Trip Report: “Red Rock Island Chute” – Paiute Pass Ridge Off Peak 12,621 in California

Miles Clark | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions ReportPost Tag for Trip ReportTrip Report

Report from May 21, 2025

Yesterday, we decided to maximize our bang for the buck.

Paiute Pass Ridge, California.

Fox and Garrett had skied the “Red Rock Island Chute” the previous day, and their footage was stellar.

For Greggy, Lee, and me, it was a no-brainer.

This was the 4th chute I’ve skied on Paiute Pass Ridge, and it was my favorite.

Peak 12,621, CA – Paiute Pass Ridge

“Red Rock Island Chute”

Details

  • Summit (actually a ridgeline):  11,200′
  • Car:  9,250′
  • Vertical From Car:  1,950′
  • Vertical skied:  1,300
  • Max Pitch:  42º 
  • Avg Pitch: ??º 
  • Aspect:  Northeast
  • Distance: 4 miles round trip
  • Time From Car to Top:  5 hours and 33 minutes
  • Car to Car Time: 4 hours & 41 minutes
  • Recommended Equipment:  Crampons, Ice Axe, skins
Lee climbing up. image: snowbrains

We started hiking at about 9:30 am and I was super tired right away…

The 3,000 foot bootpack 2 days prior was still kicking my ass (South Fork Bowl).

It only took about 1 hour to reach snow via a lovely creekside trail.

Lee up high. image: snowbrains

We bushwhacked a bit to reach the snow, but it was only a 2 outta 10 on the bushwhack-o-meter.

Skins on and Lee lead us out.

He got us up pretty high to where the rock walls first close in.

Red Rock. image: snowbrains

The skinner felt long and hard, and I was already kinda smoked when we switched to boots.

It was only a 30-minute skinner, but it got me.

From there, we booted well in firm snow.

Lee likes it! image: snowbrains

Up high, it got bad.

I was counting out 50 steps at a time, then a big rest, repeat.

Right near the top, the snow went rotten, and I was punching into my thighs and waist nearly every step.

Lee shredding. image: snowbrains

Frustrating and exhausting.

I finally made the top of the chute after a brutal final 50 steps.

I had to rest on top for a while.

Lee. image: snowbrains

I dropped last.

The skiing was good.

The terrain was epic.

Red Rock Island Chute. image: snowbrains

This was the coolest chute I’ve skied this season!

Red rock isands everywhere, splashing spray off rocks, twisting, turning, vertical walls, all of it.

I even got a faceshot off a turn spray that hit a rock and exploded downhill.

Vista. image: snowbrains

We were hyped at the bottom, and the walk home wasn’t bad. 

We took a quick swim in the river and it felt amazing.

From there we dropped into Bishop, grabbed cheap Indian gas, sandwiches at Taproom 1903, then a quick stop at Tall Carl’s house.

Greggy climbs. image: snowbrains

Dinner at Dos Alas in Mammoth was scrumptious!

Great day.

Thanks, California!

Photos in Chronological Order

Rock. image: snowbrains
Greggy. image: snowbrains
Greggy climbing. image: snowbrains
Next week? image: snowbrains
“Dirt Bike” chutes that I skied on May 10. image: snowbrains
Greggy needed help getting boots buckled and getting them on… image: snowbrains
Lee focused. image: snowbrains
Lee dropping in. image: snowbrains
Meier skis “Teton” with SnowBrains graphic. image: snowbrains
Greggy ripping. image: snowbrains
Greggy mid chute. image: snowbrains
Greggy in the belly of the beast. image: snowbrains
Where’s Greggy? image: snowbrains
Lee in the swimming hole. image: snowbrains
Game on. image: snowbrains
Taproom 1903. image: snowbrains
Whitney sandwich. image: snowbrains
Dinner at Dos Alas with live music. image: snowbrains
Greggy looking weird at Dos Alas. image: snowbrains
Posted by Miles Clark |

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