shortcut to Lake South America

[Joemorton85]

Is this the spot I should shoot for? Also, what elevation would you recommend I leave the Forester Pass trail?

[giantbrookie]

Is this the spot I should shoot for? Also, what elevation would you recommend I leave the Forester Pass trail?

Whether this is your best option depends on a number of factors, including how fast you go over very steep off trail terrain. I do a lot of off trail backpacking, but I'm pretty sure I'd take less time hiking around the south end of the ridge, crossing at about elevation 3660-3680 m, than going over the steep high saddle even though the former route is longer. If I wanted to go over the saddle, I'd leave the JMT pretty far north and high to optimize the advantages of the route. You'd aim to traverse to the lake at 3780+ m elev. then traverse at about 3800 m elev to hit one of the chutes headed up to the saddle.

Note that if fishing is a priority on your trip there are some reasons for going all the way down to the trail junction rather than "cutting the corner" to LSA. These reasons would be enough for me not to cut the corner.

On another note, bumping this thread back to the front reminds me and other old timers here of Larry (quentinc) and how much we miss him. He was a very special spirit.

[LMBSGV]

I agree with Giant Brookie about going around the south end of the ridge. On two different trips I've cut over to the JMT from the small lake on the trail south of Lake South America. It was easy and fun, a pleasant walk to the JMT. I assume it would be the same from the other direction. From the small lake, hiking up the trail to Lake South America is a typical trail climb, nothing difficult. Also (I've said this before) I prefer camping at almost any one of the unnamed lakes scattered around the Upper Kern to Lake South America.

[tie]

I'd be amazed if climbing that ridge is faster than just going around. I'd cut off the JMT around 3700m on the map, and then drop into the valley to take the Lake South America trail. Traversing the boulder field off trail would be slower than losing a little elevation and having a clean trail.

[Jimr]

I agree with Giantbrookie on both counts
1) Going around the southern ridge is likely faster even though a bit longer
2) I miss Larry

[maverick]

1) Going around the southern ridge is likely faster even though a bit longer

2) I miss Larry

[Joemorton85]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Much appreciated!!
This is going to be part of my Roads end>Forester Pass>Colby Pass>Avalanche Pass hike (7 days/6 nights)
Just wanted to mix a tiny bit of cross country into the adventure. I'll let you know how it goes when I get back mid August.