SierraDescents | Page 2
August 5, 2025
The Dragon-Bravo Fire
Even in the past, 'Fire benefits forests' was always an oversimplification. In 2025 it is a dangerous if not delusional mantra. For today’s climate and drought-stressed (more)
July 31, 2025
Homolovi: Accidentally Postmodern
I would not call Homolovi one of the gems of the Arizona state park system. Likely most visitors (of which there are few) find the place disappointing, if not utterly (more)
June 24, 2025
The Granite Lakes Cirque
I just need to get lost more often. While attempting to ski False White's east face a few days earlier, Dave Braun and I veered off course but got a surprise look at False (more)
June 20, 2025
False-False White
False White is of course the marvelously obvious mountain that pops into view up Tioga Pass Road at Ellery Lake. For backcountry skiers, False White's looming east face is an (more)
June 18, 2025
University Pass
On June 6 I returned to Onion Valley, intending to ski the "official" University Pass. But as it turns out, there is some disagreement as to which col is actually UP. So which (more)
June 3, 2025
Sullivan Canyon Reopens
Sullivan Canyon, in the Santa Monica Mountains, was closed for several years for pipeline maintenance (the land is owned by SoCal Gas) and then of course because of the Palisades (more)
June 1, 2025
University Peak – Hourglass Couloir
I am a Southern Sierra skier; I know there are interesting parts of the range northward, but it is the south, with its towering spires, epic cirques, and preposterous (more)
May 27, 2025
Mammoth Crest – Crystal Chute
Crystal Chute is one of the closest technical objectives in the Mammoth Lakes basin, and probably a solid entry point if you're looking to dabble in steep skiing along the Mammoth (more)
May 21, 2025
Mount Gould – North Face
Thank goodness I had my crampons! Following my climb-and-ski of Mount Gould's east face a week ago, I returned this Monday to try Gould's north face, expecting a similarly-modest (more)
May 17, 2025
Mount Gould’s East Face
Mount Gould is a modest Eastern Sierra thirteener that is readily accessible from the Onion Valley parking lot via either the Kearsarge Pass or Golden Trout Lake trails. While (more)
