After doing the JMT we wished to go back to the area around Bishop. First we did the South Lake North Lake loop which is quite popular. After that we were intrigued with the Paiute Pass access as the gain and drop can be less than Bishop Pass. There are several large Lake basins..
We started from North Lake which is not too difficult to obtain a pass compared to South Lake. On the way to the pass we went by red buttes and Loch Leven.
Passing Paiute Pass we we continued to Humphrys Basin camping the first night at Muriel lake and day hiking off trail to Goethe Lake that night weather moved in leaving snow all over Humphrey Peak.
The next day we explored Humphrey Basin passing Lower Desolation, Desolation, Wedge, and Mesa Lake, Camping alone at Mesa.
.
I scrambled up the ridge above Mesa to look around looking for the route to Puppet Basin and found an unusual square slab.
We the dropped down from the pain past scenic Hutchison Meadow camp and on to the JMT. From here it is a long hot climb up to Sally Keys Lakes especially if you resupplied at Muir Trail Ranch. The next day we ascended Selden Pass passing beautiful Marie Lake.
After Marie Lake we spent a night at Rose Lake alone and in the morning went on past swampy but pretty Beverly Lou Lake. The trail became more sketchy to Sandpiper Lake where we camped.
The next day we day hiked and scrambled cross country to remote Three Island Lake.
We the headed out the same route after scoring some 12 year old single malt from a JMT hiker who’s partner did not show up and did not drink.
Note some of the lakes may be out of order as the thumbnails make them hard to identify but the pictures are nice.
"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
0
"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
Bishop and Humprey`s basins are so great. That is a nice access trail too....The Sierra`s are a really great alternative to the Northwest. Our trip to Rae Lakes last summer was a reminder how cool it is. I used to go there alot in October and once my kids get older and the workload decreases I wanna start that up again.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).