Nov 03 2008
Palisades Glacier
Glacier in sunny California? Who would have thought there are actually several hundreds of glaciers in this state?
Palisades Glacier Viewed from very far, from Big Pine Creek
And we still have not left Inyo County, we just moved from the desert to the Sierra. Viewed from afar, Palisades Glacier looks small, yet it is 2.5 miles in length, 1 mile in width and several hundred feet thick! Palisades Glacier is the Southernmost glacier in the Western Hemisphere. It sits at an elevation of about 13,000 to 14,000 ft. It is located above Big Pine, CA, south of Bishop Creek Canyon and west of Death Valley. Palisades Glacier is 8 miles above Big Pine. At the town of Big Pine, when we went there, the streets were still colorful from the autumnal hues.
Fall Color Still Alive @ Valley Floor in Big Pine
Fall Color Still Alive @ Valley Floor in Big Pine
However, as we moved up to Big Pine Creek, we were greeted by this at the start of the trail.
Icicles in the Creek
Devoid of Colors 
The Bitter Reality after the leaves had fallen
The hike to Palisades Glacier is actually just 9 miles, climbing 4000 ft and does not pose a lot of technical difficulties for climbers. However, since we are not seasoned ice climbers, and did not have the right outfit (no ski boots, no crampons) when we went to Eastern Sierra, thefore, we just content ourselves with a little hike along the Big Pine Creek.Though we did not make it to the glacier, but the little hike we did along the Big Pine Creek was exciting already. With rushing stream mixing with icicles along the creek,
the evergreen conifer forest,
and of course, the majestic wind whipped granite peaks of the Sierra. maybe next time we go back here in Big Pine, we can finally make it to the Southermost glacier in the Western Hemisphere. If you want to read a happy trip report to Palisades Glacier and see closer pictures of Palisades glacier, please click Reiner Stenzel’s trip report.
The first time I saw icicles… i was really amazed. what do you expect from someone who came from the tropical country. hihihihi
I think the Devoid of colors photo is gorgeous. What I would give to be there right now. Ah! You have a great eye for beauty.
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I have never seen such beautiful and big trees. I love fall! Those icicles were exquisite too. Love these beautiful photos as usual.
Even though the leaves are stunning, the ice on the branches has its own beauty. It is amazing how the same place, can have such a strong contrast of weather. Once again you did a marvelous job.
i love the mountain’s view it looks cold outhere, oh.. the newfangled trees that gives yellow colors now…
ganda naman nito sis…
as for your comment: true, incomparable talaga mga holidays sa pinas, i dont like dressing up during the halloween, since i was not used to it and neither of planning to do it in the future, might be for my future kids as i don’t want them to think that i’m a kill joy mom…hopefully, that when i die, didto kos pinas ma tiguk aron didto ko palubong, total duna nakoy napalit nga graveyard didto eh.. hehehhe… i don’t really see that mostly or some people here gives importance to the dead family. ayaw ko ng i’m forgotten just because i’m dead.
Gorgeous photos, as usual! Such a beautiful area of the country.
Wow, this looks like a great hike! A bit intimidating from the looks of those icicles (I’m a cold weather wimp - Brrr). I will have to do more exploring of Big Pine Canyon when I’m in the area - usually we just end up in the Keough hot ditch.
as for your comment: uu sis, naay gummi bears ug worm pud.. lami siya.. i love it masking na pako sa pinas… lingaw pambata ug as in daghan pa jud kaayog laing mga design.. try lami man sya ayaw lang to sour katong sweet lang sa aron lamian jud ka