Sequoia Backcountry Powder

Snowshoeing above the Unal Trail near the small ski resort Alta Sierra/Shirley Meadows in the Greenhorns (about 8 miles above Isabella Lake) leads to some pristine powder in a cedar forest.

While we often find ourselves searching for fresh tracks in the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth, we're expanding our range and discovering an amazing gem of powder and beauty: the high country of the Sequoia National Forest!



Near the Unal Trail, the Portuguese pass Road becomes a groomed x-country ski/snowmobile route with incredibly vast views of the Kern River Valley. Maps of groomed trails and x-country ski/snowmobile routes are here.



But for even deeper powder and higher elevation, we recently checked out Sherman Pass. (Here's the area in the summer.) Some of us snowshoed up the partially groomed road, while others telemarked.


Carvin' up one of the many ski bowls on the way back down.

Across the Kern River is another spot we've enjoyed x-county skiing; its near Ponderosa (past Johnsondale) and the Trail of 100 Giants. Check out this giant sequoia...you can ski through it!