Graveyard Pass
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 6:11 pm
TITLE: Graveyard Pass
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads between the Graveyard Lakes to the Minnow Creek Drainage. It crosses the Silver Divide.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness on the Silver Divide to the West of Peak 11,225 and to the East of Peak 11,347 on the 7.5 Min Topo. HST Map
ELEVATION: 10,711
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Graveyard Peak
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The South side of this pass features mostly granite slabs and grassy ramps to the top. There are cliff bands that need to be avoided but following along the ramps will more than likely get you to the top. Instead of going all the way around the Graveyard Lake that is below the pass to start the climb you can angle up and to the North from the Western shore around the inlet region. This will avoid going up the talus chute that is loose. Aim for the trees since they are at the top of the pass. If you end up on cliffs you likely have gone too far below the ramps and talus that gain you access to the top.
The North features lots of talus and a fairly steep descent or ascent. The talus is mostly stable but don't take it for granted naturally. The talus will run into a grassy meadow area and eventually hit a lake. From there you can take a trail at the lake's outlet to Peter Pande Lake or down into Cascade Valley and Fish Creek. There is no perfect way through the talus so pick the option that suits your fancy best. We stayed slightly more east on the descent.
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads between the Graveyard Lakes to the Minnow Creek Drainage. It crosses the Silver Divide.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness on the Silver Divide to the West of Peak 11,225 and to the East of Peak 11,347 on the 7.5 Min Topo. HST Map
ELEVATION: 10,711
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Graveyard Peak
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The South side of this pass features mostly granite slabs and grassy ramps to the top. There are cliff bands that need to be avoided but following along the ramps will more than likely get you to the top. Instead of going all the way around the Graveyard Lake that is below the pass to start the climb you can angle up and to the North from the Western shore around the inlet region. This will avoid going up the talus chute that is loose. Aim for the trees since they are at the top of the pass. If you end up on cliffs you likely have gone too far below the ramps and talus that gain you access to the top.
The North features lots of talus and a fairly steep descent or ascent. The talus is mostly stable but don't take it for granted naturally. The talus will run into a grassy meadow area and eventually hit a lake. From there you can take a trail at the lake's outlet to Peter Pande Lake or down into Cascade Valley and Fish Creek. There is no perfect way through the talus so pick the option that suits your fancy best. We stayed slightly more east on the descent.
