2023-03-24, 11:26 AM
(2023-03-24, 09:07 AM)wbdeford Wrote: It has been 2 years since I have been to DVNP, so I'm looking forward to a trip next month.
Brian, I'm currently in the park. Yesterday 3/23/2023 I spoke with a park ranger/officer while he performed maintenance on the windsock at the Furnace Creek Airport. He said south pass currently is "iffy" with show and ice and some rocks washed onto the road. He said just be careful. BTW- this morning about 2 a.m. it rained about a 1/4 inch at Furnace Creek and I noticed a new dusting of snow at the higher elevations - Panamints.
The weather has generally been cooler than average and the snow pack above average so I'm not sure how much will be melted by the time you arrive? I planned on visiting your "maple grove" east slope of Telescope this week but there's too much snow up at Mahogany so I'll try again in warmer times.
Thimble Peak is a delightful climb with great views so I'm sure you'll be okay. When I topped Corkscrew Peak seven years ago I met a hiker who approached from Titus Canyon but I can't remember his route. Maybe Titus will be open for you in two weeks?
If I return to the Visitor Center I'll try to get a detailed prediction report for you.
BTW, I grew up at the base of San Gorgonio and have summited that peak three times from age 12 to age 64. One can actually see San Gorgonio from Telescope Peak which about 150 miles separating the peaks. Pretty cool seeing Whitney, Charleston, San Gorgonio simultaneously on a clear day. San Gabriels are in view but I'm not familiar at all with them.
Another BTW: That park ranger (Spencer) told me the pot growers on Hunter Mountain have been eradicated but that "this is the scouting season" meaning the crooks are out looking for new grow spots. I learned this when I told him I was planning on a South Pass hike and was worried about running into the pot head growers rumored to infest the area.
Life begins in Death Valley