Davis Lakes Pass
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:16 am
TITLE: Davis Lakes Pass
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads from Wanda Lake (east side) into Davis Lakes Basin (west side).
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 1 on east side above Wanda Lake, Class 2 on west side above Davis Lakes
LOCATION: Kings Canyon National Park: HST Map
ELEVATION: ~11700ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mount Goddard, Mount Darwin
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: Above Wanda Lake side it is easy walking on grass and dirt until you reach the top of the pass. Leave the JMT where it crosses the outlet stream from Wanda Lake and make a rising traverse towards the pass. The Davis Lakes side has considerable (generally large but stable) talus all the way down to the lakes. Heading west, stay slightly to the north of the low point and small ponds as you cross into Davis Lake basin. Look for a gully that descends fairly easily over rocks (marked in red on the photo below) to the flatter area above upper Davis Lake. This will also be the easiest way to ascend if heading east.
PHOTOS:
GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads from Wanda Lake (east side) into Davis Lakes Basin (west side).
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 1 on east side above Wanda Lake, Class 2 on west side above Davis Lakes
LOCATION: Kings Canyon National Park: HST Map
ELEVATION: ~11700ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mount Goddard, Mount Darwin
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: Above Wanda Lake side it is easy walking on grass and dirt until you reach the top of the pass. Leave the JMT where it crosses the outlet stream from Wanda Lake and make a rising traverse towards the pass. The Davis Lakes side has considerable (generally large but stable) talus all the way down to the lakes. Heading west, stay slightly to the north of the low point and small ponds as you cross into Davis Lake basin. Look for a gully that descends fairly easily over rocks (marked in red on the photo below) to the flatter area above upper Davis Lake. This will also be the easiest way to ascend if heading east.
PHOTOS: