High Sierra Topix

I made a long ski tour up to Parker Creek- ~ 7 miles up from the Meadows on the road, and through the forest. I originally thought to head around Ragged Peak, and on for a close up view of the giant southwest face of Conness, but the snow was too icy, and the route I chose too much of a downed trees tangle. So I turned right around, and skied up 120 to the Mono/Parker Pass TH, and on up Parker Creek. I turned around at the first of the Miner's cabins for a 17 mile day. Mounts Dana and Gibbs in the background.



There were a lot of snow shoe hare tracks above the Meadows.


Mount Gibbs is such an interesting soft contrast to the spiky peaks of the Cathedral Range above T.Meadows.


Here's the Toulumne Ski Hut, with a vague view of Lembert Dome in the background.


The T.M. Ski Hut is a very nice base. Wood stove with a huge stock of wood, 8 bunks, two large tables, usually electricity, and electric hot-plates to cook on (sometimes just candles for light, and the woodstove to cook on). Water from the Toulumne River right up at the bridge- sometimes quite an effort to break into it for liquid water- but always snow to heat up in the hut's giant pots. And it's free- on first come basis.


Finally an animal! This coyote let me join up for a long tour of the Meadows together.



I first encountered him or her just 30 yards or so away- first thing in the morning on my morning tour.

What an amazing trip! Thank you for the share.

Awesome shots of the coyote, particularly the last one.

This is a great, unique trip report. Thanks for taking the time to write it up and post those terrific winter photos. I greatly admire your backcountry winter skills (and boldness).