Dusy Basin, Lake 11393

[SSSdave]

...We are not actually hiking all the way into Dusy on the first day, we're starting in the afternoon and just going in to one of lakes before Bishop Pass. I was thinking something off the trail to get away from the crowds, maybe Ledge Lake? Or the northwest side of Saddlerock Lake? Anyone been there who can comment on whether we'd find a good spot for 4 tents back in there? - Elizabeth

As you are aware from your own experience there, its a moderately strenuous haul all the way over BP in one day with a weighty pack especially for larger groups that might have a few folks in less than optimal condition. I learned long ago with most mixed groups its best to not beat people up and instead have a conservative itinerary that keeps everyone happy. We've camped there at Ledge for that same strategy. Your group ought to enjoy it. Well away from the trail, lots of stunted whitebark to find cosy spots, metamorphic geology about, and open scenic views.

[Timberline]

Yep, Dave's right. Ledge Lake offers many possible overnight campsites in a beautiful setting.
And the Ledge is an interesting curiosity, too. Enjoy!

[oleander]

Yes, we are deliberately taking two days to reach Dusy Basin, just to accommodate anyone in our group that is not in top shape, and even more so to let people acclimatize one more night before going over Bishop Pass. So they'll only be hiking 4 miles/day on the first two days. We'll also be camping on Tioga Pass the night prior to the trip, so they'll actually have two nights at 10-11k before going over Bishop Pass.

The third day is a layover, and I'm guessing we'll get the whole range, from people wanting to stay and laze around camp, or just walk around the lakes, to the more gung-ho who would sell their soul to see Palisade Basin. I like that Knapsack Pass, though a little brushy, does not have any spots that would trigger the fear-of-heights reaction.

Glad to hear Ledge Lake is a good camping prospect. I have camped at Bishop Lake which was overused, and some of the others (esp. Long Lake) just look sad. One of our goals will be to teach people LNT principals, so it's important that we find spots that are legal and that don't intrude on any meadow or waterway.

- Elizabeth

[windknot]

Ledge is pretty, and a good choice for getting away from the crowds a bit on your way up to Bishop Pass. I have a few pictures of the lake but none that show what the camping options look like. Margaret is also nice, but offers less in the way of choice campsites.

[hikerchick395]

Here's a pic from the NW area of Saddlerock Lake