Eastern Sierras, June 2025

Registration is near the bottom of the page.

General information about our destinations can be found here. This includes weather information, links to hikes, videos about the geology we will explore, and much more.

This year we have a rustic group campground reserved. The campground has two sturdy vault toilets, but not running water. Everyone should bring water with them (there is a rest stop a few miles away so we can refill containers daily).

Tentative itinerary

We have a full five days for hiking and exploring. If you can’t make all five days, you can still register and join us, but please don’t register if you can’t make at least three days of hiking.

Most days we will start driving at 8:00/8:30 (the sun rises about 5:30 AM!). Most days we’ll have multiple hikes, and you are welcome to skip one or the other if you prefer that.

Snow levels are generally minimal by June in this area, but hikes at higher elevations may be adjusted if we have late snowfall.

We’re avoiding the more popular destinations on Monday and Friday, hoping to avoid potential weekend crowds.

• Sunday, June 15th: Arrive mid-day and settle in. We can explore the obsidian dome that is right next to the campground.
• Monday: Mono Lake Tufas
  • Monday evening potluck dinner for anyone who wants to share a dish with others.
• Tuesday: Hiking on top of Mammoth Mountain–we’ll be at about 11,000 feet!
  • Trip up the Gondola to Mammoth Mountain (extra cost, kids 12 and under free).
  • On the way down we’ll get off the gondola at the McCoy Station and then hike down the Stanton Trail back to the base (assuming the trail is clear of snow). This trail is about two miles and does not appear to be one of their mountain biking trails (so no mountain bike riders flying down past us).
• Wednesday: Hot Creek and fish hatchery.
• Thursday: Crowley Lake Columns and Buttermilk Boulders
• Friday:
  • Possible hike to Devil’s Postpile (about 10-11 miles, at 7,000-9,500 feet). This day may be changed/replaced if there is still snow left and/or if there aren’t enough people looking for that long of a hike at that elevation.
  • Another alternative is Saddlebag Lake Loop off the road to Tioga Pass.
• Saturday, June 21st: Pack up and head home.

Food and drink

Everyone is responsible for their own food. On Monday night we’ll have a ‘potluck’ dinner for anyone who wants to share their meal with others.

There is no running water at the campground, so bring a few gallons of water. There is a rest stop on the highway a few miles away where we can fill up on days we run short.

Camping or other lodging

Most folks will be staying in the campground. It holds up to 13 cars, so people are encouraged to carpool. If you’d like to carpool, please send Lee an email and he’ll give you access to our carpool document on Google. This document is only shared with those who express interest.

The campground only has vault toilets; I’ll be bringing plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer (the Forest Service warned me that with possible government cutbacks they may not have that stocked for us).

Paying

• When you are ready to register, please select one Donation per person (you can mix and match contribution level).
• For the Tuesday Gondola ride to the summit, you’ll also have to buy one ticket per person (‘adults’ are age 13-79).
• If you are staying in the campground, select one Camping ticket per vehicle.
• The road to Devil’s Postpile is closed for construction, so it looks like we won’t be able to hike there this year 🙁

Once you register I’ll provide you with links for PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle (even a check in the mail) for payment.