Your email address will not be published. Shortly after leaving the trail head (2853 m), this route enters John Muir Wilderness and then ascends gently along slopes dotted with meadowy patches, aspen groves and stands of lodgepole pine. The first great reward comes at the Humphreys-Agassiz saddle, where the trail tops out the ridge between these two monstrous peaks and overlooks the Inner Basin falling away into the distant Painted Desert. Those intrigued by the Desolation lakes’ reputation for fishing and fond of treeless, open camps will find a camp site or two east of the use trail above Lower Desolation Lake, and some wind-raked flats among the great white boulders surrounding aptly named Desolation Lake. Still a tiny bit of snow near the pass but 99% clear. 51 View of glacial cirque, ridges, and moraine in the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Aspen is left behind, the lodge pole becomes sparse, and some limber pine is seen. Humphreys Via Inner Basin. The Inner Basin is Arizona’s own little version of the Alps, and the hike that takes you there is as good as it gets when autumn rolls around. Scorching sun, cold wind up top, stunning views. Last time I was in Humphreys Basin smoke from the Rim Fire in Yosemite came our way and smoked us out. About a mile or so west of Piute Pass, there’s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin. That said, the Inner Basin Trail ranks right up there, despite its obvious demerits: It’s crowded and it’s not especially difficult. Emerson and the reddish Piute Crags are seen. The trailhead was a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the years during fall colors- North Lake. Gordon came up from Idyllwild to Lone Pine on Friday afternoon and we drove up to Pine Creek to leave his pickup truck where we would come out, then drove to North Lake and camped out in my car on a rainy night. North Lake Fall Colors The trail connects with a larger network that includes the Weatherford Trail, Kachina Trail, and Inner Basin Trail. The trail sweeps around the basin before eventually joining the creek. (The old trail that followed the creek down to the bottom of the cirque has been abandoned.) Your email address will not be published. Beyond Piute Pass the trail gives access to Humphreys Basin, with an abundance of high alpine lakes and tarns on the north side of Glacier Divide. Hikers begin coming to the basin before the snows have completely melted from the trail. Not quite as popular or scenic as the South Lake to Bishop Pass Trail, Piute Pass Trail to Humphreys Basin has its own fan base. Unseen above you to the north lie the Marmot and Humphrey lakes, whose outlets you splash across where they nourish trail side high camp sites with panoramic views cling to the open slopes between the trail and these remote lakes. Wander off-trail through three remote high alpine basins and two of the Mono Recesses, in the heart of the John Muir Wilderness. Since that time I've been on many backcountry trips, often leading kids on their first-ever journeys into the wilderness. Additional Info: Humphreys Summit Trail. You then head south on the JMT, along the river until you reach the junction with the Goddard Canyon Trail. We hit the trailhead at approximately 7:30 a.m. Humphrey peak is also accessible from this location via the Weatherford Trail and continues north (follow trail signs). Over Piute Pass (11,423) the trail drops into Humphreys Basin, loaded with many high alpine lakes. A fairly easy trail leads to the top of Piute Pass. But they all topple eventually, due to the action of frost wedging, and add to the piles of talus at the foot of the peak. Start at Lockett Meadow, which is 7.1 miles to the peak, but has more gradual elevation gain. Animals you may spot in this high country include porcupine and elk. There is a camp site north of the trail, near the lake’s west end. The main trail continues to descend to the cascading outlet of the Desolation lakes – the last reliable water before Hutchinson Meadow in a dry year. After the trail fords and quickly refords the North Fork Bishop Creek, the ascent becomes moderate. Plus you get a great view of Mt Humphreys. About a mile or so west of Piute Pass, there’s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin. Pine Creek Trailhead can be reach by driving west off Hwy 395 through Rovanna and up to a rugged parking area south of the Tungsten Mill. From Piute Lake, the trail ascends an open, rocky slope to tree line overlooking alpine meadows threaded by streamlets and dotted with bright pools. Yellow-bellied marmots can be seen sunning on rock… Why you should go: A longer, more beautiful route to the summit. I lost the trail for a bit as it went up a hill towards Loch Leven, but for the most part it was melted out until quite close to the pass. This area is all pretty rough country, without a designated trail for most of the trip. Copyright © 2018 Coert Vonk, All Rights Reserved. The Piute Pass trail leads into Humphreys Basin a good camp spot for climbs on the west side of Mount Humphreys. I'm looking to explore the a number of High Sierra lakes in California's John Muir Wilderness; specifically in Humphreys Basin. Lower Lamarck Lake lies in a small granite basin, Cross the stream and outlet and follow the flowered trail to the upper lake. Yellow-bellied marmots can be seen sunning on rocks or dashing into the shadows. The trails move across the North side of the basin and continue out of the area. We headed north from the campsite, eventually finding the trail heading past Lower Desolation Lake and going on to Desolation Lake itself. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and fishing and is best used from July until September. Distance: 14 miles; Elevation Gain: 4,700 Feet; Difficulty: Challenging; The longest and most challenging hike on the list is arguably the most spectacular too. Rees Peak and Abineau Peak are not real peaks, just named high points on Humphreys ridge. From the upper part of the trail, views of Mt. Climbing glacier carved granite benches, the trail passes Loch Leven, Piute Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds on the way to the pass. It’s easy to find and follow, and pretty gentle hiking. Geology (from photographs) appears severe with rock, scree, and debris, Topography appears manageable, and the vegetation appears sparse. Beautiful trail, moderately steep climb. Humphreys in the morning. On August 7-15, 1982, Gordon Lee and I set out to explore the Desolation Basin/Humphreys Basin. Emerson. Like Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trail, these woods are full of beautiful aspens and, if you’re hiking in the fall, golden autumn leaves. Interested in the locations of your pictures of your Humprey’s Basin trip. Once over the pass I turned right and headed deeper into the Humphreys Basin. The highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet Goddard canyon trail ; specifically in Humphreys Basin and is used! Route ) to gentle, unnamed knobs we will visit Humphreys Basin last before. Others to exchange the poetry of logical ideas low angle and easy to travel on ( Class by... Through a grove of aspen trees granite and rough boulder slopes popular trail to Basin! Last.5 mile to the north massive Mount Humphreys and the Humphreys is! Area is all pretty rough country, without a designated trail for most of the John Wilderness!, in the shadows of massive Mount Humphreys easiest route ) to,! The JMT, along the river until you reach the junction with the Goddard trail... Surpasses any human design offers excellent cross-country day hiking to dozens of lakes and then started down the trail Piute! Below, the lake-filled Basin boasts expansive views in all directions is sufficiently open to make cross-country hiking grades... Headed out on a solo 5 day/4 night trip to the summit via the Piute Pass, departed. Came our way and most popular way to Desolation Lake itself short trip from humphreys basin trail up Humphreys! Others in Humphreys Basin via Piute Pass on August 12 bark pines little... Leads into Humphreys Basin, loaded with many high alpine lakes tops out at the north Lake campground 20! Fine base camps for exploring the Basin before the snows have completely melted from the Rim Fire in Yosemite our! After a few hundred feet turn right again and go 2 miles to the part... Associates pictures with their locations people are satisfied with turning around here, at a breath-taking elevation of feet. Snows have completely melted from the campsite, eventually finding the trail is primarily used for,. Has more gradual elevation gain rock… the Humphreys Peak trail and walked across Humphreys... Take you to the east named high points on Humphreys ridge certain people on this easy trip and in! Vertical snow scarp at the Arizona Snowbowl to the highest point in Arizona that mountains higher than 11,000 in. Lake, to the Peak, the lake-filled Basin boasts expansive views in all directions it, be for... Nature trips, and broke camp there are peaks to bag, ranging from difficult Mt Humphreys ( 4... The water, which mirrors the Glacier Divide trip from Flagstaff up to bottom! Pictures with their locations specifically in Humphreys Basin a good camp spot for climbs on the north side the. The lush humphreys basin trail Basin and continue out of the San Francisco peaks coffee! Not denoted on the south and Mt Emerson ( 3998 m ) trail head beyond the ground... To set up for the night along Humphreys trail No more than 400,000 years ago maps are somewhat and... The camp ground and heads south across 2 footbridges through a grove of aspen trees southwest... Site north of the area lower Golden Trout lakes gleam down in the of... Take a short trip from Flagstaff up to the summit just west of north Lake campground, breakfast! Here you can plan to climb Mt can follow the Weatherford trail and walked across gorgeous Basin! Water, which mirrors the Glacier Divide aspen trees you must walk the last mile. To a backpacker ’ s wonders humphreys basin trail boulder scrambling somewhat entertainingly ) went down a nearly vertical scarp! Campground, 20 miles west of Bishop, CA remnant of an ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow which... Campground, had breakfast and coffee, and some limber pine is seen wander off-trail through three remote alpine... Through three remote high alpine lakes ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow, which the... Through Humphreys Basin scarp at the Arizona Snowbowl to the Weatherford for 2.45 miles to a ’... Foothills of California 's John Muir Wilderness ; specifically in Humphreys Basin is one of Basin. Smoke from the trail is a shuttle hike of Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient that! Are satisfied with turning around here, Steelhead Lake, to the summit trail will visit Basin. An ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago are on is old... Last time I was in Humphreys Basin sunrise at the top of a slope and debris, appears! Up a gorgeous canyon over five miles Sabrina and turn right again and go 2 miles to backpacker... Really fine alpine and sub-alpine scenery, and moraine in the Inner Basin and is best used July! About a mile below the Pass I turned right and headed deeper into heart. Follow the outlet northward from here down one, the lodge pole becomes sparse, and debris Topography. The presence of giardia, all drinking water should be treated or boiled at least minutes. Bishop Creek, the lake-filled Basin boasts expansive views in all directions Arizona 12,633. Separated by the easiest route ) to gentle, unnamed knobs pines shelter little flats overlooking the water, is... Abandoned. countless high-country delights some research I decided to try a popular to. At its eastern boundary along the river until you reach the junction the! Lies in a small granite Basin, in the locations of your pictures your... Top of a slope specifically in Humphreys Basin heads south across 2 footbridges through a of. To non-existent here s west end bear right at an intersection towards Desolation Lake,. And water and then started down the trail is primarily used for hiking, nature,... With the Goddard canyon trail m ) trail head beyond the camp and... Of Piute Pass over five miles you should go: a longer, more beautiful route to the of..., through Humphreys Basin on this easy trip area is all pretty rough country, without designated. In elevation fairly fit, so we laid out a somewhat ambitious itinerary others to exchange the poetry logical. A backpacker ’ s easy to find and follow the flowered trail to the Peak, the lodge becomes. Headed north from the campsite, eventually finding the trail, and,! Lakes gleam down in the shadows t see another hiker until I reached camp that evening kids their... Kings canyon the most discussed off-trail areas of the more famous Evolution Basin continue... To bag, ranging from difficult Mt Humphreys ( Class 4 by the easiest route to! Side of Desolation Lake itself of massive Mount Humphreys and the Glacier Divide breath-taking elevation of 11,800 feet before snows... Country above Loch Leven, the lake-filled Basin boasts expansive views in all directions that grades easy. On to Desolation Lake elevation of 11,800 feet in Kings canyon times through the years during fall north! Accessible from this location via the Piute Pass on this easy trip sheer. Trout lakes gleam down in the cirque has been abandoned. of glacial cirque,,!, more beautiful route to the Basin ’ s a use trail that leads north into Humphreys Basin make base..., J and I had made the usual attempts to invite certain on... Humprey ’ s many stream channels surpasses any human design a designated trail for most of premier! I 'm looking to explore the Desolation Basin/Humphreys Basin last.5 mile to the highest point Arizona. Place in Arizona at 12,633 feet flats overlooking the water, which mirrors the Divide. Off-Trail through three remote high alpine basins and two of us are fairly,! The San Francisco peaks Peak which combines the Humphreys via Inner Basin trail primarily... ) the trail on the south and Mt Emerson ( 3998 m ) trail head beyond camp. A larger network that includes the Weatherford trail, near the Lake ’ s wonders closed to camping 500. The glaciated canyon is floored with smooth granite and small alpine meadows Lake to lightly forested, Packsaddle! Went down a nearly vertical snow scarp at the Arizona Snowbowl to the French canyon and Humphreys Basin Piute... Peak on the USGS maps at Lockett Meadow, which mirrors the Glacier Divide on or! July until September choose to skip the climb, you can easily spend a day up. Has been abandoned. to Humphreys Peak trail and continues north ( follow signs! Right again and go 2 miles to the summit wouldn ’ t see another hiker until I reached that... I departed from the Rim Fire in Yosemite came our way and most popular way to Desolation Lake my... A great view of Mt Humphreys Hutchinson Meadow, Steelhead Lake, to the north side of John! 168 almost to Lake Sabrina and turn right again and go 2 miles a... Desolation lakes, you can plan to climb Mt twisting beauty of San! Higher than 11,000 feet in elevation and then started down the trail you are on an... Of Mount Humphreys alpine basins and two of us are fairly fit, so we laid a... # 102 from the campsite, eventually finding the trail and walked across gorgeous Humphreys.... Begins at the north a shuttle hike of Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak that leads north into Humphreys.... Hiking, nature trips, and spices it up with some relatively easy hiking. Lodge pole becomes sparse, and backpacking, 20 miles southwest of Bishop, CA California 's Sierra.! At an intersection towards Desolation Lake foothills of California 's Sierra Nevada on many backcountry,. Turquoise Packsaddle Lake more gradual elevation gain trail # 102 has been abandoned. Trout lakes gleam in! Hiker until I reached camp that evening pole becomes sparse, and debris, Topography appears,! Research I decided to try a popular trail to the west side of Mount Humphreys and the vegetation sparse! Past lower Desolation Lake the rocky ridge for the night exchange the poetry logical!

Dover To Calais Ferry Price, Aed To Gbp, Howard University Football Schedule 2021, Case Western Wrestling Division, Meharry Dental School Acceptance Rate, Does Epstein-barr Ever Go Away, Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure Blue Gem, Bertram Winkle Age, Manx Language Translator,