Additional Info: Humphreys Summit Trail. Gordon came up from Idyllwild to Lone Pine on Friday afternoon and we drove up to Pine Creek to leave his pickup truck where we would come out, then drove to North Lake and camped out in my car on a rainy night. Required fields are marked *. 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. Our goal? After the trail fords and quickly refords the North Fork Bishop Creek, the ascent becomes moderate. Ends at Upper Golden Trout Lake. The newcomer to the High Sierra will marvel at how the great granite slabs maintain their precarious perches atop Peak 12691, seeming to be almost vertically above him or her. I planned this trip with my good friend Braden. Due to the presence of giardia, all drinking water should be treated or boiled at least 3 minutes. If you missed the use trail to the Desolation lakes, you can follow the outlet northward from here. 50. Follow the Weatherford for 2.45 miles to the Humphreys Summit Trail. Humphreys Via Inner Basin. This scenic basin is relatively easy to reach and offers more solitude than many areas of the High Sierra, combined with a variety of recreation opportunities, most notably trout fishing. Yellow-bellied marmots can be seen sunning on rock… To the south, the Glacier Divide, with its lingering snowfields, catches the last rays of light at day’s end in the warmth of alpine glow. Those heading for the camp sites on the knolls around Upper Golden Trout Lake, about 1/2 a mile south depending on your route, will spy some use trails or find a cross-country route down the shrubby slopes of the lake. Beyond Piute Pass the trail gives access to Humphreys Basin, with an abundance of high alpine lakes and tarns on the north side of Glacier Divide. The trail offers quick access to scenery at Loch Leven and Piute Lake before reaching the pass. The Piute Pass Trail is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a gorgeous canyon over five miles. The trails move across the North side of the basin and continue out of the area. There are a variety of use trails, but as long as one knows the general direction one is heading, going too far astray is difficult. Why you should go: A longer, more beautiful route to the summit. Weather permitting, you can plan to climb Mt. The trail starts at the Arizona Snowbowl and winds steeply up to Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. I wouldn’t see another hiker until I reached camp that evening. Beautiful trail, moderately steep climb. North Lake Loop via Lamarck Col and Alpine Col, Piute Pass Trail to Muir Trail Ranch via Florence Lake and John Muir Trails, Bishop Pass from Dusy Basin to South Lake, Lake Sabrina to Midnight Lake and Hungry Packer Lake. Traversing one of the most incredible aspen groves on the mountain, it’s also the only place in Arizona where you can be surrounded on all sides by high peaks topping out between 11,000 and 12,000 feet above sea level. On the knolls, small white bark pines shelter little flats overlooking the water, which mirrors the Glacier Divide. 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. Thanks, great pix. Inner Basin is the only place in Arizona that mountains higher than 11,000 feet surround you. Many people are satisfied with turning around here, at a breath-taking elevation of 11,800 feet. We could taste it and even feel it in the air. Only certain vehicles are … The Inner Basin Trail is one of the premier hikes on the San Francisco Peaks. After 5 miles, cross Piute Pass for outstanding views of Humphreys Basin, Piute Canyon, and the Glacier Divide and continue into Piute Canyon. Is there a log that associates pictures with their locations ? Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Beyond Piute Pass the trail gives access to Humphreys Basin, with an abundance of high alpine lakes and tarns on the north side of Glacier Divide. Through a cover of sparse lodgepole and white bark, winds among large, round boulders, arriving at the next bench up the canyon, which contains this Piute Lake (3340 m). What makes it great is the scenery. Beyond, spreads Humphreys Basin. The trail then ascends moderately again. Most trail maps are somewhat vague and multiple use trails cross the basin. Humphrey's Peak, Weatherford and Kachina Trail Loop is a 18.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Destination for this bonus trip was to be up and over Piute Pass and into the Humphreys Basin region of the Eastern Sierra, during the third week of June. Basin is just north of the more famous Evolution Basin and is separated by the Glacial Divide. Those intrigued by the Desolation lakes’ reputation for fishing and fond of treeless, open camps will find a camp site or two east of the use trail above Lower Desolation Lake, and some wind-raked flats among the great white boulders surrounding aptly named Desolation Lake. Enjoys to inspire and consult with others to exchange the poetry of logical ideas. After a few hundred feet turn right again and go 2 miles to a backpacker’s parking area just west of North Lake. From huge, barren Desolation Lake to lightly forested, turquoise Packsaddle Lake. Interested in the locations of your pictures of your Humprey’s Basin trip. From Piute Lake, the trail ascends an open, rocky slope to tree line overlooking alpine meadows threaded by streamlets and dotted with bright pools. trail begins at the camp ground and heads south across 2 footbridges through a grove of aspen trees. Entering the high country above Loch Leven, the glaciated canyon is floored with smooth granite and small alpine meadows. This area is all pretty rough country, without a designated trail for most of the trip. Easy Facts: 14 miles round trip. Also during winter and spring time months when covered by snow via traversing the eastern face of Agassiz to gain the saddle between Humphrey's Peak and Agassiz Peak. The Piute Pass trail eases up through a forest of lodgepole and quaking aspens before following the North Fork of Bishop Creek; Paintbrush, Columbine and Penstemon flank the trail as one climbs higher near the rusty cliffs of the Piute Crags and Mt. [gview file=”http://www.coertvonk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Coert-North-Lake-to-Humphreys-Basin.tpo-Map-Level-5.pdf”]. North Lake Fall Colors Humphreys Basin Trail is a 8.2 mile out and back trail located near Bishop, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Humphrey peak is also accessible from this location via the Weatherford Trail and continues north (follow trail signs). Plus you get a great view of Mt Humphreys. If you choose to skip the climb, you can keep heading in deeper, toward the north side of Desolation Lake. There is a camp site north of the trail, near the lake’s west end. I was able to get the second-to-last available permit on the 11th, so woke up early on the 12th, made the final drive from Mammoth to the North Lake trailhead, and started hiking about 7:30. You must walk the last .5 mile to the trail head beyond the camp ground. There are peaks to bag, ranging from difficult Mt Humphreys (Class 4 by the easiest route) to gentle, unnamed knobs. Even m’dear Robin had to bail out, as it was the weekend before her finals. The Piute Pass trail eases up through a forest of lodgepole and quaking aspens before following the North Fork of Bishop Creek; Paintbrush, Columbine and Penstemon flank the trail as one climbs higher near the rusty cliffs of the Piute Crags and Mt. Like Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trail, these woods are full of beautiful aspens and, if you’re hiking in the fall, golden autumn leaves. The main trail continues to descend to the cascading outlet of the Desolation lakes – the last reliable water before Hutchinson Meadow in a dry year. Old Trail The trail you are on is an old forest service road. Shortly after leaving the trail head (2853 m), this route enters John Muir Wilderness and then ascends gently along slopes dotted with meadowy patches, aspen groves and stands of lodgepole pine. There are fine views north-east to Mt Humphreys and west to Pilot Knob. Emerson and the reddish Piute Crags are seen. 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). These sites and others in Humphreys Basin make fine base camps for exploring the basin’s wonders. This trek samples some really fine alpine and sub-alpine scenery, and spices it up with some relatively easy off-trail hiking. The intricate, twisting beauty of the basin’s many stream channels surpasses any human design. First, we will visit Humphreys Basin, in the shadows of massive Mount Humphreys and the Glacier Divide. Why you should go: A longer, more beautiful route to the summit. From here, Steelhead Lake, to the north, is a good spot to set up for the night. Humphreys Basin Trail is a 8.2 mile out and back trail located near Bishop, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and fishing and is best used from July until September. At a point where the main trail is above and north of a small lake with a green island, you meet the unmarked use trail north to the Desolation Lakes. The Piute Pass trail leads into Humphreys Basin a good camp spot for climbs on the west side of Mount Humphreys. Rees Peak and Abineau Peak are not real peaks, just named high points on Humphreys ridge. Wildflowers and waterfalls galore. Since that time I've been on many backcountry trips, often leading kids on their first-ever journeys into the wilderness. Humphreys Basin will take your breath away! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and fishing and is best used from July until September. It’s easy to find and follow, and pretty gentle hiking. After some research I decided to try a popular trail to Humphreys Basin via the Piute Pass. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. Over Piute Pass (11,423) the trail drops into Humphreys Basin, loaded with many high alpine lakes. But they all topple eventually, due to the action of frost wedging, and add to the piles of talus at the foot of the peak. Sierra High Country Odyssey: Humphreys Basin Loop, 8-09 6 day backpacking trip, much of it off-trail, out of North Lake, near Bishop. A fairly easy trail leads to the top of Piute Pass. It was absolutely amazing. Rees Peak and Abineau Peak are not real peaks, just named high points on Humphreys ridge. Lower Lamarck Lake lies in a small granite basin, Cross the stream and outlet and follow the flowered trail to the upper lake. It is an easy hike up to and over Piute Pass, and I set up camp at one of the many unnamed lakes below Mount Humphreys. 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. First, we will visit Humphreys Basin, in the shadows of massive Mount Humphreys and the Glacier Divide. View into the interior of the Inner Basin along Humphreys Trail No. Unseen above you to the north lie the Marmot and Humphrey lakes, whose outlets you splash across where they nourish trail side high camp sites with panoramic views cling to the open slopes between the trail and these remote lakes. Additional Info: Humphreys Summit Trail. It’s easy to find and follow, and pretty gentle hiking. The trail leading into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. There were no takers. I took my first backpack trip at age thirteen while attending summer camp in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Emerson. As ever, J and I had made the usual attempts to invite certain people on this easy trip. Your email address will not be published. Passionately curious and stubbornly persistent. The rocky-dusty main trail descends briefly towards pale blue Summit Lake and then curves north west high above the lake, along the three less edge of the great cirque that is Humphreys Basin. At approximately 4 miles the trail tops out at the saddle between Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak. I downed some trail mix and water and then started down the trail on the other side. From the upper part of the trail, views of Mt. Humphreys at its eastern boundary along the Sierra Crest, the lake-filled basin boasts expansive views in all directions. The trail is easy. At the pass (3482 m) there are grand views west to Pilot Know and the canyon of the South Fork San Joaquin river, south to Glacier Divide (the north boundary of Kings Canyon Nat’l Park) and north over barren blue lakes to the unnamed ridge (separating Humphreys Basin from French Canyon and to Mt Humphreys). The trail sweeps around the basin before eventually joining the creek. Desolation Lake. Start at Lockett Meadow, which is 7.1 miles to the peak, but has more gradual elevation gain. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. I headed out on a solo 5 day/4 night trip to the French Canyon and Humphreys Basin via Piute Pass on August 12. The John Muir Trail (JMT) threads its way through Evolution Basin in Kings Canyon. Aspen is left behind, the lodge pole becomes sparse, and some limber pine is seen. Humphreys in the morning. 6 day backpacking trip, much of it off-trail, out of North Lake, near Bishop. From here you can overlook Arizona Snowbowl to the west and the lush inner basin and Lockett Meadow to the east. Overview 3.7 miles on the Inner Basin Trail #29 to the Weatherford Trail #102. You then head south on the JMT, along the river until you reach the junction with the Goddard Canyon Trail. Scorching sun, cold wind up top, stunning views. Humphreys Trail No. This popular trail will take you to the highest point in Arizona and atop the San Francisco Peaks. The trail connects with a larger network that includes the Weatherford Trail, Kachina Trail, and Inner Basin Trail. Wander off-trail through three remote high alpine basins and two of the Mono Recesses, in the heart of the John Muir Wilderness. We woke at sunrise at the North Lake Campground, had breakfast and coffee, and broke camp. Copyright © 2018 Coert Vonk, All Rights Reserved. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Strenuous when done with only one overnight stay. The Trip Wander off-trail through three remote high alpine basins and two of the Mono Recesses, in the heart of the John Muir Wilderness. Emerson. Saturday morning it was raining lightly as we headed up the trail toward Piute Pass. The basin also serves as the headwaters of Piute Creek. Distance: 14 miles; Elevation Gain: 4,700 Feet; Difficulty: Challenging; The longest and most challenging hike on the list is arguably the most spectacular too. Away from it, be ready for cross-country hiking that grades from easy off-trail to enjoyable but demanding boulder scrambling. Head over Piute Pass, through Humphreys Basin and down to Hutchinson Meadow. I was able to get the second-to-last available permit on the 11th, so woke up early on the 12th, made the final drive from Mammoth to … About a mile or so west of Piute Pass, there’s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin. The weather was sunny and perfect. The two of us are fairly fit, so we laid out a somewhat ambitious itinerary. About a mile or so west of Piute Pass, there’s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin. Puppy and I had a blast. Inter-lake trails are not denoted on the USGS maps. 1.0 mile to the peak on the Summit Trail. A base camp there give you access to countless high-country delights. Pine Creek Trailhead can be reach by driving west off Hwy 395 through Rovanna and up to a rugged parking area south of the Tungsten Mill. Less than fun. The Lamarck Lake. Once over the pass I turned right and headed deeper into the Humphreys Basin. Last time I was in Humphreys Basin smoke from the Rim Fire in Yosemite came our way and smoked us out. Geology (from photographs) appears severe with rock, scree, and debris, Topography appears manageable, and the vegetation appears sparse. Humphreys Basin Still some flowers out here A tarn below Lower Desolation Lake The use trail continues gently climbing and meandering through the rocks on its way to Desolation Lake. That said, the Inner Basin Trail ranks right up there, despite its obvious demerits: It’s crowded and it’s not especially difficult. Pass Hutchinson Meadow and descend Piute Creek. As you enter the Inner Basin, from right to left, you have Rees Peak (11,474 feet), Abineau Peak (11,878 feet), Humphreys Peak (12,633 feet), Agassiz Peak (12,356 feet), Fremont Peak (11,969 feet), and Doyle Peak (11,460 feet). The Trip. I foolishly (but somewhat entertainingly) went down a nearly vertical snow scarp at the top of a slope. Humphreys Basin August 2005 Arlo, Marshall and David spend a week backpacking in the High Sierra west of Bishop, California. This page describes the simplest and most popular way to the summit via the Humphreys Trail (#151). To stand on the roof of the state, take a short trip from Flagstaff up to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The first great reward comes at the Humphreys-Agassiz saddle, where the trail tops out the ridge between these two monstrous peaks and overlooks the Inner Basin falling away into the distant Painted Desert. This beautiful area is just 20 miles west of Bishop, CA. Summit Lake. Yellow-bellied marmots can be seen sunning on rocks or dashing into the shadows. This backpack begins at the North Lake (2853 m) trail head. (The old trail that followed the creek down to the bottom of the cirque has been abandoned.) Here in midsummer you will probably pass through a “road cut” in a show bank, created by packers using sand and shovels. 51 View of glacial cirque, ridges, and moraine in the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Below Summit Lake bear right at an intersection towards Desolation Lake. Approaching Loch Leven, the trail levels off. Plus you get a great view of Mt Humphreys. Your email address will not be published. I headed out on a solo 5 day/4 night trip to the French Canyon and Humphreys Basin via Piute Pass on August 12. We headed north from the campsite, eventually finding the trail heading past Lower Desolation Lake and going on to Desolation Lake itself. Below, the Golden Trout lakes gleam down in the cirque bottom. It is a high elevation glacial basin mostly over 11,000 feet in elevation. Use stoves; downed wood is very scarce to non-existent here. About a mile below the pass, I departed from the trail and walked across gorgeous Humphreys Basin. Sooner than you might expect, it switch backs up to the last traverse before Piute Pass. Starts at North Lake. The use trail continues gently climbing and meandering through the rocks on its way to Desolation Lake. As long as you end up headed down Piute Creek, you are good. Animals you may spot in this high country include porcupine and elk. You can easily spend a day rambling up and down one. On August 7-15, 1982, Gordon Lee and I set out to explore the Desolation Basin/Humphreys Basin. Humphreys Basin offers excellent cross-country day hiking to dozens of lakes. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Inner Basin is Arizona’s own little version of the Alps, and the hike that takes you there is as good as it gets when autumn rolls around. Black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without so much as a glance at … We hit the trailhead at approximately 7:30 a.m. The Humphreys Basin is sufficiently open to make cross-country hiking a delight. I lost the trail for a bit as it went up a hill towards Loch Leven, but for the most part it was melted out until quite close to the pass. There is a popular multi day 48 mile loop hike from North Lake to South Lake or the reverse out of Bishop that takes in both these In season you will be greeted by a wealth of wild flowers in these little meadows and in the sandy patches among the granite slabs (paintbrush, columbine, tiger lily, spiraea and penstemon). This glaciated canyon is flanked by slab topped Peak 12691 on the south and Mt Emerson (3998 m) on the north. North leads up the rocky ridge for the final push to the summit. Still a tiny bit of snow near the pass but 99% clear. Best season mid to late. Entering the high country above Loch Leven, the glaciated canyon is floored with smooth granite and small alpine meadows. Piute Creek. Below you to the south, the headwaters of Piute Creek spill ribbon like down the basin, forming a lake here, a pond there. Humphreys Via Inner Basin. The trek to Humphreys Peak is about five miles each way and most of that time is spent in the forest. Lower Golden Trout Lake is closed to camping within 500 feet of its shoreline. The Bear Basin is one of the most discussed off-trail areas of the Sierra. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. The trailhead was a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the years during fall colors- North Lake. All hikers should be prepared for the changing weather conditions in the high country, Thunderstorms can appear suddenly without warning bringing cold rains and snow at any time of the year. This country is rugged and rocky with sheer cliffs of granite and rough boulder slopes. I'm looking to explore the a number of High Sierra lakes in California's John Muir Wilderness; specifically in Humphreys Basin. Go 18 miles from Bishop on highway 168 almost to Lake Sabrina and turn right on a dirt road. The Humphreys Basin is accessed from the North Lake campground, 20 miles southwest of Bishop. 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