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Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:58 pm
by desertdawg
What is the shortest route from the north from Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass? I have searched the web with no help. On the map it looks possible to go south on the Lyell Fork then through a saddle west of Mt Ansel Adams. Looks somewhat intimidating on Google Earth.

I cannot find any info on this route though.

Re: Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 9:36 am
by John Dittli
I'm not sure that pass west of AA really "goes". There is a chute just east of AA that I have passed thru on skis. Otherwise, continue south over the north ridge of Foerster Pk at 12,000' and continue south around to Blue Lake Pass.

Re: Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:22 pm
by maverick
Your asking about Foerster Ridge (class 2) which will give you access between the
Lyell Fork and Foerster Creek under Blue Lake Pass.
1. HST Map
TR and pictures to the area: http://www.yosemitenews.info/forum/read ... 9110,69179" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 4:03 pm
by desertdawg
Thanks for the tips. I was viewing the TR from Klas last night. Using modern technology (Earth). Klas's TR, and our maps we were able to put a route together.

Somehow I overlooked Forester Ride on the HST map.

Adventure starts tomorrow.

Re: Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 4:14 pm
by maverick
Have a fun and safe trip! If you have the time please post a TR when you get back. :)

Re: Route Planning - Rodgers Pass to Blue Lake Pass

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 6:50 pm
by giantbrookie
The gap E of Foerster Peak (elev 11600+) is indeed one of the best, if not the best, of the class 2 routes from the Lyell Fork to the Blue Lake/Upper San Joaquin area. Another one that folks may not think of is to climb directly over the top of Electra Peak (Elev 12442). I did a dayhike loop from Blue Lakes that began by climbing Foerster, then dropping to the Lyell Fork via the gap E of Foerster on firm talus and slabs (class 2).

After enjoying the Lyell Fork a bit (and finding out the lakes are fishless), I then ascended the W Ridge of Electra Peak and descended the E Ridge of Electra Peak and sort of sidehilled and saddle hopped my way back to Blue Lakes. Both routes on Electra are rated class 2 in Secor. The E ridge (our descent) was certainly class 2 as well as the sidehilling back to the Blues. The W Ridge of Electra I'm not as sure about. It was certainly class 2 until the last 50 feet or so. I'm not sure if I missed a class 2 solution but I couldn't find one. That finish via two different solutions (straight up the ridge versus trying a bench and chimney to the S) was in fact class 3 (I did the latter one-handed because of two broken fingers on my left hand; my wife did the former). I'm willing to bet that some clever route finding can keep the Electra summit to entirely class 2, however.