Snow still abundant in Eastern Sierra

It’s almost August, and yet a hike last weekend into the upper elevations of the Mammoth Lakes Basin revealed that a large amount of snow remains from the heavy Eastern Sierra winter of 2010/11.

Hikes up Duck Pass (pictured) to Duck Lake, as well as the hike to Crystal Lake had large patches of snow still covering portions of the trail. Hikers should not be disheartened, however, as the trails were passable as long as outdoor enthusiasts don’t mind carefully making their way over these patches and rooting around for the trail every now and then.

An opportunity to clean up and maintain the trail to Duck Lake, as well as other Coldwater trailheads is available this weekend through the MLTPA and Friends of the Inyo Summer of Stewardship program. For more information visit www.mltpa.org or www.friendsoftheinyo.org.