South Lake Loop: Bishop Pass, Ladder Lake, Palisade Basin
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 7:13 pm
Hey y'all. Killing two birds with one stone. I'm a lurker introducing myself: I'm Will from Vermont and am coming to the Sierras for an 8 day trip, meeting up with my climbing buddy from LA. Also, wanted to throw out there my big picture plans to see if anyone has any input. I'm open to hearing about serious concerns for the route, other options that might be better, things that I may have forgotten to consider, etc.
The trip is from 10/4 through 10/11 (those are full days, hoping to camp at a campground on the nights of 10/3 and 10/11)
My plan is:
Day 1: Hike over Bishop Pass, camp at the lake W of point 11603 south of Bishop Pass
Day 2: Descend into Laconte Canyon and head up to Ladder Lake, camp at Ladder Lake
Day 3: Climb the Citadel
Day 4: Descend from Ladder Lake, follow JMT/PCT into Palisade Creek, camp at Deer Meadow
Day 5: Ascend to Palisade Lakes
Day 6: Cirque Pass, Potluck pass, camp at Barrett Lakes
Day 7: Over Knapsack or Thunderbolt pass, link back up with Bishop Pass Trail, camp by Bishop Lake
Day 8: Out to South Lake, but this time hopping over to Treasure Lakes Trail just for fun, out for campground camping
Seems like there's enough play in there, to go more slowly or more quickly depending on how things go, weather and stuff. We can even take out the Citadel day. Any thoughts on doing the route backwards, so starting with the backcountry off-trail stuff?
I've been reading up on conditions both in the threads here and elsewhere online, but I'd love any intel people can offer as the days creep closer on smoke in this specific area - LeConte Canyon, Palisade Creek and Lakes, Dusy Basin, Palisade Basin. I also do know that the South Lake parking lot is and will be closed. How awful would it be to park on the road a mile away? Should I look into doing a loop from Sabrina or North Lake? Or go all the way up to the Minarets?
I realize I'm opening myself up to a lot here, but have at it. Let me know what you think. What are your concerns? Would you be psyched to take on this loop?
Thanks a lot!
Will
The trip is from 10/4 through 10/11 (those are full days, hoping to camp at a campground on the nights of 10/3 and 10/11)
My plan is:
Day 1: Hike over Bishop Pass, camp at the lake W of point 11603 south of Bishop Pass
Day 2: Descend into Laconte Canyon and head up to Ladder Lake, camp at Ladder Lake
Day 3: Climb the Citadel
Day 4: Descend from Ladder Lake, follow JMT/PCT into Palisade Creek, camp at Deer Meadow
Day 5: Ascend to Palisade Lakes
Day 6: Cirque Pass, Potluck pass, camp at Barrett Lakes
Day 7: Over Knapsack or Thunderbolt pass, link back up with Bishop Pass Trail, camp by Bishop Lake
Day 8: Out to South Lake, but this time hopping over to Treasure Lakes Trail just for fun, out for campground camping
Seems like there's enough play in there, to go more slowly or more quickly depending on how things go, weather and stuff. We can even take out the Citadel day. Any thoughts on doing the route backwards, so starting with the backcountry off-trail stuff?
I've been reading up on conditions both in the threads here and elsewhere online, but I'd love any intel people can offer as the days creep closer on smoke in this specific area - LeConte Canyon, Palisade Creek and Lakes, Dusy Basin, Palisade Basin. I also do know that the South Lake parking lot is and will be closed. How awful would it be to park on the road a mile away? Should I look into doing a loop from Sabrina or North Lake? Or go all the way up to the Minarets?
I realize I'm opening myself up to a lot here, but have at it. Let me know what you think. What are your concerns? Would you be psyched to take on this loop?
Thanks a lot!
Will