ADVICE: 1st Sierras Trip! North/South Lake Loop + Fishing

[Wandering Daisy]

The North Lake -South Lake loop is popular and likely to still have quite a few other people once you get to the trail. The Lemark Col version is is also a popular route for climbers. So do not expect solitude on the trail. You can camp half mile or so off the trail and get away from others when camping. As a side trip, day-hike, from Dusy Basin to Barrett Lakes via Knapsack Col - it is well worth it. Great views of the Palisades.

I read your post as meaning you have done class 3 off-trail in other places than the Sierra but this is your first backpack in the Sierra. Be cautious of class 2-3 particularly as stated in Secor's guide. It is my experience that the Sierra ratings are stiffer than other places. A Sierra class 2 pass can be more like a class 3 pass in other ranges. Remember that the ratings are based on climbing with a day pack, not hauling a backpack. That said, Lamark is pretty easy as long as you stay on the correct route.