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Re: Avalanche Pass trail to/from Sphinx Lakes: route suggestions

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 8:53 am
by sekihiker
Except for once, I've used the west side up to the bend in the creek where I've crossed to the east side for the trip up to the lowest lake. I've followed what looks like built trail immediately after crossing the creek at the bend. The only time I went down the east side on the lower section, I thought it was slower and more tedious because of the talus. I used to stay on the west side all the way to the lowest lake but there are a lot of swampy sections over there. I used to make it to the upper lakes in one day. In my 70's, I'm guessing it would take a day and half now. Just the experience of having been there a half dozen times makes a huge difference in making good time.

I found a horseshoe on the east side above the bend. I'm always amazed at some of the places a good horse and a smart rider can go. Maybe there was a better trail in the past.

Re: Avalanche Pass trail to/from Sphinx Lakes: route suggestions

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 3:27 pm
by tie
Okay, I did this yesterday. I mostly followed the more western green GPS track in my map. Except halfway between "Sphinx" and "Creek", I stayed high instead of going toward the creek. (Maybe they were getting water?)

There was zero bushwhacking this way. There was easy talus-walking. Note that I was going downhill, without a pack. But even still, I think the terrain was easier than the talus going toward Sphinx Pass.