High Sierra Trail Question!

[Codymayer22]

Hey guys, just joined this forum to ask a question about the High Sierra trail and Colby pass trail. I'm planning on doing the trail in about 2 weeks with some friends and family, we're all experienced backpacking and want to try some off trail expeditions along the HST. One idea we have just looking at topo and satellite maps is to go over the Kaweah ridgeline(not sure if that's the right name) in between Triple Divide peak and Lawson peak where the origins of Big Aroyo creek are and then through that basin towards the Colby pass trail, meeting up with it and then re-joining the High Sierra trail at junction meadow. Has anyone done this route or does anybody have any thoughts about it? Concerns, comments or any advice about that route idea or area would be greatly appreciated.

[c9h13no3]

Pants Pass is probably what you're looking for.

Also, this map is helpful: http://www.highsierratopix.com/high-sierra-map/map.php

[giantbrookie]

Yes, Pants Pass is the northernmost of the three routes used by backpackers to cross the Kaweahs, so it is the most appropriate route to use to reach the Colby Pass trail. Make sure to read the detailed descriptions of this route because one can easily miss the route coming from the west. Note that this pass has steep and loose talus near the top on both sides, especially the east side. Groups doing this have to be careful about their positioning so as to avoid knocking rocks down on others (some stretches need to be done one-at-a-time).

[maverick]

May I ask why you are interested in visiting that particular area Cody? Not that there is anything wrong with it, but you are close to two of the prettiest spots in all of the Sierra, one being Picket Creek Lake, which is considered by many as the prettiest lake in the Sierra, with outstanding views east towards the Sierra Crest, and second being Kaweah Basin, one of the prettiest and most isolated basins in the Sierra.

[kylekuzma]

May I ask why you are interested in visiting that particular area Cody? Not that there is anything wrong with it, but you are close to two of the prettiest spots in all of the Sierra, one being Picket Creek Lake, which is considered by many as the prettiest lake in the Sierra, with outstanding views east towards the Sierra Crest, and second being Kaweah Basin, one of the prettiest and most isolated basins in the Sierra.

I second this. Two insane areas that are super, super close together.

[Codymayer22]

May I ask why you are interested in visiting that particular area Cody? Not that there is anything wrong with it, but you are close to two of the prettiest spots in all of the Sierra, one being Picket Creek Lake, which is considered by many as the prettiest lake in the Sierra, with outstanding views east towards the Sierra Crest, and second being Kaweah Basin, one of the prettiest and most isolated basins in the Sierra.

We're definitely going to try and check out the kaweah basin! I'll have to search up that lake. Thanks for all the info everyone!!

[Codymayer22]

Which way do you guys suggest to get into the basin? maybe the pass between kaweah queen and black kaweah?

[bobby49]

If you stay on the High Sierra Trail proper, it takes you past Kern Hot Spring. For some hikers, that is not to be missed.

[TurboHike]

Which way do you guys suggest to get into the basin? maybe the pass between kaweah queen and black kaweah?

Take a look here:

http://www.highsierratopix.com/communit ... 31&t=10709

[sekihiker]

Here are trip reports that deal with crossings into the Kern-Kaweah Basin from Nine Lakes Basin:

http://www.sierrahiker.com/KernKaweah/index.htm
This shows the route over "Piss Your Pants Pass" and is not recommended

http://www.sierrahiker.com/KaweahBasin/index.html
This shows the route over Pants Pass, aka Kern-Kaweah Col, aka South Kern-Kaweah Col in the report. This is the recommended route and shows a way to get into Picket Creek and Kaweah Basin without dropping into the Kern-Kaweah drainage.