Small correction regarding this statement. It actually descends around 550 ft before going up towards Mahogany Flat. I verified with my altimeter twice :)
I would just like to add, that the George Creek approach to Mt Williamson (in April or early May) and a return from the summit, is one of the great (if not the best) ski trips of the High Sierra. The ski from the summit is over 10,000 feet long and if one hits the conditions just right, you can ski almost to your car. Unforgetable and recommended for backcountry skiers looking for great Sierra experience.
A flash flood last summer (2013) washed out a section of the Shepherd Pass trail at approximately 10,000', just below Anvil Camp. It is necessary to hike approximately 100 feet upslope from the trail to cross near a large rockfall. There is a second washout a little higher as well, but is easily bypassed and is cairned.
Attempted to climb Mt Tyndall on 4/10/2019 from Shepherds Pass Trailhead (6300 ft). Mt Williamson is a few miles after Tyndall. We abandoned at 10,000 feet.
We were the only ones at the trailhead for two days.
Conditions: weather was clear with some 25-40 mph wind gusts. Deep snow starts at about 7300 ft., at about the 15th switchback, one hour in (there are about 55 switchbacks in the first phase of the mountain).
Notes: The climbing grade was about 100-115%, which made the first part brutal. If you start early in the morning you can use crampons, but by 1 pm you're going to need snowshoes with a heel lift otherwise your feet will sink in to about your calves and thighs at times (very very frustrating). You will also need short trekking poles and actual snow boots (not waterproof hiking boots, snow boots).
Where there are usually streams to replenish your water supply, there are none after 10000 ft (not that we saw), which means you have to melt snow for water.
The grade was too aggressive and demanded more than we were willing to give for the first day and decided to call it at about 10,000 ft. We went elsewhere and climbed smaller peaks.
What I learned: The importance of having a heel lift on proper snowshoes will make your life a lot easier. My calves were smoked after the first four hours of climbing straight up with a 45lb pack.
Recommendation: Unless you have 4 days to give the climb and you're in extremely good physical condition I would recommend waiting until the snow melts to about Anvil Camp (maybe late May). It can definitely be done and it's absolutely beautiful up there, but I would leave this one to the pros.
Craig Peer - Jul 23, 2004 11:41 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentIt just feels like 1000 feet!!
Misha - Jul 22, 2004 8:03 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled Commentand at one point it descends almost 1000 ft
Small correction regarding this statement. It actually descends around 550 ft before going up towards Mahogany Flat. I verified with my altimeter twice :)
Craig Peer - Jul 23, 2004 11:41 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentIt just feels like 1000 feet!!
asmrz - Mar 8, 2012 10:39 am - Hasn't voted
Via George Creek on skisI would just like to add, that the George Creek approach to Mt Williamson (in April or early May) and a return from the summit, is one of the great (if not the best) ski trips of the High Sierra. The ski from the summit is over 10,000 feet long and if one hits the conditions just right, you can ski almost to your car. Unforgetable and recommended for backcountry skiers looking for great Sierra experience.
brichardsson - Jul 14, 2014 9:11 pm - Hasn't voted
trail wash outA flash flood last summer (2013) washed out a section of the Shepherd Pass trail at approximately 10,000', just below Anvil Camp. It is necessary to hike approximately 100 feet upslope from the trail to cross near a large rockfall. There is a second washout a little higher as well, but is easily bypassed and is cairned.
RAM - Apr 12, 2019 11:37 am - Hasn't voted
Attempted Tyndall Climb 4/10/2019Attempted to climb Mt Tyndall on 4/10/2019 from Shepherds Pass Trailhead (6300 ft). Mt Williamson is a few miles after Tyndall. We abandoned at 10,000 feet.
We were the only ones at the trailhead for two days.
Conditions: weather was clear with some 25-40 mph wind gusts. Deep snow starts at about 7300 ft., at about the 15th switchback, one hour in (there are about 55 switchbacks in the first phase of the mountain).
Notes: The climbing grade was about 100-115%, which made the first part brutal. If you start early in the morning you can use crampons, but by 1 pm you're going to need snowshoes with a heel lift otherwise your feet will sink in to about your calves and thighs at times (very very frustrating). You will also need short trekking poles and actual snow boots (not waterproof hiking boots, snow boots).
Where there are usually streams to replenish your water supply, there are none after 10000 ft (not that we saw), which means you have to melt snow for water.
The grade was too aggressive and demanded more than we were willing to give for the first day and decided to call it at about 10,000 ft. We went elsewhere and climbed smaller peaks.
What I learned: The importance of having a heel lift on proper snowshoes will make your life a lot easier. My calves were smoked after the first four hours of climbing straight up with a 45lb pack.
Recommendation: Unless you have 4 days to give the climb and you're in extremely good physical condition I would recommend waiting until the snow melts to about Anvil Camp (maybe late May). It can definitely be done and it's absolutely beautiful up there, but I would leave this one to the pros.