Intermediate Snowshoe – Vance's Cabin

From the Ski Cooper parking lot, find the start of the snow-covered road that leaves from the northeast corner of the lot. Follow the road northeast along a water ditch that traverses into Piney Gulch. At 3/4 mile from the ski parking lot the gulch splits (10,520 feet). Continue up the left fork of the gulch for 1/4 mile to a large clearing (10,660 feet).
Climb northwest up through the clearing to the north end of the saddle at 10,963. At the saddle use your map and compass to identify the slopes of Taylor Hill. Climb east for a short distance, then swing back north and make a long 1/2-mile traverse along the west face of Taylor Hill. At 11,160 feet, just to the east of the hut, you enter an open area. Turn left here and descend 1/4 mile to Vance’s Cabin. Some structures around the cabin are visible from several hundred yards. Overall ~3 miles and ~780 ft elevation gain (one way). (Vance's Cabin - Winter - CalTopo)

You may encounter Ski Cooper snowmobiles and/or snowcats on the first 3/4 mile of the suggested routes to Vance’s and Sangree’s. Please expect and respect all users.

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Wooly Mammoth PnR (Section BB) at 6:45AM for 7:00AM depart (Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Ski Cooper Trailhead parking (Ski Cooper - Google Maps)