Grinnell-Hopkins ridge
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:04 am
TITLE: Grinnell-Hopkins ridge
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This is a class 2 alternative to Grinnell Col to connect the Grinnell Lake area with Hopkins Basin
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness HST Map
ELEVATION: 11,650 ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Abbott
HST Map: HST Map
This route is a relatively "easy" alternative to Grinnell col for transit between Hopkins and Grinnell basins (I've never done the former, but it looks appreciably more challenging than this route both on the map and from what I've seen in ascending this hillside). To reach the starting point of the ascent from the west side, you need to work your way over to the prominent peninsula that juts into the southeast segment of Grinnell Lake. From there, it's just a long slog to the ridge with ample opportunity to switch back and forth between the gravel/boulders in the chute and the vegetation on the south side of the chute. The footing is solid and there's nothing tricky about this approach; just make sure to have some water, because it's a long way down to get refreshments on the other side. That said, once you reach the ridge, it's a broad, gentle plateau. The Hopkins side has plenty of stretches of marble-sized gravel that can make for a "dry-skiing" descent. Obviously, if you're coming up from Hopkins, you'll want to aim for firmer ground. Either way, it's a pretty easy stroll from the Hopkins side. Here are a few photos. I may be able to dig out additional shots from an early season trip, later.
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This is a class 2 alternative to Grinnell Col to connect the Grinnell Lake area with Hopkins Basin
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness HST Map
ELEVATION: 11,650 ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Abbott
HST Map: HST Map
This route is a relatively "easy" alternative to Grinnell col for transit between Hopkins and Grinnell basins (I've never done the former, but it looks appreciably more challenging than this route both on the map and from what I've seen in ascending this hillside). To reach the starting point of the ascent from the west side, you need to work your way over to the prominent peninsula that juts into the southeast segment of Grinnell Lake. From there, it's just a long slog to the ridge with ample opportunity to switch back and forth between the gravel/boulders in the chute and the vegetation on the south side of the chute. The footing is solid and there's nothing tricky about this approach; just make sure to have some water, because it's a long way down to get refreshments on the other side. That said, once you reach the ridge, it's a broad, gentle plateau. The Hopkins side has plenty of stretches of marble-sized gravel that can make for a "dry-skiing" descent. Obviously, if you're coming up from Hopkins, you'll want to aim for firmer ground. Either way, it's a pretty easy stroll from the Hopkins side. Here are a few photos. I may be able to dig out additional shots from an early season trip, later.