Recess Pass

[BufordT]

TITLE: Recess Pass

GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass allows travel between the western boundary of the Mono Divide and the First Recess.

CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 1/2

LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District. HST Map

ELEVATION: ~12,000 feet.

USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Abbot

ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

West side of the Pass is Class 1, east side is Class 2. At the very top of the east side hands are useful for balance. Approaching from the West, leave the JMT where it intersects with the Bear Ridge Trail and continue cross country trending ESE until turning NE abeam the 10400 contour line. There is very little in the way of landmarks to use for navigation until making the turn NE, where the forest gives way to some clearings and the Mono Divide and Recess Peak become visible. There is a use trail that follows this route, but seems to be sporadic. Once the Mono Divide is in view, begin the final ascent by heading for point 12,188 through the trees. This keeps the route north of steep/loose/cliff terrain. Once at the top of the tree line (about 11,500') head for the mid point between Recess Peak and point 12,188. The Pass is not readily identifiable approaching from this direction. However, once in the general location of the Pass, there is only one obvious way down into the First Recess that is Class 2.

Approaching from the East, within the First Recess, the pass is obvious.