With the forecast calling for rain after 11am, we did our best to leave early so that we could set up camp before it started to get wet, but despite our best efforts, it is nearly 8am when we begin. There are still patches of snow even here on the dry side of the Sierras. Most of the trail and area is completely snow-free and we only crossed one other snow patch all day.

I've told many a would-be outdoor adventurer that just because you have sunny skies, that doesn't mean you can go out without a jacket and other essentials, even in July. The mountains make their own weather, and systems can roll in quickly and unexpectedly. Does this photo look like rain to you? I know many inexperienced nuts have thought I was crazy when they noticed a jacket in my pack after sweating in the hot sun to reach some lofty peak, but 80s, hot and miserable, has turned to freezing hail more times than I can count. Never travel in the high country without essential gear.