Harrison Pass - Best Time of Year

[Worn Leather]

Still planning that every elusive trip between Lake Reflection and Lake South America via Harrison Pass. I understand that perhaps it's preferable/safer to go over Harrison Pass from north to south, but what about the time of year? My favorite hiking dates are late May/early June or late September/early November - less people, schools are back in session, nice days and cool nights, and no mosquitos! Is late summer the best time to do Harrison Pass, to avoid any heavy snow accumulation on the north side of the pass summit?

[maverick]

September would be great, as you get into October especially into the second half
your not only going to have much shorter days, but weather can get bad really fast
so you would have to carry more gear for any unexpected snow, and because your
temps will be much cooler in Oct/Nov.

[cgundersen]

I'd second what Maverick said, but I'd definitely keep a close eye on the weather picture. I've hit great weather in October and snow/torrential rain in September, so it can cut both ways. My last time up Harrison was in mid-September and there was not a whiff of snow. I've only done it N to S and from all reports it's better that way, but with no slippery zones, it shouldn't be problematic either way. If you can, try to plan to camp by the little lakes beneath Mts. Ericsson & Stanford; the alpenglow on Stanford is some of the best I've seen in the last decade.
CG

[maverick]

Here are some pic's of the pass, click on the pic's for more info.
http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/~rlilly/High_ ... _Pass.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;