Sierra High Route

2.01 - Begin
Lowest lake in Dusy Basin

1.01 - Begin
Copper Creek Trailhead

1.03 - Grouse Lake
Go around either side of the lake

1.04 - Grouse Lake Pass

1.05 - Grassy Meadow
Contour east and then drop down to grassy meadow

1.06 - Goat Crest Saddle

1.07 - Granite Descent
Stay left to avoid steeper terrain

1.08 - Glacier Lakes
Go around either side of the lake

1.09 - Another Glacier Lake

1.10 - Wooded Ramps
Descend down wooded ramps; following the outlet stream is not recommended.

1.11 - Glacier Valley

1.13 - Moraines

1.14 - Horseshoe Lake
Traverse around western shore of largest lake

1.15 - Windy Ridge
There should be a distinct path here near the edge of the cliffs that drop down into Windy Canyon

1.16 - Sandy Lake

1.17 - Gray Pass

1.18 - South Fork of Cartridge Creek

1.19 - Upstream
Stroll pass lakes and boulders; turn east almost anywhere to reach a lovely cirque

1.20 - Cirques
Proceed upstream to this point

1.24 - Red Pass

1.26 - Chutes
The easiest gully/chute is "on the left"

1.27 - Helen Memorial
Plaque affixed to a triangular boulder

1.28 - Massive Meadow
Follow what remains of old Muir Trail up hill to massive meadow

1.29 - Talus Lake

1.30 - Frozen Lake Pass
One of the most difficult sections on the High Route

1.31 - Disheartening Dropoff
Head left, diagonally toward little round lake

1.32 - South Fork Kings River Basin

1.34 - Cliff Ascent
Plenty of class 2/3 scrambling; aim for grassy cliff above. Easiest route lies at far left with talus-covered shelves zig-zagging up the cliff

1.35 - Cirque Pass

1.36 - Outlet Stream
Work left down a series of interconnected shelves; careful inspection will allow you to avoid class 3 climbing

1.37 - Knoll
Ascend a narrow, grassy slot to top of hill, then move north until it is feasible to drop to lake

From here, ascend an inconspicuous path up a short, unpleasant scree slope lying left of the cliffs that drop from Potluck Pass. When the path fades, follow a series of narrow shelves that slant up and toward the saddle.

1.39 - Potluck Pass

1.40 - Inconspicuous Saddle
From Potluck, head north toward Palisade then aim for the inconspicuous saddle. Upon reaching the saddle, begin a gradual and roundabout descent to the largest of Barrett Lakes

1.41 - Barrett Lakes
Meet at southeastern shore

1.42 - Barrett Lake #2

1.43 - Knapsack Pass

1.44 - Knapsack Descent
Trail zigzags down from Knapsack Pass

1.45 - Dusy Basin
Stay away from creek to avoid tedious willows

1.Alt.02 - Vennacher Col
An alternative to Frozen Lake Pass. Western side has a steep class 3 cliff. Proceed down to Upper Basin and meet up with the Muir Trail and continue toward SHR

2.03 - Roches Moutonnées
A cool geologic feature!

2.04 - Leave Trail
Gentle, forested slabs between 10,700' and 11,000'

More slabs - may gain or drop 50' to transition to different slabs

May get swampy here; bushwacking possible

2.07 - Lake Frances

Continue up gentle, grassy gullies toward Snow-Tonque Pass

2.09 - Snow-Tonque Pass

2.10 - Wahoo Lakes

2.11 - Piute Creek
Intersect Piute Creek about 1/2 mile upstream from Upper Golden Trout Lake

2.12 - Piute Pass Trail
Step Across!

2.13 - Small Crest
Keep Tomahawk Lake on the left, Lower Desolation Lake on the right; Mesa Lake is straight ahead

Ascend NE from Mesa Lake along small creek to a tarn

2.15 - Puppet Pass

2.16 - Meadowlands
Descend steep talus slopes to meadowlands above Puppet Lake

2.17 - Puppet Lake
Pass on western shore

2.18 - Elba Lake

2.19 - French Canyon
Descend into canyon; general direction toward large falls

2.21 - Parkland
Curve left around lush parkland, ascend a short incline immediately right of a cascade. Gentle shelves lead to Merriam Lake

2.22 - North Merriam Lake
Scramble up steep slope next to obvious inlet cascade to sandy valley above

2.23 - Sandy Valley
Remain on east side of lakes. If snowfields bar easy progress on the east side, try the west side.

2.24 - La Salle Lake

2.25 - Feather Pass

2.26 - Bearpaw Lake
Navigate around north side

2.27 - Ursa Lake
Stroll around east and north sides of Ursa lake until about 150' shy of cliffs that plunge directly into the water. Leave the lake and ascend a steep, grassy gully until it levels out ~200' above the lake.

2.28 - Top of Gully
Incredibly panorama

2.29 - Sandy Saddle
Ascend complex terrain northwest past two lonely tarns to a sandy saddle overlooking White Bear Lake

2.30 - White Bear Pass
Descend northwest, aim for willow-covered ledges down and to the right; class 4 slabs to the left...

2.31 - Brown Bear Lake
Travel around eastern shore

2.32 - Polished Granite
Contour north

2.33 - End - Lake Italy

Easier passes (alternate to Snow Tongue) are this way!

2.Alt.02 - Alpine Col
Cross over Alpine Col

2.Alt.03 - Goethe Lake

2.Alt.04 - Muriel Lake
From here, rejoin SHR at Piute Creek

2.Alt.05 - The Keyhole
Cross over ridge at The Keyhole

2.Alt.06 - Lost Lakes
From The Keyhole, continue here to the Lost Lakes and then on to Muriel Lake

Head up hill east of large falls

2.Alt.09 - Royce Lakes

Pass over Sierra Crest above uppermost Royce Lake

2.Alt.11 - Granite Park
Follow faint trail up through Granite Park

2.Alt.12 - Italy Pass
Traverse Italy Pass and meet up with SHR at Lake Italy

3.01 - Lake Italy - Begin

3.02 - Skirt Italy
Pass on the northern shore

3.03 - Italy Inlet

3.04 - Gabbot Pass
Destroy all the ducks (i.e., cairns) you find!

Once below the tarn, bear slightly right and descend alongside a stream that slams through a wide slot. After a short distance move diagonally over to a sandy saddle

3.06 - Sandy Saddle
From here, pick up a path that drops down a precipitous slope into a barren valley

3.07 - Barren Valley
Continue down path a few hundred yards and reach a fine viewpoint. Veer right, cross a short, jumbled section of talus to another valley

3.08 - Mills Creek Meadowlands
Follow a path down the east side of the prominent creek, reaching timberline at Lower Mills Creek Lake

3.09 - Exquisite Sierra Landscape
A path descends the north side of Mills Creek, sometimes keeping a fair distance from the creek.

3.10 - Second Recess Descent
The path zigzags down steep, brushy, scree-covered slope

3.12 - Laurel Creek
Keep west of the creek until reaching a bog at 9700'. Cross the creek and continue up the meadow to Laurel Lake

3.13 - Laurel Lake
Leave the lake on the northwest shore near the two massive granite boulders and ascend the precipitous grassy slopes to Bighorn Pass

3.14 - Bighorn Pass
Spectacular views here!

3.15 - Tricky Routefinding
Drop about 75 vertical feet and then clamber across rocky outcrops and sections of talus. Contour wherever possible, but be prepared for short climbs and descents.

3.16 - Shout of Relief Pass

3.17 - Outdoor Aviary
Lots of birds here!

3.18 - Cotton Lake
Curve west past cotton lake to the dropoff overlooking Izaak Walton Lake

3.19 - Izaak Walton Lake
Work down slabs and gullies

3.20 - Northern Outlet
Circle the lake on the west to the northern-most outlet and descend the tree-covered benches, keeping west of the creek and some distance from it.

3.22 - Sierra Crest
At the pass, turn west and follow the Sierra Crest to the west

3.23 - Saddle
Follow a good path down scree slopes to the uppermost Deer Lake

3.24 - Uppermost Deer Lake

3.25 - Last Water
Fill bottles at the northernmost Deer Lake - last water until Red's Meadow!

3.27 - Ridgewalk
Continue along the Sierra Crest and descend diagonally toward sandy saddle

3.28 - Sandy Saddle
Head down pumice-filled gully toward Mammoth Pass

3.29 - Mammoth Pass

3.31 - Devil's Postpile - End

3.Alt.01 - To Grinnell Lake
An alternative to the tricky terrain leading up to Shout of Relief Pass

3.Alt.03 - Red and White Pass
The talus may be tedious and loose here; area retains snow and ice well into September.

3.Alt.04 - Fish Creek

3.Alt.o5 - Tully Lake
Rejoin SHR

4.01 - Devil's Postpile - Begin

4.03 - Nancy Pass

4.04 - High Ground
Avoid dropping to the meadows below. Descend unstable talus below Nancy Pass, then wander left toward the uppermost visible trees. Drop down a precipitous slope to easier ground and contour to the north.

4.05 - Inconspicuous Saddle
Descend into the lush meadowlands below Deadhorse Lake

4.06 - Minaret Lake
In the early season, proceed around the north side of the lake to avoid snow. Later in the season, take the southern shore to reach the western edge of the lake.

4.06 - Minaret Lake Inlet
Head toward the right side of the saddle that forms the "dam" of Cecile Lake

4.10 - Bleak Tarn
Change direction and walk toward Nydiver Lakes

As soon as the first Nydiver Lake becomes visible, turn north toward Whitebark Pass, recognized by the two tiny clumps of pines not far below it.

4.12 - Whitebark Pass
Do not attempt to descend the steep snowfield. Instead, move 100' east and very carefully scramble down a steep and loose defile to reach a talus slope or short snowfield. Descend to the meadowlands above Garnet Lake

4.13 - Garnet Meadows

4.14 - Thousand Island Pass

4.15 - Thousand Island Lake

4.16 - Thousand Island Inlet
Follow the inlet stream up and to the southwest

4.17 - Pass Approach
Follow the path up the bowl toward the obvious saddle

4.18 - North Glacier Pass

4.19 - Lake Catherine
Follow the main creek south from here

4.20 - North Stream
Wander carefully down along the north side of the stream. Some class 3 cliffs must be traversed.

4.21 - Isolated Meadow
Travel north and follow a meadow corridor toward reddish cliffs in the distance. Continue in this direction for several hundred yards until it is possible to traverse diagonally down a wide gully (with a stream) on the left.

4.22 - Gully
Descend down to the isolated grove of pines

4.23 - Pine Grove
From here, climb up a few feet to the North, then follow a rough path that leads 100 yards along a bench before dropping down into a loose gully.

4.24 - River Crossing
The only way across is to wade.

4.25 - Twin Island Lakes

4.26 - Wilderness
This area is completely untouched; make sure to consult the map often as hikers frequently get lost here! Follow the valley and skirt the ridge to reach the lake at 3100m.

4.28 - Pleasant Basin
Ascend the hillside to the west until level with peak 3125m, then contour straight across medium size talus until reaching a dark bluff.

4.30 - Fairyland
Wildflowers galore!

4.31 - Bench Canyon
Ascend slabs along the south fork to Blue Lake

4.32 - Blue Lake Pass
To the left of Foerster Peak (has a serrated edge) and to the right of a brown, U-shaped notch.

4.33 - Forested Bluffs
Turn left and drop down the forested bluffs to the trail below. Careful - the trail is not prominent here.

4.35 - Tuolumne Meadows - End

This alternate should only be attempted late in the season and by experienced talus walkers. From the dark bluff, contour north into the huge basin

4.Alt.03 - Electra Peak
Cross the ridgeline and drop down into the Lyell Fork canyon; only safe to descend steep northern chute late in the season when the snow is gone.

4.Alt.04 - Mount Ansel Adams Chute
May also pass over ridge here. Only safe to descend steep northern chute late in the season when the snow is gone.

4.Alt.05 - Lyell Fork
Continue down the Lyell Fork Meadow and rejoin the high route downstream.

5.02 - Granite Lakes
Note: No camping is allowed in this region

5.03 - Upper Gaylor Lake
Take the prominent path north to the mines

5.04 - Legal Campsite
Sites lie near white outcrops about 50 yards northeast of the uppermost ruin.
Camping rules:
- Must be north of Sierra Crest
- Must be east of Hall Natural Area
- Be no more than 75 yards north of the Sierra Crest (private property past that point)

5.07 - Meadow
Drop down into a meadow and follow a "hidden" valley down to the north.

5.09 - Campsite
From the Spuller outlet, follow the creek to Fantail Lake. From its outlet, walk about 300 yards downstream along a good path. One will see a sign indicating the border of the Hall Natural Area; camp anywhere east of the border.

5.09 - Spuller Lake
Walk around east side of lake.
Note: No camping here

5.10 - Spuller Lake Saddle

5.11 - Green Treble Lake
Walk through the strip of meadow separating the lakes

5.12 - Basin
From the basin, ascend north up grass-covered ramps and gullies alongside the cascade stream that originates near the ridge far above.

5.13 - Large Flat Area
Rather than aiming for the saddle to the northeast, turn slightly left and proceed due north up a rocky slope that ends on the east ridge of Mount Conness

5.14 - Mount Conness Ridge
Enjoy the views, then head west up the ridge

5.15 - Class II Spur
Zigzag down the spur (carefully!)

5.16 - Conness Lakes Outlet

5.17 - Cascade Lake
Camping is permitted north of the wilderness boundary

5.18 - Secret Lake
Scramble up a stable talus slope to the north to a shallow bowl

5.19 - Shallow Bowl
An ever-steepening talus slope leads up to the final indignity, a short but steep slope that most hikers will find offensive.

5.20 - Sky Pilot Col
The descent to Shepherd lake is not technical, but take care on the unstable slate and snow slopes

5.21 - Shepherd Lake
Continue descending on the west side of the outlet creek to avoid tangles of willows

5.22 - Willow Jungle
As the willows thicken and the forest encroaches, cross the stream and head right toward Grey Butte

5.23 - Virginia Canyon
Step over the trail and continue angling toward the left edge of Grey Butte, up the canyon wall

5.24 - Soldier Lake
From here, ascend to the saddle west of Grey Butte

5.25 - Grey Butte Saddle
Angle toward Stanton Pass, staying above the tarns. Slabs, then talus, can be followed until meeting a system of class 2 ledges that end on the wide pass. During this final stretch, aim for a small notch seen near the highest whitebark pines on Stanton Peak's ridge.

5.26 - Stanton Pass
The most logical place to leave the pass is the notch marked by the uppermost whitebark pines on Staton's ridge. Leave the ridgecrest and drop down the rocky slope until overlooking a steeper section. The next 100-odd vertical feet are class 2-3 in difficulty; scout carefully! Alternately using narrow ledges and loose gullies, wander downward, remaining on the flanks of Stanton Peak rather than on the cliffs directly below the saddle.

5.27 - Easier Terrain
From more level terrain near pines, traverse diagonally to the floor of Spiller Creek Canyon

5.28 - Spiller Creek Canyon

5.29 - Horse Creek Pass
Follow Horse Creek all the way down!

5.30 - Mono Village

5.Alt.01 - Cascade Lake
Follow a crude path up and left along class 2 slabs to the northernmost edge of the half-mile-long saddle

5.Alt.02 - Secret Lake Pass
I.e., McCabe Pass. Follow a well defined path down 700 feet to the meadowlands northeaast of Upper McCabe Lake

5.Alt.03 - Upper McCabe Lake
Head west, down a will-choked valley toward McCabe creek in the valley far below.

5.Alt.04 - McCabe Creek
Leave the creek at 9700 feet and head north, over the saddle and down to Virginia Canyon

5.Alt.05 - Virginia Canyon
Continue up the canyon to rejoin the high route

1.25 - Tarn Meadow
Descend talus slopes to this small meadow

Goat Mountain - Class 2
Fine views of the Sierras between Whitney and Evolution Valley. Easily accessible from Grouse Lake via Class 2 terrain

Windy Point - Class 1
A 30-minute detour from the route. Great views of the canyons and gorges!

Marion Peak - Class 3
Accessible by following the well-delineated class 3 ridge rising above White Pass.

Peak 11,553 - Class 2
Walk around the east shore of Marion Lake, ascend along obvious creek to next higher lake, then wander up class 2 slabs and talus. Escarpment on north side of peak is most impressive!

Split Mountain - Class 2
Proceed to broad saddle between Mt Prater and Split Mountain, then proceed up class 2 route to summit. Incredible views of Owens Valley, and a fantastic panorama!

Middle Palisade - Class 3
Leave JMT when approaching lower Palisade Lake and ascend 2000' on class 2 slabs and talus, aiming for third chute left of the junction of Middle Palisade and its conspicuous southeastern spur (count chute in the corner as the first). Scramble up steep, loose gully until it becomes steeper and more difficult, approximately 3/4 of way to summit ridge. Exit left in this vicinity and wander up complex system of ledges and gullies until meeting summit ridge. Take care on upper section as it is loose and exposed.

Mount Sill - Class 2
A few hours from Lake 11,672 (lake between Cirque and Potluck passes). Ascend easy terrain north of lake until it becomes possible to enter steep-sided cirque on the left. Work up cirque, which contains talus and steep snow, to ridgecrest above. Summit is short scramble to the east.

North Palisade - Class 3
Only for climbers at ease on loose class 3 terrain!!
Leave the high route east of largest Barrett Lake and ascend tedious talus slope toward huge chute that drops from the U-notch, deepest notch visible to the right of the summit. Scramble up chute until about halfway to the U-notch. There, at subtle widening of chute, you are atop a bare-bottomed section of the gully. On left, follow narrow ledge curving around the corner into the next chute. Ascend until the difficulties increase significantly. Move right into the next chute and scramble up steep rock to the summit ridge. Top lies to the left.

Columbine Peak - Class 2
Follow narrow ridge north of Knapsack Pass. Great views of the Black Divide, LeConte Canyon, and Palisades.

Black Giant - Class 1-2
Leave the JMT at the inlet of Helen Lake and scramble up class 1 and 2 slopes on northwest side of mountain. Excellent panorama and view of the Palisade group

Peak 12,971 - Class 2
Great views and easy ascent!
Class 2 talus ridge from Snow-Tongue Pass

Pilot Knob - Class 1-2
Easily reached from the saddle to the east

Feather Peak - Class 3
Reachable via southwest ridge; may need to deviate from ridge occasionally to maintain class 3 difficulty. Approach is exposed and thrilling.

Seven Gables - Class 2
One of the Sierra's finest viewpoints
Leave the route at Ursa Lake and follow a brook downstream to its junction with the East Fork of Bear Creek. From here ascend a 1500' talus slope (often covered with snow until early August) to prominent saddle between Seven Gables and northern satellite. A class 2 ridge leads to the summit.

Mount Julius Caesar - Class 2
Can be reached from the loose class 2 slopes above Italy Pass; keep on the northwest side of the ridge for the easiest ascent

Bear Creek Spire - Class 3
Ascend from the top of Lake Italy: hike up seemingly endless talus to the class 3 summit rocks; best approached from the north.

Mount Gabb - Class 3
Northeast ridge offers a straightforward class 3 climb. Instead of following the ridge, wander away from it when confronted by steep sections.

Mount Abbot - Class 3
From Gabbot Pass, ascend a talus slope over to a wide chute on the right side of the steep buttress that diagonals down from the summit. The 200' cliff rising above the head of the chute is the main challenge: easiest route up is class 3

Red and White Mountain - Class 2-3
Two approaches:
1. (Class 3) Walk up talus to the pass between the mountain and Peak 12,238, then scramble up loose class 3 ridge to the top.
2. (Class 2) Climb the conspicuous class 2 chute that rises above Little Grinnell Lake

Red Slate Mountain - Class 1-2
Panorama is vast, but approach is tedious.
Scramble up southwestern flank. "The jagged fragments of slate are even more trying to the patience than to the shoes." -- LeConte

Peak 11,348 - Class 1
Great panorama of Mammoth Lakes and Ritter Range

Pridham Minaret - Class 1-2
Scramble up snowfields, gullies, and tallus to the saddle between Pridham and Riegelhuth (peak immediately to the east). From here, a talus slope leads to the summit. If snow is present anywhere on the route, wait until late afternoon when it has softened.

Volcanic Ridge - Class 1-2
Spectacular panorama!
Begin from the north shore of Minaret Lake and ascend a long, grassy slope about 1,100' to the saddle. From here turn left and scramble up talus to the summit ridge.
Alternate approach from the Minaret Mine, following the creek and then the path of least resistance.

Mount Ritter - Class 2-3
Route 1 (Class 3) - Leave the High Route at the bleak tarn above Ediza Lake and scramble up snow gullies and easy slabs to the glacier, which is hidden from below. Ascend the glacier until it is possible to transfer onto the rocks bordering its northern edge. From here talus slopes - sometimes buried by snow - can be followed easily to the summit.
Route 2 (Class 2) - Theodore Solomon's original route - From Lake Catherine outlet, hike along Ritter Lakes. From the southernmost lake, ascend talus fans and steep, loose chutes to the summit.

Banner Peak - Class 2
Can be approached from the south, but requires an ice ax to ascend steep glacier to saddle.
Easier route: From Lake Catherine, ascend moderately angled glacier all the way to the saddle. Steep talus leads to the summit.

Mount Davis - Class 1
From Lake Catherine, ascend a long, easy slope north to the summit plateau.

Incredible views of the Ritter Range, particularly at sunset with the alpenglow!

Foerster Peak - Class 2-3
Scramble from the saddle of Blue Lake Pass

Vogelsang Peak - Class 2
Views of the sharp peaks surrounding Tuolumne Meadows
Begin either from Vogelsang Pass or Vogelsang Lake, scramble to the top!

Lembert Dome - Class 1
Approach from the north from the trail.

Gaylor Peak - Class 1
Approach via gently angled south ridge

Shepherd Crest - Class 2
Very brief class 2 talus from Sky Pilot Col

Views of Mount Conness, the Cathedral Range, and Half Dome

Stanton Peak - Class 2
Views of the glacial canyons of northern Yosemite
Follow the class 2 talus ridge from Stanton Pass

Matterhorn Peak - Class 1-2
Highest peak in Yosemite, a rock climber's paradise. From Horse Creek Pass, scramble up loose terrain

Mount Conness - Class 2-3
Views of all of Yosemite. Leave the High Route near extensive flat area 1/2 mi south of peak's east ridge. Work up rocky terrain to the west, keeping well above Alpine Lake. At the 12,000' level join the east ridge and scramble up class 2-3 rock to the summit plateau

Mount Agassiz - Class 1-2
Tedious, but not difficult, ascent up western flank from Bishop Pass - lots of talus! Stunning views of North Palisade's topography.

Mount Darwin - Class 3-4
Difficult and time-consuming approach
Leave High Route near south end of Evolution Lake and climb up toward the avalanch chutes. Easiest route with much class 3 rock is difficult to describe; in general, begin in the left-hand chutes and end up eventually in the right-hand chutes. Final ascent of summit spire is not difficult but is very exposed.

Mount Goddard - Class 1-2
Virtually every major Sierra peak stands out clearly from this vantage point.
From the outlet of Wanda Lake, stroll up easy terrain to the southwest to the minor ridge overlooking Davis Lake. Continue south up this low-angled ridge until it becomes feasible to work left into a shallow basin that eventually terminates atop the Goddard Divide. From this 12,400' pass, cross tedious talus on southern flank of the divide until reaching the base of the summit pyramid of Mount Goddard; Final 800' slope requires stamina, not skill.

Mount Hilgard - Class 2
"easily" climbed in a few hours from the outlet of Lake Italy

Mount Humphreys - Class 4
Approach to southwest base is easy from many cross country routes across Humphrey's Basin.
Start climbing actual peak via conspicuous gully that slices up on a left diagonal and across the face to the large notch just left of the summit pyramid. Scramble up steepening trough until force to the right on narrow ledges, then climb a steep rib to easier ground immediately below summit. Useful to use rope to belay near top of trough until very close to summit.

Mount Huxley - Class 2-3
Unparalleled view of Mt Darwin. Several class 2-3 routes from first lakes below Wanda Lake. Upon reaching summit arête, turn right and scramble over top

Mountt Spencer - Class 2
"Short and easy" with great views. Leave High Route at south end of Saphire Lake and hike up into cirque to the east. After reaching basin's first lakes, work north up gentle terrain to saddle immediately east of mountain. Short class 2 scramble leads to summit.

Mount Ruskin - Class 3
A stimulating and airy, though nontechnical, scramble from Cartridge Pass

1.21 - White Pass
Characterized by monolithic white slabs and blocks that form a relatively level saddle

Gain about 50 vertical feet, then contour around

1.23 - Rough Terrain
Contour across ramps and blocks

4.07 - Cecile Lake
Follow the trail down to the Iceberg Lake outlet - Take care not to walk on any snowfields close to the lake as they may be horribly undercut.

4.08 - Trail Departure
Leave the trail about 125 yards below the Iceberg Lake outlet and cross the creek to the obvious trail on the other side. Continue along a wooded bench for about 400 yards to a gap

4.09 - A Path
A nice path winds upward on the north side of the creek

4.29 - Dark Bluff
A moderate descent from the dark bluff leads down to Bench Canyon

5.05 - Mine Shaft Pass
Contour northwest from the Great Sierra Mine, keeping well above the tarn. The saddle is characterized by a small but distinct red and white melange of rock right at the pass.

5.06 - Snow Field
Descend about 125 vertical feet from Mine Shaft Pass to a drop off, then move left onto a reddish colored bench below an all-year snowfield.

5.07 - White Slabs
Continue toward Mount Conness; soon encounter a white, slabby section of class 2-3 problems. This section quickly leads to easier terrain - gray metamorphic rock sprinkled with dwarfed whitebark pines.

5.08 - Steep Valley
When the valley steepens, contour left on easy terrain, again heading in the direction of Conness.

2.20 - Pine Creek Pass Trail
Path up from canyon may be subtle and easy to miss

2.Alt.07 - Hutchinson Meadow
Escape the rigors of the high country for a short while

1.02- Copper Creek Trail
Leave trail near the saddle; contour North, staying in the trees and not the fragile meadows.

1.12 - State Lakes Trail

1.33 - Muir Trail

1.Alt.01 - Copper Creek Trail
Remain on trail to bypass first section of high country

1.Alt.03 - Old Muir Trail
Old trail has mostly disappeared; could have some nasty descents, but should be easier than either Frozen Lake Pass or Vennacher Col

3.11 - Mills, Mono, and Laurel Creek Trails

3.21 - Muir Trail to Duck Lake

3.26 - Mammoth Crest

3.30 - Trail to Devil's Postpile

4.02 Beck Lakes Trail

4.Alt.01 - San Joaquin North Forke
Hike unmaintained trail to Bench Canyon, then trek up Bench Canyon to return to the high route.

5.01 - Trail to Gaylor Lakes

2.02 - JMT to Evolution Lake

4.34 - Trail to Tuolumne Meadows