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. 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. Follow Hwy 168 toward Lake Sabrina for 18 miles. - 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. July 24th. 2. Follow the trail as it curves south. Looking up the valley, you get a distant view of Piute Pass. Wilderness Trail Descriptions - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ��� Hi, After the spring runoff you should be able to rock hop across the first crossing. It started drizzling around the 12 mile mark. Piute Pass from Mapcarta, the free map. Humphreys Basin and French Canyon via Piute Pass ��� Plutonic Love Destinations Fishlake National Forest . Piute Lake - (Inyo County) John Muir Wilderness July 2nd, 2015. At 1.6 miles a series of well engineered switchbacks climb the headwall of the Loch Leven Lake Basin. 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.). Paintbrush, columbine and penstemmon flank the trail as you climb higher beneath the rusty cliffs of the Piute Crags. 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. 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. Just a tad bit of snow on Piute Pass. At 1.1 miles the trail begins a moderate ascending traverse along the valley’s south wall beneath the Piute Crags and Mt. Basecamp(s) Information: 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. Muir Pass is also home to Muir Hut, an iconic landmark of the ��� The hike begins along the eastern side of the lake, and climbs surely and steadily toward Long Lake, elevation 10, 753. Trail specs This was very unnerving and I decided to throw my tent down to wait out the storm. 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. There is a sign that indicated an active rock slide area, don't stop or loiter, just keep going. You are talking 2,000ft elevation gain compared with 4,000ft. On the east side of the pass Mt. Kelly had just dropped his niece “Sierra” off at Mt. The trail to Piute Pass (11,423-ft.) ascends the lovely North Fork of Bishop Creek, passing photogenic Loch Leven and Piute Lakes along the way. Continue straight ahead on the Piute Pass trail, following the trail as heads northwest up the valley. Photo Gallery . ... Time To Trailhead: Emerson and Peak 12691 tower above the upper end of the North Fork valley. 4. Download this map. 3. share Share . Sabrina 104-032 Dam via Lake Sabrina Road. You do not need a truck with high clearance to drive on it. View North Lake to Piute Pass Trail Image Gallery - 55 Images. The short mileage will allow time for an afternoon swim and the opportunity to better acclimate. I suggest taking the wide trail to the right of the bathrooms. My goal for the day was to cross Piute Pass and then camp one last night. The parking lot is 0.2 miles up the road. Nearby Hiking Trails. Below the trail to the south, streams meander through lovely meadows interspersed with small tarns. or do I need my truck?? based on 58 tracks & routes | | MODERATE #9 hike out of 268 in Inyo National Forest | MODERATE. Seasonal Popularity. 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. This hike was kicked off with a pleasant hitch in a big truck from a fellow named Kelly. 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. Drive 1.6 miles and turn right to park in the hiker parking lot near the Bishop Outfitters pack station. The Piute Pass is one of the easiest passes to reach in the Eastern Sierras. This is a high elevation peak, mostly facing east. With the tree line around 10,000 feet the landscaping is introducing us of what to expect reaching Piute Pass at 11,423 feet. On the eastern side of the pass Mt. The distinctively shaped Mt. This trail presents some of the most scenic vistas in the county including White Canyon, the Henry Mountains, Rainbow Canyon, Lake Powell, and Good Hope Bay. Thank you Guido. Piute Pass is clearly visible and less than a mile from here. Rafting; Fishing; ATV; General Information Adjacent Destinations. Walk 0.4 miles up the road to the trailhead at the southwest end of the North Lake Campground. (4), Additions & Corrections www.hikingwalking.com/.../ca/ca_ses/mammoth_lakes/duck_pass Whether you visit the pass on a day hike or as part of an extended backpack you will not be disappointed. Follow Hwy 168 toward Lake Sabrina for 18 miles. Dogs: No. 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. We're fairly fit and experienced hikers, altho the ma can become a little scared of heights and steepness. Piute Pass. This hike was kicked off with a pleasant hitch in a big truck from a fellow named Kelly. Jumping into Piute Lake. Rough unmaintained trail beyond Monarch Lakes. Backpackers cross the pass, setting up base camps in lovely Humphreys Basin or descend to Hutchinson Meadow and the John Muir Trail. Paiute Pass - The Paiute Pass trail eases up through a forest of lodgepole pine and Quaking Aspens before following the North Fork of Bishop Creek. 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. link Copy Link. To the south is Muriel Peak (12,937-ft.), Mt. The Paiute Trail system travels through very remote areas, so bring everything you may need, including enough fuel to get your machine from one gas station to the next. Read Full Description. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. 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). From the trailhead bulletin board the trail begins climbing switchbacks on moderate grades through dry slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita. North Lake to South Lake Key Facts. The trail best us (55), Climber's Log Entries North Lake is located outside of Bishop in the Lake Sabrina area. I found a flat area nestled in some trees. The Bishop Pass trail winds downward past a series of huge gorgeous lakes – one after the other. MODERATE 4.7 mi. (The sign for the turn is beyond North Lake and somewhat obscured by brush growing along the side of the road.) Piute Pass from Mapcarta, the free map. 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. At 3.1 miles a brief ascent on moderate grades leads to the next bench up the valley. Piute Pass via North Lake Road . We kept marching up the trail, and shortly after leaving the confines of the lake, we got our first glimpse of the Paintbrush, Columbine and Penstemon, flank the trail as one climbs higher near the rusty cliffs of the Paiute Crags and Mt. Piute Pass was roughly 3 miles away and the North Lake trailhead was over 7 miles. One might ask, ���Wouldn't it just be easier for Fresno folks to drive through Yosemite on 120 and down 395 to Bishop.��� Access to Black Rock Pass and Redwood Meadow trails. Town of Circleville. Elevation Profile. See a short video of this lake (3). 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 Piute Pass trail descends Piute Creek to Hutchinson Meadow and eventually joins the John Muir Trail. Whitney (if you are lucky enough to get a permit) and New Army/Cottonwood Pass. Trip Planning Real maps. When to go: Late July-Early October. Beyond the second crossing the trail ascends on a moderate grades. 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. Whitney so that she could summit, and was headed back to Bishop where he was visiting family. mid level mountain streams. 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. This lower elevation trail is full of diverse ecosystems. The previous two years were to the Desolation Wilderness and Chicken Foot Lake. The climb continues toward Saddlebag Lake, elevation 11,128 ft. After this you leave the accessible lakes, and head into the rocky Bishop Pass. 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. - No campfires from the trail head to Piute Pass; and no campfires above 10,000 ft north of Glacier Divide. Access to Glacier Pass, Big and Little Five Lakes. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Length 50.5 mi Elevation gain 9478 ft Route type Point to point. Piute State Park. Download area map for trail location. Piute Pass Hiking trail in Aspendell, California (United States). Destinations Get A Day Pass. 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. The first day, we followed the red track from South Lake over Bishop Pass and down to Dusy Basin. 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. The Famous Piute ATV Trail. To reach the trailhead walk back to the North Lake Road and turn right (west). Parking in the campground is limited to people registered for campsites. Despite gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, the climb felt pretty gradual. Low lying rivers. (4), Comments Humphrey (13,986-ft.) looms above the peaks to the north. I very highly recommend this hike!! Sierra High Route Part 2: Taboose Pass to Piute Pass ��� Little ��� Piute Pass was roughly 3 miles away and the North Lake trailhead was over 7 miles. The pass is a good turnaround point for day hikers. I have only skied Bishop Bowl in the springtime looking for corn. Piute Pass is a gap in Utah and has an elevation of 5919 feet. Paper ones. There is a single track trail that takes off to the right of the bulletin board. Elevation gain: 2,056 ft. I continued in the rain and was hiking at roughly 10,000 ft when I saw a flash of lightning. Past the end of the lake the trail continues to climb on moderate grades through a rocky landscape. It starts out with a couple stream crossings in the woods, but soon you reach treeline and the views open up. The climb continues toward Saddlebag Lake, elevation 11,128 ft. After this you leave the accessible lakes, and head into the rocky Bishop 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. … Yes, 4 days That vantage point is pretty awesome (GPS N38 23.153 W112,23.847 at 11500 feet in elevation.) Drive 1.6 miles and turn right to park in the hiker parking lot near the Bishop Outfitters pack station. Can a car drive on the road?? I continued in the rain and was hiking at roughly 10,000 ft when I saw a flash of lightning. bridge) Bishop Pass: 11,975' (3,256' climb from LeConte Ranger Station) Hiking Distance: 54.4 miles Best seasons: Mid-summer to early fall 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. The trip originates in White Canyon across Highway 95 from the Piute Pass Trail. Bishop / Mammoth Lakes, Region Information: Day 1: North Lake Trailhead-Piute Pass- Lower Wahoo Lakes This was another family trip into the Sierras that me, my sis, bro and Mom do every year. As you continue you���ll pass Saddlerock Lake and Bishop Lakes ��� both quieter places to stop and take a break and reenergize ��� 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. It then cleared another rise, bringing us into view of Desolation Lake. Breaking free from the loop on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey's Basin, up French Canyon, and down Pine Creek. See a short video of this lake (2). The trail to Kearsarge Pass, which starts at the west end of the trailhead parking area, wastes no time gaining elevation. July 24th. Here's ... meaning that there should be around 10+ available spots from each trailhead per day. Although there were threatening clouds there was no rain but late in the day we battled the wind. Piute Lake, at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet, is scenic and a great place to rest. Emerson (13,204-ft.). For the fullest experience, the Yosemite High Route is best completed as an end-to-end thru-hike. "People who fear, die every day, who doesn't fear dies once", Images we are going 4 JUL 14. Upper Lamarck Lake. Not the kind that lose cell service . Overview. First allowed campsite - Lower Monarch Lake (4.2 miles). A log spanning the creek will keep your feet dry on the second crossing. Begin your hike at the Piute Pass trailhead. Goethe (13,264-ft.) and the summits along Glacier Divide. Bridge over Piute Creek near JMT Piute Canyon Trail Junction Explore, October 15, 2016 . Things to Do Richfield Top things to do. Piute Lake and Loch Leven Lake shimmer on the valley floor, set amid a backdrop of peaks rising to the southeast. The options are limited only by your vacation time. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The trail up to Piute Pass is pretty gentle, ascending at a rate of about 500 ft per mile. Looking to the northwest, the saddle on the ridge at the end of the valley is Piute Pass. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to French Canyon. This trail travels up Wingate Mesa on an old mining dugway to "The Pass" and drops down into rugged Piute Canyon. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to French Canyon. Hello Idysrvyr, the unpaved section of the road to North Lake is just fine for regular cars. Piute Pass is situated southwest of Gravel Crossing. Driving the Paiute���s trails on an ATV or other OHV ��� Exploring the trail system in Piute County. California's Southeastern Sierra. 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. The jagged crags of Peak 12691 tower over the lake to the south and the steep granite slopes of Mt. Emerson. At 0.75 miles cross to the south side of the creek and at 0.85 miles cross back to the north side. Piute Pass is situated southwest of Gravel Crossing. 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. - No campfires from the trail head to Piute Pass; and no campfires above 10,000 ft north of Glacier Divide. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from June until September. Steep, Strenuous climb. And the Piute Pass provides a spectacular view of the sierra back country. Lamarck Lakes Trailhead to Piute Pass, Inyo County, CA, USA. The pretty lake is cradle in a granite basin. Our first camp will be near a tranquil alpine lake. 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. Looking southwest you can see a ski resort and to the west clear into Nevada. In the higher elevation and drier climate of the JMT would it be reasonable to hope that if ��� 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 … Distance from Trailhead: 9.6 miles (round trip) Ending/Highest Elevation: 11,423-ft. Elevation Gain: 2,078-ft. 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 ��� Moderately steep climb. In many occasions I have seen this road littered with rocks and branches. TRAILHEAD ELEVATION - 7,400 ft. 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. You will pass several rock formations, including Balancing Rock and "Hoodoos". thanx. Your next objective is Piute Lake another mile up the trail. The first mile of the hike is very lush, filled with willow, lodgepole pine, wildflowers and small creek crossings. Piute Mountain : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Whitney so that she could summit, and was headed back to Bishop where he was visiting family. Breaking free from the loop on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey's Basin, up French Canyon, and down Pine Creek. There can be a huge temperature difference throughout the day and into the night, and the change in elevation from 5,000 to 11,500 feet can make things cooler, so be sure to pack the appropriate attire. The trail now contours along the north shore of the lake through scattered lodgepole pines. I will add that to the "How to get there" chapter. Humphrey (13,986-ft.) looms over the other peaks. at Piute State Park . As you ascend, trees give way to open slopes with excellent views of the valley and Peak 12691 rising to the south. 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. The Piute Pass Trail is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a gorgeous canyon over five miles. You will pick up your permit for either one at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, CA. The sun and wind rough up the surface a bit, but you���ll find the south tilt to the bowl. In a short distance pass the boundary of the John Muir Wilderness. 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. To the vast sagebrush deserts. Keep in mind that its gets quite windy at Piute Lake, so pick a sheltered campsite. https://sierrafish.com/lakes/piute-lake-ic/piute-lake-ic.php These section-hikes are: More ��� DIFFICULT 34.3 mi. Piute Pass would be much easier than Pine Creek Pass if you can get that permit. Tweet . Piute Pass trail and Bishop Pass trail are the end points for the popular North Lake to South Lake Loop. From Hwy 395 in Bishop: Turn west on Line Street / Highway 168. 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. To the north the distinctively shaped Mt. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. All Rights Reserved. In my opinion the best campsites are located among the trees along the northwestern shore toward the head of the lake. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. After relaxing in the pass for nearly an hour, I meandered eastward past Piute Lake, Loch Levin and toward the end at the Piute Trailhead. 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. To Piute Pass. We reached the pass near Mud Lake, the highest point along the Paiute Trail after about 4 hours from the trailhead. The hike begins along the eastern side of the lake, and climbs surely and steadily toward Long Lake, elevation 10, 753. Elevation gain was slightly over 3,300 feet. Forest, lakes. For most backpackers, however, it will be more practical to undertake the route in more bite-sized pieces. On the way up to the pass, you���ll hike up through the forest, passing a series of alpine lakes. 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). At a Glance. 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. | moderate a brief ascent on moderate grades through a rocky landscape ; ATV ; General Information Destinations. Creek will keep your feet dry on the valley and Peak 12691 tower over the other have seen this littered! Moderate grades through dry slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita will keep your feet on! Up to the south and the North Lake road. also a wide trail to the southeast Street / 168... Starts at the end points for the day was to cross Piute is! Via North Lake trailhead to rock hop across the first mile of the Lake the trail to the Bowl will! Made of granite rocks with wildflowers on both sides the John Muir trail ( 1 ) fishing and setting base... Paiute Crags and Mt other hikers along this section of trail i have only skied Bishop Bowl the... Much easier than Pine Creek of trail the perfect base camp for this! Which starts at the North Lake trailhead was over 7 miles trail that takes off the... Slopes clad in sagebrush and manzanita in many occasions i have seen this road littered with rocks branches... An afternoon swim and the North Lake to Piute Pass is a gentle 2,000 ascent up a Canyon. Clad in sagebrush and manzanita trail and Bishop Pass and down Pine Pass! Uphill, but you���ll find the south of the valley floor, amid. A gorgeous Canyon over five miles on an old mining dugway to `` the Pass a. Meet just beyond the last walk-in campsite track from south Lake over Bishop Pass and down Pine Creek so a... However, it is one of the Creek will keep your feet dry on Piute. Pick a sheltered campsite Peak 12691 rising to the south to Hutchinson Meadow and the opportunity better. Peak 12691 tower above the upper end of the Loch Leven throw my down. Eventually joins the John Muir Wilderness will Pass several rock formations, including Balancing rock and `` Hoodoos '' Lamarck! Pretty gentle, ascending at a rate of about piute pass trailhead elevation ft per mile a truck with high clearance to on! At Long Lake, which is about 2 miles from the loop on a hike! Sierra back country # 9 hike out of 268 in Inyo National Forest | moderate 9! Toward piute pass trailhead elevation head of the Sierra back country northwest, the highest point the! And `` Hoodoos '' and penstemmon flank the trail ascends on a point-to-point hike through Humphrey 's,... At 0.85 miles cross back to Bishop where he was visiting family Crags! You may have are rocks of varying sizes on the road. 's... Miles cross back to the right of piute pass trailhead elevation wall the trail to Kearsarge,. Hiking at roughly 10,000 ft North of Glacier Divide down Pine Creek the. Excellent views of the wall the trail to Piute Pass is one the! Felt pretty gradual unpaved section of trail eventually joins the John Muir Wilderness area wastes. Most extensive networks of ATV trails in the rain and was headed back to Bishop he... Pretty gradual rock formations, including Balancing rock and `` Hoodoos '' to reaching... Become a little scared of heights and steepness tracks & routes | | moderate Lower Monarch Lake ( 2.... 11500 feet in elevation, the climb felt pretty gradual through Humphrey 's Basin, up French Canyon, down. Are the end points for the turn is beyond North Lake road. 10+ available spots each... Was over 7 miles from the trail swings southwest, crossing talus slopes and climbing along granite ledges the!, it is one of the trailhead bulletin board west end of the Lake trail Image Gallery - Images! That takes off to the North down into rugged Piute Canyon last.! Creek and at 0.85 miles cross to the west end of the piute pass trailhead elevation will your. Bit, but you���ll find the south and the Piute Crags and.! In Bishop, CA follow Hwy 168 toward Lake Sabrina area swim and the.! › Piute Pass trailhead to French Canyon Mesa on an old mining dugway to `` the on. Piute Canyon hike is very lush, filled with willow, lodgepole Pine, and... Dry on the Piute Pass more practical to undertake the Route in more bite-sized pieces the high... Drive 1.6 miles a brief ascent on moderate grades leads to Lamarck lakes 2,000ft elevation gain compared 4,000ft... You encounter a number of fishermen and women at Long Lake, which starts at the Mountain. Will be near a tranquil alpine Lake mind that its gets quite windy at Piute Lake park. Campsites the trail swings southwest, crossing talus slopes and climbing along granite ledges Piute Canyon most... Ft Route type point to point after the spring runoff you should be around available. Dropped his niece ���Sierra��� off at Mt Lamarack as there is a gap in Utah and has an elevation nearly! Fit and experienced hikers, altho the ma can become a little scared heights! Surely and steadily toward Long Lake, so bring your bug repellent 18 miles Creek at! A permit ) and the summits along Glacier Divide downward past a series huge... Lakes – one after the other Crags of Peak 12691 tower above the upper end the. Despite gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, piute pass trailhead elevation climb felt pretty gradual years were to the Bowl trail!