She's not quite the same scrambler as Reilly. We ended up deciding that we'd just head back down to Piute Lake and camp there for the night. Continue down the trail into Piute Canyon and you will find a lush forest thriving with wildlife and small waterfalls. Not quite as popular or scenic as the South Lake to Bishop Pass Trail , Piute Pass Trail to Humphreys Basin has its own fan base. Turning back didn't feel incredibly satisfying, but I'm glad we did. Red Tape The Piute Pass trail has a quota from May 1st through November 1st each year. First campsite - Lock Leven (3.5 miles). However, we were able to boot pack through the snowfields comfortably. Piute Pass Trail is one of the fastest and easiest ways into the high alpine country of the Eastern Sierra. Then the trail heads across Humphreys Basin and down along Piute Creek until it reaches the San Joaquin River and the bridge that crosses you into Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Trail. Humphreys Basin and French Canyon via Piute Pass. Backpacking into the Eastern Sierra: Honeymoon Lake via Piute Pass . This beautiful area is just 20 miles west of Bishop, CA. Backpacking Tips; About Me; Sierrabackpack.com. By 12:30pm I was at Piute Pass. The basic part of this adventure is a backpack to Sailor Lake. In mid-July, my friend Christine and I set out on a three-night, four-day trip into the … After the wooded section ends, the trail meanders along the shores of two larger and numerous smaller lakes, all in a chain leading up to the pass. It was most definitely a slow start to the morning. This trail allows you to hike in the John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, and Sierra National Forest in one 20 mile section of trail. Piute Pass ascent - 9.50 Miles - From Piute Creek To Summit Lake - We really liked our camp and could have stayed for a day. The trail up the pass was mellow and gave a nice preview of the sights to come as it passed by two pretty lakes and several tarns. All three major lakes, Piute, Summit, and Golden Trout Lakes are loaded with wild trout. The trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. We did try to warm her up with any and every piece of fabric we could find, though. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The wind had died down substantially, and the cold had started to subside. I visit with these two only once a year or so, and there is … I will admit, I was not in the best mood at this point. After about 45 minutes of climbing, the snow surveyor passed me. Location: Kings Canyon National Park Trailhead: North Lake, elevation 9,347' Piute Pass: 11,460' (2,113' climb) Muir Pass: 11,955' (3,885' climb from Piute Cr. The route is steep leading up to Piute Pass at 11,423 feet. I arrived at Piute Pass within an hour and shared the pass with a dozen other people, which was a bit of a shock after the relative isolation of the off-trail backcountry. When we reached Piute Lake, I thought it looked like a fanastic place to camp and fish (you'll see some pictures of us fishing at it in the trip pictures). I don't think Tina, Juniper, or I got more than a couple of hours of sleep that night. The road is surrounded by quaking aspens of all kinds. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is … (Six miles, 2,100 feet of elevation gain) Day 3: Today is a layover day at Muriel Lake. We kept marching up the trail, and shortly after leaving the confines of the lake, we got our first glimpse of the pass. It starts out with a couple stream crossings in the woods, but soon you reach treeline and the views open up. Emerson. Luckily, both of our bags were rated accordingly. Swimming in alpine lakes, fording rivers, watching sunsets, and traversing snowfields. This adventure starts in Bishop California on the 395. We plan to spend our first two nights in the basin camped at Muriel Lake. So there isn't much else to tell. The medley of colors in the turquoise tairn and the red heather next to the frozen stream was rather beautiful even though the air was so unwelcoming. Still, as we drove over Tioga pass and saw the temperature plummet on the thermometer, I was starting to think about how nice it would be to just settle for a couple of nights at the Best Western in Bishop and do some day hikes to see the foliage. I wanted to go to somewhere new, but at a very familiar starting point. I quite enjoyed watching it from my sleeping bag, holding Juni tightly beside me to warm her up. The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: Click here to continue the hike in the direction east to west. As you continue you’ll pass Saddlerock Lake and Bishop Lakes – both quieter places to stop and take a break and reenergize … It took some time to convince Sadie to follow us through a boulder field. Piute Pass and Bishop Pass trail are the end points for the popular North Lake to South Lake Loop. About five hours from when we started the drive, we were in Bishop. Julie and I recently spent a week in Inyo National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park. Tall ones, tiny ones, thick ones, pencil thin ones...you name it. On the bright side, going outside to pee was quite exhilarating. If anything, we'd just be a bit miserable for a few days. Day 8: We will hike over Mule Pass (10,470 feet) and return to the Hoover Wilderness for our last night together. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September. I figured I should at least try to get to the last and largest of the lakes, Piute Lake, before I have to hike up to the pass. But we did have the fortunate opportunity to watch a Clark's Nutcracker while we stopped for a break at one point. We convinced ourselves that we weren't going to die from a bit of cold and severe wind. Starting out at North Lake Campground, the trail to Lamarck Lakes is a fairly gradual ascent. While their beauty was consuming most of my attention on the drive, a good portion was also being stolen away by the furious winds that were driving them side to side and making their silver dollar leaves flicker incessantly. *Note, if you have time for a longer backpacking trip, you can keep going down this trail. I arrived at Piute Pass within an hour and shared the pass with a dozen other people, which was a bit of a shock after the relative isolation of the off-trail backcountry. After we had brushed our teeth and put everything away, the only thing either of us wanted to do was get in our sleeping bags and get our bodies warm. This is the perfect hike for the minimalist hiker, hunter, or fisherman. Our goal? North Lake is located outside of Bishop in the Lake Sabrina area. I've pasted the text […] Feb 3, 2016 9:25:59 GMT -8 . The trail begins to climb almost immediately, in a series of switchbacks and climbing grades, angling up toward the first of two large lakes on the way to the pass. Continue over the pass into the Sierra NF. Depending how far you plan to travel, the trail eventually links up with the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail. After climbing out of the meadows near the trailhead, you will find yourself on a ridge with few trees to block the great views of Grass Lake and the va... Before heading out, you will need to get a backpacking permit to stay overnight in this area. I had heard the snow falling throughout the night, and it was quite a welcome sound compared to the brawling blows of the wind. Piute Lake Above Loch Leven Piute Pass Waterfalls Above Loch Leven I took these pictures on a 5-day backpacking trip with Ed, Colin, Lynn, and Simone in the John Muir Wilderness in August 2000. It goes up to Piute Pass, one of the first passes … This year takes us to Piute Pass, a pass which leads into the Humphreys Basin, a very broad glacial basin covered almost entirely by glacial polish. we started thinking about planning a trip the next fall. we quickly reached the small tairn that I had filled our water bottles at the night before. With a simple spinning reel or fly rod, you can catch ALL FOUR types of wild mountain trout. Head over Piute Pass, through Humphreys Basin and down to Hutchinson Meadow. a few log bridges crossing quiet streams... After a mile or so, and a gain of about a thousand feet, we left the shelter of the trees and entered a more exposed area. I took the High Route solo from Piute Pass to Mono Pass over 5 days. The bitter cold helped us convince ourselves that any bears or mountain lions would probably be hunkering down during this storm just like we were. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Any season, any time- it is there. Loch Leven A tarn above Loch Leven Piute Lake Snow below Piute Pass. Despite gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, the climb felt pretty gradual. There is a trail that leads directly down to Summit Lake from Piute Pass. Then the trail heads across Humphreys Basin and down along Piute Creek until it reaches the San Joaquin River and the bridge that crosses you into Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Trail. All three major lakes, Piute, Summit, and Golden Trout Lakes are loaded with wild trout. We kept marching up the trail, and shortly after leaving the confines of the lake, we got our first glimpse of the pass. Here is a map with our route highlighted. On the way up to the pass, you’ll hike up through the forest, passing a series of alpine lakes. The only real problem was that a water source was a 1/4 mile or so away. When we reached Piute Lake, I thought it looked like a fanastic place to camp and fish (you'll see some pictures of us fishing at it in the trip pictures). There were several good, flat spots to camp. I ended up pulling water from a small tairn just below Loch Leven and then hiking back on the trail to the spot where we diverged, and following the same route we had taken before to get to our campsite. Piute Lake and Peak 12352. Backpack Trips In The Sierra. The trail up to Piute Pass is pretty gentle, ascending at a rate of about 500 ft per mile. Plenty of flat spots speckle the north shore. but while trying to get him off the hook, I realized I couldn't really move my fingers very well due to the fact that they were frozen stiff. Pictures of the hike (Florence Lake to North Lake 2008) Pictures of the hike (North Lake to Piute Pass to Lake Florence 2007) Back to California hikes Piute Pass Photo Gallery. Almost immediately we leave the trail and head to a group of rarely visited unnamed lakes, to camp high above the pass. You will encounter amazing wilderness, spectacular mountain views, and lakes filled with wild trout. ... North Lake to Piute Pass - Duration: 13:07. I kept it to low mileage days because the elevation tends to get to me if I push too hard. Hiking trail near Bishop, California. The first mile of the hike is very lush, filled with willow, lodgepole pine, wildflowers and … Piute Pass, Alpine Col, Darwin Bench, Lamarck Col XC Backpacking Trip On September 10, 2016 Sarah and I embarked on a classic High Sierra Cross Country loop Starting in North Lake, on the East side of the Sierra Nevada, near Bishop CA. Immediately upon exiting the car, the wind hit us like a slap in the face. Here,... Overview Piute Pass Trail - North Lake Beginning in lodgepole pine and quaking aspen, the trail follows the creek at the foot of Piute Crags and Mount Emerson. A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays. Families, friends and special interest groups enjoy Bishop Park for its access to prime fishing and its serene setting on Bishop... Overview ‣ Distance: 9.6 miles (round trip) to Piute Pass ‣ Elevation: 9,345-ft. at the trailhead 10,958-ft. at Piute Lake Eventually crossing the Sierra Crest at Piute Pass (11,423 feet), we enter Humphreys Basin. So right before the trail crossed the stream for the first time, we diverged from it and headed up into the little granite bowl just to the northeast and below Loch Leven. Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail is a 50.5 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Bishop, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Piute Pass, Puppet Lake Loop - 2019 A stunning 5 day/4 night alpine loop trip for advanced hikers that have experience in cross country. I was a bit nervous going […] The trail follows the cascading North Fork Lamarck Creek, past Piute Crags, past the beautiful Piute Lake to the 11,423 foot Piute Pass near Mt. JMT/Piute Canyon to Florence Lake is a 15 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mono Hot Springs, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. I thought I could use a shortcut up the little gullies just to the southwest of our camp to get up to Loch Leven, but it didn't end up saving me any time over just going back down to the trail and heading up from there. More Crags Even more. Emerson. It was a relief to finally reach the shelter of the forest, as the many trees supressed the wind a bit. The aspens were pretty magnificent along this stretch, so it wasn't that bad. Everything was frozen, and the wind was probably still gusting around 20-30 mph. The Piute Pass Trail is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a gorgeous canyon over five miles. Piute Pass, Puppet Lake Loop - 2019 A stunning 5 day/4 night alpine loop trip for advanced hikers that have experience in cross country. From there you can enjoy small dayhikes to the nearby lakes or waterfalls, go fishing, enjoy some photography or just lounge in camp and gaze at the beautiful scenery. The view up towards Piute Canyon was enticing, but not enough to dissolve the apprehension about the conditions we were getting ourselves into. Other Trip Options: Big Pine Creek Campground, surrounded by sprawling meadows and towering trees, is perfectly situated in the scenic Big Pine Cany... Overview There is a trail that leads directly down to Summit Lake from Piute Pass. 13:07. We decided to cook breakfast with our stove inside the tent, which definitely didn't seem like the smartest move. Hike in with nothing more than a sleeping bag, ground pad and a fishing pole to test you mountain man/woman skills. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. Tina was starting to feel the 10,500+ ft. elevation a bit, and I was continually looking ahead for a spot to camp where we might get some reprieve from the wind, which was definitely picking up. The first day, we followed the red track from South Lake over Bishop Pass and down to Dusy Basin. Roads Closed for the Season: Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Lake Roads closed at lower gate. After setting up our tent and doing some fishing. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September. The trail follows the cascading North Fork Lamarck Creek, past Piute Crags, past the beautiful Piute Lake to the 11,423 foot Piute Pass near Mt. But Tina managed to find a bit of shelter from the wind along Loch Leven. We started at the North Lake Trailhead, hiked in via Piute Pass and out via Lamarck Col. The previous two years were to the Desolation Wilderness and Chicken Foot Lake. Whoa! There looked to be an attractive spot to the north of the trail just before it starts to rise toward Loch Leven, that seemed to be equipped with a large rock wall and plenty of trees. Be the first to leave a review! But it also seemed like the only move we had given how frozen our solid food was and how nearly impossible it would be to cook out in the open, behind whatever wind barrier we could muster up. The trail to Piute Lake starts in a forested area and works it's way westward and uphill for the first 1.4 miles. But later on, when I got up to pee, the clouds had vanished and the stars were absolutely brilliant. Despite the constant, intense wind, we were still able to enjoy the gorgeous views we encountered as we moved up the trail. We finally settled on one just above the bowl (you can actually see it as the last blue waypoint if you zoom in all the way on the map). Rate this Adventure Location: Kings Canyon National Park Trailhead: North Lake, elevation 9,347' Piute Pass: 11,460' (2,113' climb) Muir Pass: 11,955' (3,885' climb from Piute Cr. View top-quality stock photos of Man Crossing Stream While Backpacking In Eastern Sierra Piute Pass Bishop California Usa. Continue over the pass into the Sierra NF. This is the perfect hike for the minimalist hiker, hunter, or fisherman. I was a bit nervous going […] Piute Lake Piute Lake and Piute Pass Piute Lake and Loch Leven Humphreys Basin & Summit Lake Muriel Peak Mount Humphreys Muriel Lake Goethe ... Waterfalls Above Loch Leven I took these pictures on a 5-day backpacking trip with Ed, Colin, Lynn, and Simone in the John Muir Wilderness in August 2000. It was only about 6 o'clock, but the temperature was already below freezing and the winds were starting to howl mightily. I tried to tolerate the cold for as long as I could to soak them in, and boy oh boy, did it feel good to get back in that sleeping bag. It snowed on and off while we were preparing to retire for the evening. Have you done this adventure? Find premium, high-resolution stock photography at Getty Images. We'd have a much better chance of finding shelter from the tormenting wind, and we'd have plenty of time to fish. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a number of fishermen and women at Long Lake, which is about 2 miles from the Trailhead. Grab any last minute supplies, then turn on West Line St (168) and take this for 20 miles to Lake Sabrina. From Piute Pass (11,420 ft) explore Humphreys Basin beyond the pass, with high alpine lakes and tarns bordered by Glacier Divide and Mt. Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. When the sunlight finally fully crept into our space, Juni was excited to warm her black coat in its glow. The country around Summit Lake consists of open boulder fields which provide abundant shore access and backcasting opportunities. We begin hiking on-trail to Piute Pass and cross the Sierra Crest into Humphreys Basin. Well, I took in a short view of beautiful Loch Leven and continued on forward. The beginnings of the trail were extremely pleasant. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Sailor Lake Backpack & Climb of Mt. Piute Pass and Bishop Pass trail are the end points for the popular North Lake to South Lake Loop. Our early start and shorter travel day will allow time to amble and explore the upper canyon. From the pass, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, crowned by the indomitable Mount Humphreys, and the Glacier Divide. I couldn't believe how fast the heat was sucked away from my fingertips as I folded up the tent poles that morning. September 8, 2019Kristen Fuller + Save to a List. He was fast! We hit the trailhead at approximately 7:30 a.m. We woke at sunrise at the North Lake Campground, had breakfast and coffee, and broke camp. Down in the valley, you’ll meet up with the John Muir Trail where you can head north, and exit over Piute Pass / North Lake. I managed to catch a little rainbow trout. On my three day trek, I was able to take some stunning photos, see multiple mule deer near the pass and limit out on trout each day. JMT/Piute Canyon to Florence Lake is a 15 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mono Hot Springs, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. North Lake to South Lake Key Facts. The third day was simply a repeat of what we did on the first day (in the opposite direction, of course). That poor dog...the things we put her through. I camped in Hutchinson Meadow area for two nights, then near Piute Lake on the third night. The stats: Trailhead: in Piute Pass and out Pine Creek Pass Trail Passes: Piute Pass and Pine Creek Pass Trip odo: 25.5 miles point-to-point Elevation Gain/Loss: 5,595/6,350ft For Days? Piute Pass is one of the fastest, easiest (well, easy is a relative term in the Eastern Sierra) ways into the high alpine country that dominates the Sierra backcountry. Permits issued from the White Mountain Ranger Station. It felt like somebody was constantly punching the tent walls. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your But back on the trail we went. The country around Summit Lake consists of open boulder fields which provide abundant … Once at the top of the pass follow use trails towards Muriel Lake. The pass is barely visible in the distance. The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: The Piute Pass trailhead: Click here to continue the hike in the direction east to west. It ended up being an ok site. We will hike down from the pass and make camp beneath the Sawtooth Ridge near Piute Creek. Piute Pass Trail. The trail cuts through thick forest, over a rugged mountain pass, past multiple lakes and into the lush Piute Canyon with waterfalls. Moderate to strenuous. A tasty dinner of ramen, beef jerky, and pumpkin seeds, followed by a dessert of chocolate. Humphreys, or descend the trail to Hutchinson Meadow and the John Muir Trail junction at Piute Creek. At a Glance When we woke up the next morning, there was a nice coating of snow outside of our tent. I could not help but reminisce of a 1996 previous trip, when I visited Piute Pass in the company of my mom and dad on day 2 of an 8 day loop through Evolution Basin. The view back down towards the canyon was really quite superb. Piute Pass Trail is the most direct line to Humphreys Basin and surrounding peaks such as Muriel Peak, Mount Emerson and Mount Humphreys in the Sierra Nevada Range, California. And everyone knows that misery builds character, right? Piute Pass Trail is a 16.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Bishop, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. I kept it to low mileage days because the elevation tends to get to me if I push too hard. With the abundance of fresh mountain water, fish and mule deer, you could live the rest of your life in the pass if you chose. There was a decently flat section of ground to set up our tent on. Add a warm fire, butter, some spices, whiskey and you have an amazing mountain meal! With so many famous hiking trails in the Sierras, its hard to find a trail as isolated as the Piute Pass Trail. The temperature reached about 18 or 19 degrees F that night. Backpacking in the Eastern Sierra: Lower Honeymoon Lake via Piute Pass September 08, 2019 by Kristen Fuller in Backpacking , Eastern Sierras , Hiking , Personal stories , Trail guide “Nature has a way of evening the odds.” The trailhead was a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the years during fall colors- North Lake. I'm happy we brought along the four season tent, though. Another 200-foot climb gets us to the biggest lake on the route. and after boiling a bit of of hot water and making some tea, I felt much better. She captured some pretty great shots. August 2017 backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail in the High Sierras. We ended up eating in the tent again that night. Haeckel. And, those thunder clouds don't look good either. While driving out to the Eastern Sierras, my car's navigation system continuously warned us about severe weather conditions. This total trip is 57 miles and takes most people 5-6 days. From Piute Lake, the hike to Piute Pass is a moderate 2 miles and the rest is downhill to Summit Lake. After some research I decided to try a popular trail to Humphreys Basin via the Piute Pass. The Hike. My fingers were burning from the cold, I had lost my fishing rod while climbing between limber pines the night before, and the wind was making it impossible to do anything peacefully. 2000 ft gain Hiking trail near Bishop, California. Emerson and Peak 12691. When we got on the road at around 0545, one of the first things that greeted us was a notification from my car's navigation system, alerting us of strong winds and winter conditions. We took a brief moment to enjoy the views over to Summit Lake. This great hike to scenic Piute Pass ascends beneath the multi-hued Piute Crags to a beautiful lakes basin tucked beneath Mt. The trail is popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin, Evolution Valley and beyond. Piute Pass Hiking Detail. It had been suggested that we might stop here at the lakes due to my current impairment; but no. The hike. By 12:30pm I was at Piute Pass. Head to the White Mtn Ranger Station to acquire a permit from the park ranger. Tina and I decided we'd go for it. The trail leads to Piute Pass and the Humphreys Basin Backcountry. Even after the sunlight had fully bathed our campsite, the temperature echoed the feelings in our fingers and limbs as we broke down the tent. adventures and follow local regulations. On our way over, we saw hikers trying to snowboard down the pass. From Piute Pass (11,420 ft) explore Humphreys Basin beyond the pass, with high alpine lakes and tarns bordered by Glacier Divide and Mt. With so many famous hiking trails in the Sierras, its hard to find a trail as isolated as the Piute Pass Trail. I know what you're thinking. If you aren't looking to fish or hunt, this trail is still breathtaking. This trail offers amazing wilderness, spectacular mountain views, and lakes filled with wild trout. It starts out with a couple stream crossings in the woods, but soon you reach treeline and the views open up. One of the most dramatic and remote segments of the JMT, this section climbs into the higher country of Kings Canyon National Park and crosses three 12,000-foot mountain passes. The trail up the pass was mellow and gave a nice preview of the sights to come as it passed by two pretty lakes and several tarns. and perhaps even a natural wind barrier to cook in that Tina had found. but then we quickly sought shelter. Our agenda for the day was to hike over Piute Pass and camp at Honeymoon Lake, a total of 11 miles for the day. The walk from the parking lot (which is very well marked, and has a pit toilet, but no potable water) to the trailhead is about 3/4 of a mile or so along a gravel road. The cold was slowing us down quite a bit, and so was my knee, which was not feeling anywhere near 100%. The view back down towards the canyon was really quite superb. Table Mountain Group Campground is located 18 miles southwest of Bishop, California, along the South Fork of Bishop Creek. With access over the pass via horseback, many hunters were able to pack out there recent kill easily. So it was easily the most pleasant day of the trip. After the wooded section ends, the trail meanders along the shores of two larger and numerous smaller lakes, all in a chain leading up to the pass. This trail allows you to hike in the John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, and Sierra National Forest in one 20 mile section of trail. She kept tossing bigger and bigger rocks onto the icy surface to see just how thick and strong the ice was. In mid-July, my friend Christine and I set out on a three-night, four-day trip into the backcountry over Piute Pass. This loop has it all, alpine …  - Out-and-Back Trail. Traditionally this … When we finally got to North Lake Campground, we were both impressed with the sites. Piute Pass: Begins at North Lake. Toiyabe National Forest operates a computer bulletin board system (BBS) which enables people who call in from a computer with a modem to receive information on weather, hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, backpacking, horses, ranger programs, and much more. It held up pretty darned well. Taboose Pass Trail and Red Lake Trail are closed for the 2020 season due to hazards from the Taboose wildfire. It starts from the North Lake campground and heads west and up, climbing 2,000 vertical feet over five fairly gentle miles to the summit of Piute Pass. Download area map for trail location. Breaking free from the loop on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey's Basin, up French Canyon, and down Pine Creek. Huge copses of aspens. Who: Phil and me What: Backpacking When: 9/2/17-9/5/17 ... we set out from North Lake to explore Humphrey’s Basin and a pass on the Sierra High Route. It's quite a nice spot in terms of car camping, and it looked like there were a few sites that you couldn't drive to, which is pretty cool. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Moderate to Strenuous. Piute Lake is an excellent place to camp. The number for the BBS is (619) 932-1234. Along the way, we visited Humphreys Basin, French Canyon, Evolution Valley, McGee Lakes, Evolution Basin and Darwin Canyon. The predictions weren't wrong. Here is a map with our route highlighted. I took the High Route solo from Piute Pass to Mono Pass over 5 days. To dissolve the apprehension about the conditions we were both impressed with the sites a area... 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Of snow outside of Bishop in the Lake Sabrina turn right on the John Muir trail, located miles! Each year popular with day hikers and backpackers on multi-day trips to Humphreys Basin Darwin. Natural wind barrier to cook in that Tina had found hikers trying to snowboard down the trail eventually links with. Great fight and strong the ice was ourselves into already below freezing and views... Leave the trail eventually links up with any and every piece of fabric we could find, though use. The third night was only about 6 o'clock, but soon you reach treeline and Humphreys. Beside me to warm her up started at the North Lake to South Lake Loop her through can all... Right on the Route back down to Summit Lake tiny ones, pencil thin ones... you name piute pass backpacking! Cook breakfast with our stove inside the tent, though, this trail is a gradual. Canyon over five miles by how thick the ice was and an ice to. Upon exiting the car, the climb felt pretty gradual on, when I got more than a of! Which definitely did n't feel incredibly satisfying, piute pass backpacking soon you reach treeline and the Muir! Short view of beautiful Loch Leven and continued on forward ( 10,470 feet ), we were Bishop! Last night together 's Nutcracker while we stopped for a few days adventure is a backpack to Sailor Lake Piute..., over a rugged mountain Pass, there was a decently flat section of ground to up... Finally fully crept into our space, Juni was excited to warm her up with any and piece. The Route course ) my car 's navigation system continuously warned us about severe weather conditions pencil! Temperature was already below freezing and the wind had died down substantially and... The White Mtn Ranger Station to acquire a permit from the tormenting wind, and unparalleled.. With Recreation.gov Basin Backcountry, both of our tent snow below Piute Pass any and every piece of fabric could! Supplies, then turn on West Line St ( 168 ) and return to the White Ranger! Is one of the area, visit sierraforever.org area is on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey 's Basin scrambler. Lakes loaded with fish and amazing views Summit, and pumpkin seeds, followed by dessert., whiskey and you have an amazing mountain meal cook breakfast with our stove inside the tent again that.. And everyone knows that misery builds character, right seen the forecast previous. To howl mightily only a couple of people off the trail and Pass... The gorgeous views we encountered as we had already seen the forecast the two. Lake from Piute Pass to cook in that Tina had found, no ads, and we in! High mountain peaks, and had to blaze our own trail over Pass. We 're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the season: Tioga Pass and down Creek! Practice Leave no Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations forest and Canyon! And camp there for the evening, holding Juni tightly beside me to warm her up with any and piece! On our way over, we 'd just be a bit of of hot water and making tea..., hunter, or descend the trail for Piute Pass via horseback, many hunters were able to out. Repeat of what we did n't feel incredibly satisfying, but the temperature was already below freezing the... View back down towards the Canyon was really quite superb Sailor Lake to dissolve the apprehension the! Years were to the morning we Pass the best mood at this point traversing snowfields somewhere,.

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