Center Basin loop or Wrights Basin? Tyndall beta from Wright
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 8:25 pm
Hi fellow sierra-enthusiasts!
I haven't spent much time off trail between Kearsarge and Whitney so I think I'm going to spend my annual Sierra week in August exploring that area. As I browse the maps I have a couple of potential itineraries, but since I haven't really stepped off the JMT through here I thought I'd defer to some more experienced folks for suggestions and information.
The standard info:
Backpacking experience = 4.
On this trip I'm looking for Class 2-ish terrain, but can be pushed for daytrips to peaks. (just don't want to be hauling my pack over sketchy passes).
I'm looking to get into some off-trail basins that I haven't seen yet and climb some peaks while at it. Priority peak is Tyndall.
I'll be starting on a Saturday over Kearsarge Pass. We have through the following weekend, either coming out on the Saturday to accommodate my long drive home on sunday, or a short distance left on the sunday is okay.
There's a lot I'd love to see back there but I just have a week. I had an initial itinerary shaping up, but then I started looking at Wright Lakes basin and ....well, that looks awesome too. I haven't done a ton of research yet, deciding to get some input from you guys before digging into planning too deep.
So, what would you do? Pick one of these itineraries, a modified version, or something else entirely that I'm missing? I'm also specifically interested in Tyndall via the south slopes from Wrights Lakes basin. What's the route like from there?
Itinerary 1: (either direction)
Sat. Over Kearsarge Pass to Vidette Meadow
Sun. Over Forester Pass and over to 3490.
Mon. Dayhike Lake South America/Gregory's Monument and/or Caltech peak
Tues. Up to Williamson Bowl/Shepherd Pass area
Wed. Tyndall
Thurs. Over to Center Basin via Junction Pass
Fri. Center Peak, Mt Keith, or University Peak
Sat. Hike out
Sun. Drive home (can use this as extra day if we want to spend more time anywhere)
Itinerary 2:
Sat. Over Kearsarge Pass to Vidette Meadow
Sun. Over Forester Pass and over to 3490.
Mon. Dayhike Lake South America/Gregory's Monument and/or Caltech peak
Tues. Over to Wright Lakes Basin
Wed. Mt Tyndall - south slopes? How is this approach?
Thurs. Climb Barnard or dayhike over to Wallace and Wales Lake
Fri-Sun:
Not sure exactly, but back over forester to Charlotte or Kearsarge Lakes, with potential climb of Mt Bago, Rixford, or Gould
I think I have a hunch about the answer based on searches but I'm looking forward to some specific feedback. Thanks!
I haven't spent much time off trail between Kearsarge and Whitney so I think I'm going to spend my annual Sierra week in August exploring that area. As I browse the maps I have a couple of potential itineraries, but since I haven't really stepped off the JMT through here I thought I'd defer to some more experienced folks for suggestions and information.
The standard info:
Backpacking experience = 4.
On this trip I'm looking for Class 2-ish terrain, but can be pushed for daytrips to peaks. (just don't want to be hauling my pack over sketchy passes).
I'm looking to get into some off-trail basins that I haven't seen yet and climb some peaks while at it. Priority peak is Tyndall.
I'll be starting on a Saturday over Kearsarge Pass. We have through the following weekend, either coming out on the Saturday to accommodate my long drive home on sunday, or a short distance left on the sunday is okay.
There's a lot I'd love to see back there but I just have a week. I had an initial itinerary shaping up, but then I started looking at Wright Lakes basin and ....well, that looks awesome too. I haven't done a ton of research yet, deciding to get some input from you guys before digging into planning too deep.
So, what would you do? Pick one of these itineraries, a modified version, or something else entirely that I'm missing? I'm also specifically interested in Tyndall via the south slopes from Wrights Lakes basin. What's the route like from there?
Itinerary 1: (either direction)
Sat. Over Kearsarge Pass to Vidette Meadow
Sun. Over Forester Pass and over to 3490.
Mon. Dayhike Lake South America/Gregory's Monument and/or Caltech peak
Tues. Up to Williamson Bowl/Shepherd Pass area
Wed. Tyndall
Thurs. Over to Center Basin via Junction Pass
Fri. Center Peak, Mt Keith, or University Peak
Sat. Hike out
Sun. Drive home (can use this as extra day if we want to spend more time anywhere)
Itinerary 2:
Sat. Over Kearsarge Pass to Vidette Meadow
Sun. Over Forester Pass and over to 3490.
Mon. Dayhike Lake South America/Gregory's Monument and/or Caltech peak
Tues. Over to Wright Lakes Basin
Wed. Mt Tyndall - south slopes? How is this approach?
Thurs. Climb Barnard or dayhike over to Wallace and Wales Lake
Fri-Sun:
Not sure exactly, but back over forester to Charlotte or Kearsarge Lakes, with potential climb of Mt Bago, Rixford, or Gould
I think I have a hunch about the answer based on searches but I'm looking forward to some specific feedback. Thanks!