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Harrison Pass - Conditions and Which Direction is Best?
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 3:38 pm
by Worn Leather
Planning a loop trip for the 1st wk of Oct, from Onion Valley over Forrester Pass, over to Lk S. America, Harrison Pass, Lake Reflection, then back over Kearsarge Pass and home at last. Or, we could go in the other direction. I'm familiar with the Upper Kern/Tyndall Creek area, but Harrison Pass is somewhat of a mystery. How tough is it, for regular hikers, and which direction would be the best choice? In general, it's usually safer heading uphill on a steep incline, but then of course there's the pack! Perhaps someone has some experience to offer. Thanks.
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:01 am
by cgundersen
Hi Worn Leather,
If you're coming from Korea, Harrison will be no problem.... there are some good Harrison commentaries on page 2 of this forum (about midway down). Briefly, the scramble up (north to south) is the preferable route. However, going down is likely only to be a real problem if there is ice. Either way, the little basin flanked by Stanford, Deerhorn, Ericsson (& its crags) is a marvel and well worth the effort of getting there! Hope it works out!
CG
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:48 pm
by stevet
In my opinion, Harrison is easier coming from the south. Also suggest a variant on Forester Pass...once out of Vidette Meadow go up to Center Basin, over Junction Pass and down to the jct with the trail over Shepherd Pass and then to L. S. America before you head over Harrison. If you have the time you'll find fewer people than along the JMT.
Steve