Half Moon Pass

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Mradford
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Half Moon Pass

Post by Mradford »

Hey everyone,

I see Half moon pass listed on the map using the x-country pass option, but with zero information. I know coming down the west side there is a class 3 chute leading to Golden Lake, but that is pretty much all I have found and Secor's description is pretty vague. Any other info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike
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Mradford
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by Mradford »

Did a little more digging on Google and stumbled across this link which has a few nice photos of the chute and west side of Half Moon Pass:

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mdv_gr ... 234646960/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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austex
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by austex »

I've done half moon from the RCL pack station as a day hike. It's kinds vague on the East side where the pass really is when you get real close to it. The West side is steep but doable. Some loose stuff then VW size boulders down by the lake. I was at RCL 3 weeks ago and the chute on the East side still had snow on it. I'm a noob when it comes to classes; but I was on all fours either side of the pass for a ways. Hope it helps. I may have some picks; I'll look.
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maverick
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by maverick »

Hi Mike,

Here are some posts about the pass:
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... +moon+pass" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... ass#p26361" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Agree with austex that the route up from RCL is a little vague, but the eastern side is steep
and loose.

Edit: The trail starts 100 yards south of the corrals for the pack station, then winds
towards the North following the N. side of the drainage. It only ascends the first 1/2,
then disappears. Stay on the N. side the whole way up and look for ducks. The pass
is the low point, think of a 1/2 moon shape when you look at the crest and you'll be
able to see it. :)
http://www.snwburd.com/bob/trip_reports ... ock_1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Mradford
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by Mradford »

Thanks fellas! I'll take a look at those Mav!
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maverick
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by maverick »

More info added to above post. Bob's description is good down to the lake.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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austex
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by austex »

Yup Bob's pictures of the pass are pretty much what it is on both sides and reinforces what I said about vague on the e side and the VWs on the west. Follow the poop trail from the corral west about 200 yds there w/b a use trail with duks heading up the cyn. Stay to the uphill side of the vegetation is the mantra here.
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Re: Half Moon Pass

Post by Mradford »

Perfect! Thank you guys very much! I will let you know how it goes when and if we decide to go over it.
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