Piute Pass loop via Bear Lakes (High Sierra)

[fossana]

This past week, I did a 3-day on/off-trail loop in the High Sierra. I had wanted to return to Bear Lakes Basin, and check out a few places I had not yet visited. It was stormy in the afternoons, so I cut a few of my hiking days shorter than usual.

Mileage: ~39 miles
Elevation gain: ~9900'
High passes: 6

Day 1 (N Lake trailhead to Humphreys Basin, ~10.6 miles)


Day 2 (Humphreys Basin to Bear Lakes Basin, ~9.8 miles)


Day 3 (Bear Lakes Basin to N Lake trailhead, ~18.6 miles)

 

[RyanP]

Those photos are gorgeous! If I ever do a backpacking trip in the Sierra I'll check that area out

 

[James and Amy]

Fossana,

Fabulous piece of the Sierra; the view of Mt. Humphreys' west side from the basin is one of the finest in the Sierra. Been thru that region on quite a few walks; the x-country travel there is excellent.

Quite curious as to what geographic feature you call "Bear Lakes Basin" as there is no USGS named place like that I am familiar with. There is certainly a fine group of various Bear Lakes NW of Humphreys Basin, but they are found in highly jumbled terrain, not in a basin per se.

James

 

[fossana]

Quite curious as to what geographic feature you call "Bear Lakes Basin" as there is no USGS named place like that I am familiar with. There is certainly a fine group of various Bear Lakes NW of Humphreys Basin, but they are found in highly jumbled terrain, not in a basin per se.

It may be more of a colloquial name for the area around Bear Lakes, but it's in common use.

 

[wsp_scott]

Looks like the weather cooperated for you. How did you go from Humphrey's to Bear Lakes (passes?)

I was hoping to get to Humphreys this summer but no luck, hopefully next summer with my middle kid who will be 14.

 

[fossana]

Looks like the weather cooperated for you. How did you go from Humphrey's to Bear Lakes (passes?)

I was hoping to get to Humphreys this summer but no luck, hopefully next summer with my middle kid who will be 14.

I got poured on once. Pass-wise, I went Star to Italy to Dancing Bear. I considered Granite Bear, but I didn't want to try that hanging snowfield without an ice axe.

 

[Kullaberg63]

Hey, we also just got back from the Sierra!

Bear Lakes Basin is a gem. I consider it the finest area of the John Muir Wilderness. Humphreys a close second. Last time here was in 2017 when we finally made a loop out of visiting remote east and west Pinnacles Creek. Have you been there?

 

[fossana]

Last time here was in 2017 when we finally made a loop out of visiting remote east and west Pinnacles Creek

I have not yet been into those areas.