Lower Palisade to Bishop Pass
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:24 am
I'm planning a modified JMT trek this summer; starting at Horseshoe Meadows and exiting Rush Creek. This trip includes a couple of side trips including a "shortcut" over Crabtree Pass and a resupply at South Lake. The trip to South Lake will be via Palisades Basin and the basis for my question; which route is the best route between Lower Palisade Lake and the top of Bishop Pass?
I've found a route that climbs Cirque Pass and the southwest edge of the lake at 11676 and on to Potluck Pass, while another climbs directly up the drainage to the north of Lower Palisades skirting the southeast edge of 1167 and then on to Potluck. I'm an experienced backpacker, but I'm looking for the best solo route with a full backpack (probably B/C3-1).
Additionally, there appears to be options beyond Barret Lakes as well. One track goes south of the Lakes and straight up Knapsack Pass, while another goes north of the Lakes and heads due north over an unnamed saddle below Thunderbolt Peak then traverses the base of the crest directly to the top of Bishop Pass. The latter seems to be the more direct route, but looks like it crosses a substantial talus field to the west of the unnamed saddle. Again, I'm flying solo and don't need anything too dicey.
Lastly, and I know every year is different, but does anyone have an opinion on whether this area will even be passable the first week in July of this year?
Anyone with experience in this area willing to give some advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your help,
Chris
I've found a route that climbs Cirque Pass and the southwest edge of the lake at 11676 and on to Potluck Pass, while another climbs directly up the drainage to the north of Lower Palisades skirting the southeast edge of 1167 and then on to Potluck. I'm an experienced backpacker, but I'm looking for the best solo route with a full backpack (probably B/C3-1).
Additionally, there appears to be options beyond Barret Lakes as well. One track goes south of the Lakes and straight up Knapsack Pass, while another goes north of the Lakes and heads due north over an unnamed saddle below Thunderbolt Peak then traverses the base of the crest directly to the top of Bishop Pass. The latter seems to be the more direct route, but looks like it crosses a substantial talus field to the west of the unnamed saddle. Again, I'm flying solo and don't need anything too dicey.
Lastly, and I know every year is different, but does anyone have an opinion on whether this area will even be passable the first week in July of this year?
Anyone with experience in this area willing to give some advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your help,
Chris