Eastern/Southern Sierra - Conditions and Recommendations

I am not very familiar with the Eastern/High Sierra. My partner and I are plenty experienced with trad, and would like to do our first trip out there in a few days (7/8) but not wanting to jump into things that involve technical snow/ice travel (crampons/axe). For that reason, Whitney is out. 

Any recommendations for routes with less involved (snowy) approaches at this time? We can lead up to 5.10 and are strong hikers, mileage is not a concern. I have been using the route finder and reading tick reports, but its hard to get the scoop on current conditions and approaches for most stuff. Any general recommendations like "_____ area has less snow" is very much appreciated. Open to High Sierra, Eastern Sierra, Southern Sierra, SEKI, YNP, etc. 

Thanks

The Obelisk is a pretty fun adventure. The roads are closed past the Wishon Dam, so the approach will be longer, but you will likely have the place to yourself. Won't need crampons, but might be snow on the approach 

Saber ridge

Hard to avoid snow this year! As for the east side, I had quite a good time in Cardinal Pinnacle, Pine Creek, and Gong Show Wall this week. Patricia Bowl is great too but might be snowed in yet.

These areas have that high country feel without the usual slog factor .The climbing is tremendous. 

Maybe you could go up White Mountain Peak (west ridge, like 10k gain) afterward to get your (almost) snow free cardio on, since you're strong hikers :)

S Twrote:

Saber ridge

Any idea how snow will be? 

It’s south facing and relatively low in elevation. Might be some snow but it will be soft.

Has anyone tried getting up to bear creek spire recently?

Was out at BCS a few days ago. There are avalanche slides all over the descent and around the peak in general. Road was still closed 1.2 miles before the trailhead and 99% snow starting around long lake. There are some impressive suncups out there if you’re into that sort of thing!

Check out Tuttle slab in the database. Might be your best bet to avoid snow and not climb in the sun.

Anyone been up Temple Crag recently? Wondering about how much snow is on the descent from the top of the routes to the repel into the notch.