^ Beautiful photograph, there, by the way. That's pretty much how I've always viewed the place. Mountains everywhere, in the distance. Rugged, and "sagey" as you put it, But always beautiful. And peaceful. I'm sure it scared the pants off all the first-timers who came in wagons, once realizing what a tough trek facing them over the Sierras. Good thing we've got the roads and trails. Hard-won things, those.

Wondering how all the rain and snow will be impacting things this coming year.

I'm guessing the place will be blooming up a storm, so to speak. All sorts of growth that's been atypical this past 20+ years of drought or near-drought. Ought to be amazing landscape visuals, I'd think.

Biker395 -- Got plans to do this ride again, this year? Or to head up there now and then for weekend jaunts?

Been a handful of years since I was in the area. It's time for me to make the trek. Perhaps early-summer, this year, would be good. Kind of a Goldilocks time of year. Gotta love the mountainous high desert in all its guises.