail adventure featuring Joshua trees, wildflowers, and sweeping views of the Inyo Mountains and Death Valley region.

An early spring conditions report from Andrews Mountain in the Inyo Mountains near Bishop, CA. Unseasonably warm weather has created snow-free hiking above 9,000 feet, with detailed route info, access options, and terrain insights for this unique desert peak adventure.

A late March conditions update from the Eastern Sierra showing rapidly rising snowlines after recent heat. This report covers current snow levels, hiking access, and early signs of spring near Bishop, including Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, and surrounding high-elevation terrain.

A quick conditions update from Mammoth’s Lakes Basin near Tamarack Lodge. Snow is still present but firm, making hiking possible without snowshoes. This report covers trail conditions, snow depth, and early spring changes, including thinning lake ice and warming temperatures across the Mammoth area.

The Death Valley Super Bloom is one of the most spectacular spring events in California. This guide covers when to visit, where to find the best wildflowers, and what to expect when traveling from Bishop or the Eastern Sierra for this short-lived desert phenomenon.

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.