High Sierra Topix

Every time I go over Bishop pass (not that I mind Dusy Basin), I wonder whether there is an alternative route to catch the JMT as it heads up toward Muir Pass. Yes, I know, Echo col, but the only time I did Echo, I was not a happy camper. So, I keep wondering whether there is a way (no worse than Echo) out of the Treasure Lakes basin. I keep meaning to visit the upper Treasure lakes area, but just have not gotten there. Has anyone poked around that area, and/or made it over the ridge to the South without using ropes? From the topo maps it looks bad, but maybe not impossible. Any suggestions?
cg

Hi CG,

This is easy just check out our very own HST Map with the Crosscountry Passes
feature checked here: http://www.highsierratopix.com/high-sierra-map/map.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and you'll see there is Hurd Pass, and Treasure Col out of the
Treasure Lakes area, but in this case you will be interested in TC. We have a
right up about the col itself if you check on the pass.
Here is a photo of the pass http://www.summitpost.org/treasure-col- ... 8/c-153424" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you do not mind carrying an ice axe than it makes a good alternative, but if you
want to use this as a short cut, it will not be one. Bishop Pass will be faster, but you
can use Hurd Pass in conjunction with Bishop Pass, and at least you see pretty Treasure
Lakes instead of the usual lakes leading up to Bishop Pass.

Another idea that does not require an ice axe, so far as I know, is to more or less climb right over the top of Mt. Johnson. This is class 2 from the east via Treasure Lakes and less steep class 2 on the west side.

Hi Mav & Gb,
Thanks! I'm not sure from the accompanying photos whether I'd be any happier there than on Echo col, but it may be worth a try; the obvious plus is that one could hit some of those high lakes before sliding down to the JMT. I'm trying to find a low-impact route to get an old buddy enthused about a planned August trip and either this approach or Lane Pass out of Birch Lake might do it. We'll see...
cg

PS. The HST map is great; I'd looked at it once before, but kind of forgot about it. That won't happen again!

If you are planning on fishing the Treasure Lakes be advised that only the 2 lower lakes have fish. Last time I was up there there were "gill nets" stretched across the upper lakes to make more room for the frogs.

From the 2012 back country guide that the DFG publishes:
Gill nets suck.