Humphreys Basin: Pilot Pass, or Huthinson Meadow?

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RambleOn
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Humphreys Basin: Pilot Pass, or Huthinson Meadow?

Post by RambleOn »

Greetings all,

First time poster, but I have been lurking on this site for years, and I first want to thank everyone on here for providing me with a lot of insight, information and entertainment.

Next week a few friends and I are traveling through Humphrey's Basin from Piute Pass to Pine Creek Pass. We are still debating whether to take a "high route" and climb over Pilot Pass (bagging Pilot Knob on the way), or head down into Piute Canyon, then back up French Canyon - in either circumstance, ideally camping somewhere in view of the Royce Creek Falls. My own preference is for hiking along the edge of Humphreys Basin, as there are some fantastic views of the Glacier Divide from the "infinity-pool' lakes like Tomahawk and Knob Lake, and it seems like easy cross country until the ridge.

We were planning to decide once we get to Upper Golden Trout Lake, but I wanted to ask those who have been in the area about the difficulty of the north side of Pilot Pass (2 out of 3 of us have some x-country experience), and how difficult the stream crossings were at Hutchinson meadow?

Any other recommendations or insights are greatly appreciated. But I'm sure we will have a lovely time, regardless the route we choose.

Cheers,
RambleON
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maverick
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Re: Humphreys Basin: Pilot Pass, or Huthinson Meadow?

Post by maverick »

Hi RambleOn,

Welcome to HST!
The north side of Pilot Knob is a maze of cliffs that is very slow going according to me
source, and involves some class 3 sections plus good route finding is needed otherwise
you will get cliffed out.
Pilot Knob Pass would be a much better and faster option. Square Lake and the smaller
lakes north of there have some great views of the Glacier Divide and Pilot Knob from
the top is outstanding.
Creek crossings are not an issue this year.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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RambleOn
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Re: Humphreys Basin: Pilot Pass, or Huthinson Meadow?

Post by RambleOn »

Thanks Maverick!

Yea, I think I meant Pilot Knob Pass, as the north side of the peak itself looks pretty nasty. Good to know it is manageable. I'll definitely try to swing by the east side of Square Lake, now you mention it.

Cheers,

RambleOn
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