Stanton Pass versus Twin Peaks Pass

[d.a.sklansky]

Looking for advice about choosing between Stanton Pass and Twin Peaks Pass for traveling from Virginia Lakes to Spiller Creek. Secor calls Stanton Pass Class 3 and Twin Peaks Pass Class 2, which would seem to settle it, but judging from trip reports most people seem to use Stanton Pass, unless they are looking to climb Virginia Peak. Can anyone advise on which is actually easier, and how much of a difference there is? A group of us are planning a week-long backpacking trip out of Virginia Lakes in early August. We are comfortable with cross-country travel and Class 3 terrain, but would prefer to stick with Class 2 terrain if we can.

[erutan]

I'm not familiar with Twin Peaks Pass at all, but Stanton has a legitimately sketchy section if you read Roper's description of it on his HSR book.

http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... 31&t=10221 is the entry for Stanton Pass here, though it's a bit sparse.