Ride Report Bishop – Coyote Flat Plunge

Some high alpine riding and 6,000’ of continuous drop all without heading to Colorado? Nearly any die-hard backcountry enthusiast would be hard pressed to ignore those stats. But the butterflies were a reminder that backcountry riding isn’t without risk and I was already backed up against my go/no-go decision. Although I was up fairly early this day, a hardy breakfast, logistics, and last minute scouting had eaten up most of the morning. I had a start point, route, and end point that lay on the other side of a mountain range but had no clue as to the actual terrain that lay between. I was already risking finishing this ride in the dark in unknown terrain. Aside from the fact I was packing a map, GPS, and lighting, when your ride goes south while solo in the backcountry, you’re on your own. But it was time to commit or go home empty handed.

Two days earlier while driving up 395 to Mammoth, I stopped off in the hamlet of Big Pine. To the west lay some terrain that held promise of some big descent numbers. But seeing it first hand, always gives a perspective that maps or satellite imagery can’t possibly convey. Driving to the foothills in the late afternoon, the east facing slopes were already in the shadows of the mountains above. Ribbons of ATV trail disappeared into the rising terrain. This was to be finish of the descent if I navigated successfully. I then drove up to the end of Glacier Lodge road to check out the area while the last minutes of sunlight was cast on to the peaks. I may have to pullout my backpacking gear to check out the Palisade Glaciers close up, but not today.



A view looking west from 395 to Coyote Flats above while driving north from Big Pine the day of the ride.



Although there are a number of options to getting up to Coyote Flat, including several 4wd roads, I chose a scenic route starting near South Lake (9,768’).



Unfortunately the first section of trail was pulverized by the pack company below the lake. Surprisingly these horses don’t seem to mind chunk one bit.



There was plenty of time to take in the views between breaks.





There was little actual riding to be had. Looking off the back tire where I came.



About an hour and a half in, I pass by the first lake.



Again, looking back down the valley.



Got rock?



Buy the time I reach a second lake above it, occasional 30mph wind gusts were turning it into a small ocean. On the other side lay a wall to be scaled.



Looking up on the first leg,



About half way up after the first switchback.



Last view of the valley below



Barren landscape once on top of the ridgeline.



But I wasn’t alone as I spot two hunters on ATVs in the distance.



Just when I thought I was making progress toward getting over the ridgeline, it only revealed another one further ahead each time. 30-40 mph wind gusts were common.





After 3 solid hours of HAB, I reach my peak elevation over 11,800’.



Although I was only about a quarter of the way into this trek, some real riding finally was to be had.



This boulder strewn chute amounted to a 150’ drop in 0.15mi. Pick your own line.



Down on Coyote Flats,



I was reminded of southern Colorado.



But the final climb lay ahead getting around Sugarloaf Mountain.

 

5 hours into this trek, the top of the final descent is reached at 10,325’.



Looking down at the Owens Valley some 6,400’ below,



A view of the Palisade Glaciers.



This pretty much sums up the 180+ degree view on the way down. White Mtn Peak (14,262’) on the left, town of Big Pine in the center, Owens Valley & lake to the right, and Palisade Glaciers slightly behind.



Steep, rocky, and loose.





You’re better off on a snowboard coming down this section



More descent to come



The dirt road I scouted prior finally comes into view.



Then it was just a matter of exiting Baker Creek Canyon,



Joining up with some additional dirt,



And finish at Baker Creek Campground.



While the mountains cast their shadow across the valley floor,



It was a just a 1 mile ride down a country road and into Big Pine to look back where I had come from.



This ended up being quite a trek in the Sierra back country that would only appeal to a few. But I think if I ever repeat this again, I’ll be looking to hire an ATV or get a heli drop.

Type: Eastern Sierra Alpine Traverse
Start/Finish elevations: 9,872’/4,151’
Highest/Lowest elevations: 11,829’/4,151’
Distance: 24.8 mi, Sugarloaf plunge 10.4 mi
Total Ascent: 3,202’, Sugarloaf plunge 101'
Total Descent: 8,923’, Sugarloaf plunge 6,118'

 

Ridiculous dude. Next time bring a Shuttle Buddy. LOL.

 

damn that looks a lot of fun!

 

Awesome! I've spent a lot of time up in Big Pine fishing and hiking...love that area. Thanks for the report.

 

Wow!!! Thanks for sharing all the awesome photos and details. It's been years since I've been in that area...

 

Very impressive. A little to aggressive for me but a route I wouldn't mind doing over a day or two. Hats off for a great rr.

 

That's great! Thanks!!

 

Beautiful. What camera is that?

 

I love reading your posts and looking at your pictures, :clap::bang: but I would never attempt any of the routes! 8-[

 

Awesome RR and great pictures. Looks like a lot of steep climbing if starting in Baker Canyon to Coyote Flats.?

 

You know it's a good ride report when you leave the reader with a desire to have ridden with the poster...

 

Nice route. You're making me want to go back.

I recognize that ridge (ATV's). Good view of South Lake from the top.

 

Canon G11

 

Wow, great route. I would love to give that a ride!

 

Mega adventure!

 

In other words...you cheated!

I've done most of the climb that starts on Mummy Lane in Bishop. Dang, was it a bear!!! Next time I'll start at Parchers, which has been recommended by everyone I've talked to about this ride. Thanks much for the excellent pics and info.

 

nice to see others out enjoying the Eastern Sierra! I usually head up and over Coyote Flat on the 4wd roads to Baker Cabin then down to Big Pine Canyon on the singletrack. I'll have to check out the trail you took up from South Lake as I know there are a few wilderness areas you need to skirt... sounds like you found a way through.

btw, the 2 track you descended (the pic with the title "you're better off on a snowboard")... never try to climb that road. One of my worst days of this past summer was spent doing just that :lol:

Great photos!