Royce-Merriam Saddle

Member descriptions, photos, and map locations of Cross Country Passes in the High Sierra. This forum is for information only - discussions should be kept in the appropriate categories.
This forum is a component of the HST Map. We need your help to complete the database, so please contribute!
Post Reply
User avatar
alpinemike
Topix Expert
Posts: 437
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:00 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Reno, NV
Contact:

Royce-Merriam Saddle

Post by alpinemike »

TITLE: Royce-Merriam Saddle

GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads from the lowest Royce Lakes to lake below Merriam Peak on the West Side.

CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2

LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness Directly on the ridge between Royce and Merriam Peaks. HST Map

ELEVATION: 12,208

]USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Hilgard

ROUTE DESCRIPTION:The East side of this pass usually has a permanent snowfield on it which requires an ice ax and likely crampons/micro-spikes depending on the condition of the snow. The bottom of the pass is a jumble of mostly stable talus and boulders. We stayed on the rock as long as possible by contouring around and not going directly up. Once we hit the snow we traversed across and went directly up at the very top. The steepest section at the top is no higher than 30-35 degrees.

The West side of this pass is Class 2 with talus, sand, and ledges. Should pose no route finding issues.
DSC_1235.jpg
DSC_1236.jpg
DSC_1251.jpg
DSC_5953.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Never put off a backpacking trip for tomorrow, if you can do it today...
Alpine Mike-

http://mikhailkorotkinphotography.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests