humphreys basin trail

Copyright © 2018 Coert Vonk, All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Since that time I've been on many backcountry trips, often leading kids on their first-ever journeys into the wilderness. The trail is easy. 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. From Piute Lake, the trail ascends an open, rocky slope to tree line overlooking alpine meadows threaded by streamlets and dotted with bright pools. The trek to Humphreys Peak is about five miles each way and most of that time is spent in the forest. Humphreys in the morning. Humphreys at its eastern boundary along the Sierra Crest, the lake-filled basin boasts expansive views in all directions. The trail leading into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. I took my first backpack trip at age thirteen while attending summer camp in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada. Enjoys to inspire and consult with others to exchange the poetry of logical ideas. The Humphreys Basin is accessed from the North Lake campground, 20 miles southwest of Bishop. 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 Humphreys Via Inner Basin. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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). There were no takers. Plus you get a great view of Mt Humphreys. 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. About a mile below the pass, I departed from the trail and walked across gorgeous Humphreys Basin. Even m’dear Robin had to bail out, as it was the weekend before her finals. This glaciated canyon is flanked by slab topped Peak 12691 on the south and Mt Emerson (3998 m) on the north. The Humphreys Basin is sufficiently open to make cross-country hiking a delight. On August 7-15, 1982, Gordon Lee and I set out to explore the Desolation Basin/Humphreys Basin. (The old trail that followed the creek down to the bottom of the cirque has been abandoned.) There is a camp site north of the trail, near the lake’s west end. 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). The trailhead was a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the years during fall colors- North Lake. Required fields are marked *. To stand on the roof of the state, take a short trip from Flagstaff up to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. 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. Our goal? Emerson. Additional Info: Humphreys Summit Trail. You can easily spend a day rambling up and down one. Emerson. 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. We hit the trailhead at approximately 7:30 a.m. The trail is generally low angle and easy to travel on. Plus you get a great view of Mt Humphreys. Last time I was in Humphreys Basin smoke from the Rim Fire in Yosemite came our way and smoked us out. Easy Facts: 14 miles round trip. This country is rugged and rocky with sheer cliffs of granite and rough boulder slopes. 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. From the upper part of the trail, views of Mt. The use trail continues gently climbing and meandering through the rocks on its way to Desolation Lake. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. 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. About a mile or so west of Piute Pass, there’s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin. Humphreys Basin will take your breath away! Beyond, spreads Humphreys Basin. The use trail continues gently climbing and meandering through the rocks on its way to Desolation Lake. The weather was sunny and perfect. Old Trail The trail you are on is an old forest service road. 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). 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. 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. 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. The Trip. If you choose to skip the climb, you can keep heading in deeper, toward the north side of Desolation Lake. 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. Strenuous when done with only one overnight stay. Weather permitting, you can plan to climb Mt. Summit Lake. I'm looking to explore the a number of High Sierra lakes in California's John Muir Wilderness; specifically in Humphreys Basin. As long as you end up headed down Piute Creek, you are good. Humphrey peak is also accessible from this location via the Weatherford Trail and continues north (follow trail signs). 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. 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. 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Most popular way to the Arizona Snowbowl to the summit another hiker I! Gordon Lee and I set out to explore the a number of high Sierra lakes in California 's John Wilderness. Glacial Divide a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the rocks on its through!

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