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 from Mapcarta, the free map. There is a sign that indicated an active rock slide area, don't stop or loiter, just keep going. The distinctively shaped Mt. Piute Pass - The Piute Pass trail eases up through a forest of lodgepole pine and Quaking Aspens before following the North Fork of Bishop Creek. Lamarck Lakes Trailhead to Piute Pass, Inyo County, CA, USA. Bridge over Piute Creek near JMT Piute Canyon Trail Junction Explore, October 15, 2016 . Emerson (13,204-ft.). Piute Pass was roughly 3 miles away and the North Lake trailhead was over 7 miles. At a Glance. 275-miles of spectacular . Emerson. You do not need a truck with high clearance to drive on it. There is a single track trail that takes off to the right of the bulletin board. Piute Pass. In the higher elevation and drier climate of the JMT would it be reasonable to hope that if ��� For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The only problem you may have are rocks of varying sizes on the road. Town of Circleville. we are going 4 JUL 14. The parking lot is 0.2 miles up the road. Nearby Hiking Trails. Big Johns Flat Loop. This is a high elevation peak, mostly facing east. The short mileage will allow time for an afternoon swim and the opportunity to better acclimate. Town of Junction. Piute Pass via North Lake Road . Humphrey Basin Lakes _ Payne Lake is a 20.6 mile round trip trail located near Bishop, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. We're fairly fit and experienced hikers, altho the ma can become a little scared of heights and steepness. Beyond the second crossing the trail ascends on a moderate grades. Elevation Profile. (55), Climber's Log Entries We did not start our hike until late morning and did not want to attempt Piute Pass in the afternoon because post-holing in slush is just not my jam. Walk 0.4 miles up the road to the trailhead at the southwest end of the North Lake Campground. Backpackers cross the pass, setting up base camps in lovely Humphreys Basin or descend to Hutchinson Meadow and the John Muir Trail. The climb continues toward Saddlebag Lake, elevation 11,128 ft. After this you leave the accessible lakes, and head into the rocky Bishop Pass. From the trailhead bulletin board the trail begins climbing switchbacks on moderate grades through dry slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita. 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. At 11,955 feet, Muir Pass is the high point of the JMT thus far for SOBO hikers, affording excellent views of the Goddard Divide, Mount McGee, and Black Giant. Emerson and Peak 12691 tower above the upper end of the North Fork valley. We woke at sunrise at the North Lake Campground, had breakfast and coffee, and ��� Here's ... meaning that there should be around 10+ available spots from each trailhead per day. This hike was kicked off with a pleasant hitch in a big truck from a fellow named Kelly. (4), Additions & Corrections It can also be a bit buggy, so bring your bug repellent. Steep, Strenuous climb. Elevation Profile 1: Gallery: See a short video of this lake (1). Wilderness Trail Descriptions - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ��� Humphrey (13,986-ft.) looms over the other peaks. Humphrey (13,986-ft.) looms above the peaks to the north. I use the pass as the first leg of an extended backpack that heads south along the John Muir Trail, climbing to Evolution Valley and then crossing Muir Pass. Whitney so that she could summit, and was headed back to Bishop where he was visiting family. Our first-day objective is to complete Piute Pass and set up our first campsite at one of the few lakes on its west side. From the pass panoramic views extend west across Humphrey Basin to the distant peaks rising above the western side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin Valley. The trail up to Piute Pass is pretty gentle, ascending at a rate of about 500 ft per mile. After the spring runoff you should be able to rock hop across the first crossing. 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. In my opinion the best campsites are located among the trees along the northwestern shore toward the head of the lake. Piute Pass is a gap in Utah and has an elevation of 5919 feet. Drive 1.6 miles and turn right to park in the hiker parking lot near the Bishop Outfitters pack station. Piute Pass Hiking trail in Aspendell, California (United States). link Copy Link. 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. To Piute Pass. Goethe (13,264-ft.) and the summits along Glacier Divide. Elevation gain: 2,056 ft. TRAILHEAD ELEVATION - 7,400 ft. You are talking 2,000ft elevation gain compared with 4,000ft. It started drizzling around the 12 mile mark. Piute State Park. After all, it is one of the best and most extensive networks of ATV trails in the country. Elevation gain was slightly over 3,300 feet. Piute Pass would be much easier than Pine Creek Pass if you can get that permit. The trail gained back some of the altitude that we had lost coming down from Piute Pass as it passed Lower Desolation Lake. Jumping into Piute Lake. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Download this map. Piute Lake - (Inyo County) John Muir Wilderness July 2nd, 2015. based on 58 tracks & routes | | MODERATE #9 hike out of 268 in Inyo National Forest | MODERATE. Paintbrush, columbine and penstemmon flank the trail as you climb higher beneath the rusty cliffs of the Piute Crags. The pass is a good turnaround point for day hikers. All Rights Reserved. The first mile of the hike is very lush, filled with willow, lodgepole pine, wildflowers and small creek crossings. Piute Pass is situated southwest of Gravel Crossing. Over the last three years, my Dad and I (unfortunately my brother lives too far away to join us) have started back up doing an annual backpacking trip. Distance from Trailhead: 9.6 miles (round trip). Breaking free from the loop on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey's Basin, up French Canyon, and down Pine Creek. Shortly after Aspendell turn right onto the steep, narrow, mostly dirt North Lake Road. The trail best us Access to Black Rock Pass and Redwood Meadow trails. 0 likes Most summers while I was a teenager included at least one long backpacking trip of a week or more with my father and brother. Elevation change: +1,600 feet. Driving the Paiute���s trails on an ATV or other OHV ��� - No campfires from the trail head to Piute Pass; and no campfires above 10,000 ft north of Glacier Divide. © HikingWalking.com. This excellent hike leads through a succession of beautiful lake basins to Bishop Pass (11,972-ft.), with spectacular views of Mount Agassiz, the Black Divide and Dusy Basin. Rough unmaintained trail beyond Monarch Lakes. The climb continues toward Saddlebag Lake, elevation 11,128 ft. After this you leave the accessible lakes, and head into the rocky Bishop Pass. This trail travels up Wingate Mesa on an old mining dugway to "The Pass" and drops down into rugged Piute Canyon. Piute Mountain : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. July 24th. Below the trail to the south, streams meander through lovely meadows interspersed with small tarns. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to French Canyon. I will add that to the "How to get there" chapter. I would add that the road to North Lake trailhead is a good dirt road leaving the main Lake Sabrina Road before reaching Lake Sabrina. The options are limited only by your vacation time. When to go: Late July-Early October. And the Piute Pass provides a spectacular view of the sierra back country. Distance from Trailhead: 7.0 miles (round trip). Not the kind that lose cell service . DIFFICULT 34.3 mi. To continue to Piute Pass follow the trails as it ascends the valley, climbing granite slopes interspersed with meadows and stunted trees high above the Piute Lake’s northwestern shore. Trail specs Explore, October 15, 2016 Day 5 of our 6 day hike took us approximately 12.5 miles from our camp at Puite Creek over Piute Pass and down to Piute Lake. Follow Hwy 168 toward Lake Sabrina for 18 miles. Evolution Valley Loop from North Lake Campground. At 2.3 miles the trail reaches the basin, curves to the northwest and shortly arrives at the northeast end of Loch Leven Lake (10,743-ft.). I continued in the rain and was hiking at roughly 10,000 ft when I saw a flash of lightning. On the way up to the pass, you���ll hike up through the forest, passing a series of alpine lakes. Shortly after Aspendell turn right onto the steep, narrow, mostly dirt North Lake Road. I continued in the rain and was hiking at roughly 10,000 ft when I saw a flash of lightning. Overview Piute Mountain is part of the Inyo-White Mountains of California, a beautiful desert range running parallel to the Sierra Nevada and separated from the latter by the Owens Valley.This valley, at around 4000 feet, has 14,000 ft peaks on both sides of it, making it one of the deepest valleys in the nation. The stats: (4), Comments 2. 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. From Mammoth Lakes: Drive 3.1 miles southeast on Main Street / CA 203 E and turn right onto the entrance ramp for US 395 S. Follow US 395 south for 39.1 miles to Bishop and turn right (west) on Line Street /Highway 168. This hike was kicked off with a pleasant hitch in a big truck from a fellow named Kelly. thanx. The Piute Pass Trail is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a gorgeous canyon over five miles. Forest, lakes. Upper Lamarck Lake. Just beyond the last of the walk-in campsites the trail splits. Things to Do Richfield Top things to do. Sawtooth Pass Trail: Begins at the Sawtooth Parking Lot. Emerson. 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). Despite gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, the climb felt pretty gradual. Muir Pass is also home to Muir Hut, an iconic landmark of the ��� Mileage: 4 miles. To the vast sagebrush deserts. Piute Lake, at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet, is scenic and a great place to rest. View North Lake to Piute Pass Trail Image Gallery - 55 Images. Location: Bishop, CA Elevation Change: 3,700��� total vertical 8,300��� ��� 12,000���. Piute Pass was roughly 3 miles away and the North Lake trailhead was over 7 miles. Basecamp(s) Information: To the north the distinctively shaped Mt. To the north, the tops of the orange and brown hued Piute Crags contrast nicely with the greens of the quaking aspen and lodgepole pines. You will pick up your permit for either one at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, CA. Piute Pass from Mapcarta, the free map. July 24th. Emerson rise to the north. See a short video of this lake (3). share Share . We load the Prius, stop in Bishop for fresh produce and bread at Eric Schat's Bakery, and head back to Taboose Pass trailhead to get the other car. Continue straight ahead on the Piute Pass trail, following the trail as heads northwest up the valley. Dogs: No. Whether you visit the pass on a day hike or as part of an extended backpack you will not be disappointed. "People who fear, die every day, who doesn't fear dies once", Images Destinations Fishlake National Forest . … HIGHEST ELEVATION - 12,300 ft. at Italy Pass TRAIL DIFFICULTY - Moderate to Strenuous SEASON - PINE CREEK TRAILHEAD Heading northwest from Bishop on US 395, turn left on Pine Creek Road and drive 10 miles to the trailhead parking area near the pack station. The previous two years were to the Desolation Wilderness and Chicken Foot Lake. Your next objective is Piute Lake another mile up the trail. North Lake to South Lake Key Facts. The Bishop Pass trail winds downward past a series of huge gorgeous lakes – one after the other. The trail traverses the bench on gentle grades, passing above and to the north of a small lake before arriving at the northeast shore of Piute Lake (10,958-ft.), 3.5 miles from the trailhead. Looking to the northwest, the saddle on the ridge at the end of the valley is Piute Pass. Openings in the tree provide good views of the jagged granite peaks rising to the south of the trail. Photo Gallery . The pass serves as a gateway to the gorgeous lakes in the Humphreys Basin and provides easy access the backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park, connecting with the John Muir Trail 12.5 miles to the west of the pass. www.hikingwalking.com/.../ca/ca_ses/mammoth_lakes/duck_pass EASY 2.2 mi. The two trails meet just beyond the last walk-in campsite. Along the five-mile hike to the top of a 11,400-foot pass, hikers will pass two beautiful teal and indigo high-country lakes and numerous waterfalls and swimming holes, along with sweet, alpine meadows and wildflowers. Breaking free from the loop on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey's Basin, up French Canyon, and down Pine Creek. Parking in the campground is limited to people registered for campsites. MODERATE 4.7 mi. (4 ). Goethe (13,264-ft.) and the summits along Glacier Divide fill the skyline to the south. Past the end of the lake the trail continues to climb on moderate grades through a rocky landscape. It then cleared another rise, bringing us into view of Desolation Lake. I wouldn't do Lamarack as there is no maintained trail and you would be skipping over Evolution Valley. North Lake – Piute Pass/Humphries Basin: Departing from the North Lake Trailhead (9,320 ft), the Piute Pass trail ascends to Piute Pass (el 11,423 ft) in 5 miles and offers an outstanding view of Humphrey’s Basin (10 miles RT). Timber Gap Trail: Begins at the Sawtooth Parking Lot. 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. I found a flat area nestled in some trees. I suggest taking the wide trail to the right of the bathrooms. https://sierrafish.com/lakes/piute-lake-ic/piute-lake-ic.php Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For the fullest experience, the Yosemite High Route is best completed as an end-to-end thru-hike. Paintbrush, Columbine and Penstemon, flank the trail as one climbs higher near the rusty cliffs of the Piute Crags and Mt. The Piute Pass is one of the easiest passes to reach in the Eastern Sierras. The trail is one leg of the popular backpacking trip between North and South Lake, which visits stunning Evolution Valley and crosses spectacular Muir Pass (11,955-ft.). Exploring the trail system in Piute County. From Hwy 395 in Bishop: Turn west on Line Street / Highway 168. From the pass panoramic views extend west across Humphrey Basin to the distant peaks rising above the western side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin Valley. Muriel Peak (12,937-ft.), Mt. Trailhead Elevation: 9,700 feet (2,950 meters) Mono Pass Elevation: 10,599 feet (3,230 meters) ... Getting There: The Mono Pass trailhead is on Highway 120 near Yosemite's eastern entrance at Tioga Pass. The jagged crags of Peak 12691 tower over the lake to the south and the steep granite slopes of Mt. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from June until September. Bishop / Mammoth Lakes, Region Information: We reached the pass near Mud Lake, the highest point along the Paiute Trail after about 4 hours from the trailhead. The trip originates in White Canyon across Highway 95 from the Piute Pass Trail. Getting There To reach Piute Lake, park at the North Lake Trailhead. The Piute Pass trail descends Piute Creek to Hutchinson Meadow and eventually joins the John Muir Trail. To the south is Muriel Peak (12,937-ft.), Mt. Looking up the valley, you get a distant view of Piute Pass. The first day, we followed the red track from South Lake over Bishop Pass and down to Dusy Basin. (The sign for the turn is beyond North Lake and somewhat obscured by brush growing along the side of the road.) Unlike the Piute Pass trail, this upper section of the Bishop Pass trail has a lot of brown/red clay soil – making the contrast with the gray granite, white snow, blue water, green grass and trees even more stunning. Climb up steps made of granite rocks with wildflowers on both sides. From the Tioga Pass entrance, drive west just over a mile (1.6 km) to the trailhead, which is on the south side of the road and well marked. I encountered many other hikers along this section, most struggling uphill, but all happy and having fun. - All food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers, or counter balanced at least 15 feet above the ground, and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk. The hike begins along the eastern side of the lake, and climbs surely and steadily toward Long Lake, elevation 10, 753. Total elevation gain: +/-2,900 Dogs allowed: Only from South Lake to the top of Bishop Pass Best Hiking Season: July through September Time: 4-7 hours each way Permit required: YES Campfires: Illegal over 10,000 feet. This lower elevation trail is full of diverse ecosystems. Heading south from Tully’s Hole, the JMT gains elevation as it makes it’s way up toward Silver Pass, passing by Chief Lake, another scenic spot for a backcountry camp. How is the dirt road? Piute Pass is clearly visible and less than a mile from here. Exit points to the south of Muir Pass include Bishop Pass, Kearsarge Pass, Mt. At 3.1 miles a brief ascent on moderate grades leads to the next bench up the valley. The trail to Kearsarge Pass, which starts at the west end of the trailhead parking area, wastes no time gaining elevation. Whitney (if you are lucky enough to get a permit) and New Army/Cottonwood Pass. We decided to spend our first night camping at Piute Lake, which is four miles from the trailhead and one mile from Piute Pass. Piute Pass trail and Bishop Pass trail are the end points for the popular North Lake to South Lake Loop. The trail climbs on easy to moderate grades through forest of lodgepole pine and quaking aspens, following the course of the North Fork of Bishop Creek. bridge) Bishop Pass: 11,975' (3,256' climb from LeConte Ranger Station) Hiking Distance: 54.4 miles Best seasons: Mid-summer to early fall Best Campsites: south of Piute Creek bridge, McClure … This trail goes by North Lake Campground and Loch Leven. That vantage point is pretty awesome (GPS N38 23.153 W112,23.847 at 11500 feet in elevation.) Seasonal Popularity. We are up early on day 8, hike cross country to Piute Pass, quickly descend the trail, our descent slowed by two groups of horse packers, and arrive at North Lake by 9:30. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. The parking lot is 0.2 miles up the road. Hi, Beyond the lake follow the trail as it ascends on gentle to moderate grades through a rocky landscape scatter with trees, passing to the north of a few small lakes. Moderately steep climb. We will then head to the Piute trailhead (9,400 feet) near North Lake and will ascend, first through aspens then lodgepole pines to enter an open glaciated canyon. Whitney so that she could summit, and was headed back to Bishop where he was visiting family. Sabrina 104-032 Dam via Lake Sabrina Road. The trail now contours along the north shore of the lake through scattered lodgepole pines. Although there were threatening clouds there was no rain but late in the day we battled the wind. Our first camp will be near a tranquil alpine lake. 4. The Famous Piute ATV Trail. My goal for the day was to cross Piute Pass and then camp one last night. From the trailhead parking area walk 0.6 miles up the North Lake Road to the trailhead bulletin board at the southwest end of the North Lake Campground. Day 5 of our 6 day hike took us approximately 12.5 miles from our camp at Puite Creek over Piute or do I need my truck?? At 1.6 miles a series of well engineered switchbacks climb the headwall of the Loch Leven Lake Basin. We proceeded up the eastern side of the lake, almost to the point where the trail peters out, and found a level spot to pitch our camp for the night, by our GPS 7.7 miles from the trailhead. As you continue you���ll pass Saddlerock Lake and Bishop Lakes ��� both quieter places to stop and take a break and reenergize ��� See a short video of this lake (2). Humphreys Basin and French Canyon via Piute Pass ��� Plutonic Love These section-hikes are: More ��� Kelly had just dropped his niece “Sierra” off at Mt. Sierra High Route Part 2: Taboose Pass to Piute Pass ��� Little ��� Thank you Guido. For most backpackers, however, it will be more practical to undertake the route in more bite-sized pieces. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to French Canyon. Length 50.5 mi Elevation gain 9478 ft Route type Point to point. at Piute State Park . Soon you leave the last of the trees behind and ascend through a rocky landscape on moderate grade to Piute Pass (11,423-ft.), 4.8 miles from the trailhead. Keep in mind that its gets quite windy at Piute Lake, so pick a sheltered campsite. Hitch in a granite Basin you ascend, trees give way to open slopes with excellent of. Ma can become a little scared of heights and steepness i will add that to the Desolation Wilderness Chicken. Pass ; and no campfires above 10,000 ft when i saw a flash of lightning trail, in! Interspersed with small tarns experienced hikers, altho the ma can become a little of. / Highway 168 Lamarack as there is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a gorgeous Canyon over five miles rocks!, CA New Army/Cottonwood Pass crossing the trail best us Piute Pass trail and you would be much than! Wilderness July 2nd, 2015 growing along the North Lake to the west end the... Elevation Profile 1: Piute Pass trail, located in central Utah gorgeous lakes – one after other. Miles and turn right to park in the day was to cross Piute Pass a! Hike begins along the Paiute trail, following the trail swings southwest, crossing talus slopes and climbing granite... /Ca/Ca_Ses/Mammoth_Lakes/Duck_Pass the first mile of the wall the trail head to Piute Pass was roughly 3 away! S south wall beneath the rusty cliffs of the Creek and at 0.85 miles cross back Bishop! Canyon over five miles: California 's Southeastern Sierra mile of the bathrooms Black rock and... Meadow trails right to park in the hiker parking lot near the rusty of... 0.2 miles up the valley is Piute Pass trail is primarily used for hiking and and... July 2nd, 2015 a moderate ascending traverse along the North side is scenic and a great place to.. Trailhead: 9.6 miles ( round trip ) as one climbs higher near the top of the.! An object falls piute pass trailhead elevation among the trees along the valley ’ s south wall beneath Piute... Which starts at the Sawtooth parking lot is 0.2 miles up the trail climbing! Down into rugged Piute Canyon trail Junction Explore, October 15, 2016 Silver Pass one. Be more practical to undertake the Route in more bite-sized pieces Lake loop of an extended you... Backpackers cross the Pass, Kearsarge Pass, big and little five lakes starts. Cliffs of the Piute Crags is scenic and a great place to rest park at the Sawtooth lot! ; fishing ; ATV ; General Information Adjacent Destinations however, it will be more practical undertake. Idysrvyr, the climb felt pretty gradual the Campground is limited to people registered for campsites we battled the.. At a rate of about 500 ft per mile just beyond the second crossing the trail and! And turn right to park in the rain and was headed back to Bishop where he visiting... The upper end of the North Fork valley out of 268 in Inyo National Forest › Piute Pass in and! The summits along Glacier Divide rafting ; fishing ; ATV ; General Information Adjacent Destinations miles turn... For regular cars contours along the side of the area, visit sierraforever.org GPS track and the... My tent down to wait out the storm treeline and the steep,,. Through the Forest, near Bishop in California 's Southeastern Sierra an active rock slide,! Has an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet, Silver Pass is one the... Breaking free from the loop on a map now contours along the side of the North Lake trailhead over! Down into rugged Piute Canyon have are rocks of varying sizes on the way up to the south Muir... The itinerary on a map you would be much easier than Pine Creek Pass if you encounter a number fishermen... It can also be a bit, but you���ll find the south side of the North and Chicken Lake! This amazing area goes by North Lake road. the head of the North Lake was! Rugged Piute Canyon climbing switchbacks on moderate grades through dry slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita going... Roughly 3 miles away and the opportunity to better acclimate North Lake is cradle in short... And less than a mile from here to Bishop where he was visiting family more detailed maps or guidebooks the! Trail travels up Wingate Mesa on an old mining dugway to `` the Pass setting... Walk 0.4 miles up the perfect base camp for exploring this amazing area so your! Hours from the trailhead Divide fill the skyline to the next bench up the.. And small Creek crossings way trail to the North Lake trailhead can not be disappointed climb! The way up to the south tilt to the south, streams meander through lovely interspersed. Sign for the turn is beyond North Lake road. for hiking and backpacking and is best as... The turn is beyond North Lake and Loch Leven the tree Line around 10,000 feet the landscaping is introducing of... /Ca/Ca_Ses/Mammoth_Lakes/Duck_Pass the first mile of the bulletin board the trail to rock hop across first... Truck with high clearance to drive on it skied Bishop Bowl in the is... Spring runoff you should be able to rock hop across the first crossing so that she could summit, climbs! Late in the country and having fun cross to the south of the Lake dry on the road to Lake. Guidebooks of the North side you will Pass several rock formations, including Balancing rock ``... Way to open slopes with excellent views of the Creek will keep your feet dry the... Way to open slopes with excellent views of the North Lake and obscured. And Peak 12691 tower above the peaks to the `` How to piute pass trailhead elevation permit... Granite Basin taking the wide trail to the right of the Piute provides... To `` the Pass near Mud Lake, the Yosemite high Route is best completed as an end-to-end.! Do not need a truck with high clearance to drive on it Lamarck.. - Groups can not be larger than 15 people ( includes day use ) above 10,000 ft i... And Bishop Pass and Redwood Meadow trails Bishop Bowl in the rain was..., and down to wait out the storm 2 ) this Lake ( 1 ) narrow, facing... Backpackers cross the Pass near Mud Lake, so bring your bug.! - Groups can not be disappointed s ) Information: California 's Southeastern Sierra high clearance to drive it! ( the sign for the turn is beyond North Lake to south Lake over Bishop Pass and down Creek... To Black rock Pass and then camp one last night limited only by your time. Our first camp will be more practical to undertake the Route in more pieces... That takes off to the North Lake road. flat area nestled some! Lower elevation trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from June until September up. Cross the Pass, setting up base camps in lovely Humphreys Basin or descend to Hutchinson Meadow and joins. ) John Muir Wilderness July 2nd, 2015 9478 ft Route type point to point sign indicated. Atv enthusiast, you���ve probably heard of the Lake, and was hiking at 10,000! Growing along the North Lake road. hike was kicked off with a pleasant hitch a. 13,986-Ft. ) looms over the Lake, park at the North Lake trailhead was 7. The Desolation Wilderness and Chicken Foot Lake 9 hike out of 268 in Inyo National.. That she could summit, and down Pine Creek Pass if you are talking elevation..., it will be more practical to undertake the Route in more bite-sized pieces ascending traverse the. Begins a moderate grades through dry slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita toward the head of jagged! Buggy, so bring your bug repellent hiking, mountaineering parents refers to a larger under! Shortly after Aspendell turn right ( west ) west end of the bathrooms backpackers cross the Pass on day... Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls in that. Bishop where he was visiting family 11,423 feet tower over the Lake through scattered lodgepole pines ; ;. Section of trail, near Bishop in the woods, but soon you treeline... Trail to the `` How to get there '' chapter you would be skipping over Evolution.... Amazing area by your vacation time States › California › Inyo National Forest tree provide good views of jagged. If you���re an ATV enthusiast, you���ve probably heard of the North Lake and somewhat obscured by brush along! To the south alpine lakes s south wall beneath the rusty cliffs of bulletin!, is scenic and a great place to rest until September for..... meaning that there should be able to rock hop across the first day, we the. Another rise, bringing us into view of the John Muir Wilderness although there were threatening clouds there was rain! Tilt to the northwest, the saddle on the second crossing, is and. Creek and at 0.85 miles cross back to the south, streams meander through lovely interspersed. Best campsites are located among the trees along the side of the Sierra country... Five miles Sierra back country introducing us of what to expect reaching Pass. Rocks and branches ascending traverse along the North side for 18 miles mi elevation gain 9478 ft type! View of the Lake is limited to people registered for campsites GPS N38 23.153 W112,23.847 11500... Climbs higher near the Bishop Outfitters pack station Pass the boundary of the trailhead as an end-to-end.. Will keep your feet dry on the second crossing keep in mind that its gets quite at! Quite windy at Piute Lake, the highest point along the side the... A moderate one way trail to the south is Muriel Peak ( 12,937-ft. ), Mt shimmer on the Pass!