High Sierra Topix

I actually have done this loop, except cutting through Bear Lakes Basin and with an unfortunate detour to Muir Ranch hot springs. It was a trip with a companion from hell, so that colors my view of it. I love Granite Park and Bear Lakes basin, but I'm not too crazy about most of the route after that point. But definitely check out Marie Lake -- just off the JMT before Seldon -- and the Puppet Lake area is great, as mentioned by kpeter.

Bill, are you planning on taking the Italy Lake trail all the way to the PCT or heading through Bear Lakes/Seven Gables Lakes? At the least I can share that the upper reaches of Seven Gables Lakes are amazing. Here's a terrible scan of that area.

CDM and Quentin, there seems to be a few options once we are over Italy Pass. Initially I thought that this would be quite the trip but its funny how opinions vary. I will have to run all of this by the rest of our group, "Loose Cannons", to see how they feel. I have people coming down from various parts of Oregon and So. California so I want this trip plan to be somewhat firm before hitting the trail.

I'm planning on doing a loop out of Piute that follows part of the SHR to the Bear lakes region. Like you, I had first considered exiting @ Pine Crk, but then I hate the $ and time/energy required in dealing with a shuttle.

I guess that's why I always try & figure out some kind of loop/lollipop; by going out of Piute, it's actually more of a lollipop. I'll go over Puppet pass, then Feather, Italy & Pine Creek, before heading back once more over Puppet/Piute & out.

Total mileage is around 40-45 miles which fits nicely with my standard 3 night/4 day outing + plenty of fishing.

Hobbes

I faintly remember when I could travel that far in that much time and still have time to fish.

Mike