Chris Cloyd dropping into one of the Ellery Bowl Chutes. Skiing to the car on Memorial Day! - May 26, 2025 Photo: Lexie Gritlefeld
South Lake, Rock Creek, and Tioga Pass Areas | California | 2025-05-27
The harvest is on down in the Eastern Sierra, and recent road openings have afforded access to some of the best terrain in the Range! Tioga Pass opened yesterday (Memorial Day), and our guides found phenomenal corn conditions on Mt Dana and in the Saddlebag Lake area. The new access afforded by the road opening is a gamechanger as we head into June!
Blackbird Guide Sam Hamilton dropping into the Unknown - May 26, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
Mt Dana, the second-highest peak in Yosemite National Park. The Dana Couloir (left of the summit) and the Solstice Couloir (right of the summit) are visble. - Photo taken May 26, 2025 by Chris Cloyd
A skier on the Dana Plateau, just outside of Yosemite National Park - Photo taken May 26, 2025 by Chris Cloyd
The South Lake trailhead above Bishop Creek continues to provide incredible skiing, with both alpine bowls and steep couloirs on the menu. Coverage above 11,000 feet remains robust. A bit of walking the summer trail provides access to the snow line, and putting on tennis shoes at the beginning and end of tours is now mandatory in this area. That being said, the rewards of the walk are many!
Skiers ascending the North Couloir of Mt Johnson, in the South Lake area - May 25, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
Sam Hamilton, mid-harvest. Alpine bowls like this are still holding thick coverage in the South Lake Area. - May 24, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
Sam Hamilton making it look easy on the North Face of Mt Hurd. About 2,000 feet of classic Sierra corn skiing is below his skis. South Lake is visible far below. - May 25, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
Chris Cloyd riding the white wave in one of the Ellery Chutes - May 26, 2025 Photo: Sam Hamilton
Robust coverage above 11k as we head into June. Mounts Johnson, Gilbert, and Thompson are visible. South Lake area - May 24, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
Overnight trips can afford even greater access to the heart of the Range. We regularly take groups out into the Sierra for overnight trips - it's a great way to spend more time skiing and get into terrain that isn't easily accessible in a single day! You can learn all about our overnight programs here.
Possibly even thicker coverage in the Lake Italy basin. Mounts Gabb, Hilgard, and Julius Caesar, in the Rock Creek area. - May 19, 2025 Photo: Chris Cloyd
There are many ways to descend Pipsqueak Spire, and this is one of them. The North Arete of Bear Creek Spire dominates the left side of the photo. - Photo taken by Chris Cloyd on May 19, 2025
Now is an excellent time to get into the High Sierra and enjoy long days in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Come see for yourself!
Why Hire a guide to ski the Eastern Sierra ?
The Eastern Sierra is a massive range with a ton of varied terrain. Hiring a guide will help you find the best conditions in the best zones in the Range of Light! Our AMGA trained and certified guides will build the perfect tour for your group based on the conditions and your ski style. We love working with everyone from experienced backcountry skiers and riders to seasoned ski mountaineers. Take advantage of the excellent skiing conditions and book an Eastern Sierra adventure with one of our expert Guides today!
Trailhead Status Across the Range
✅ Sonora Pass / CA108 - Open
✅ Tioga Pass / SR120 - Open
✅ Upper Rock Creek Trailhead 10,000' - Open
✅ South Lake Trailhead 9700' - Open
✅ Lake Sabrina Trailhead 9700' - Open
✅ Onion Valley Trailhead 9200' - Open
About the Author:
Chris Cloyd is a Splitboard Guide and AIARE Avalanche Instructor based in June Lake, CA. He works as Blackbird's Program Manager, helping put together trips into the backcountry from the Eastern Sierra all the way up to the North Cascades in Washington.