High Sierra Topix

rlown wrote:is there a point to this thread? if you want to get somewhere, you do.

Indeed wondered same. OP must mean cross country passes that have names else it is meaningless as there are myriad passes without well known names.

I would disagree the list above are all "easy", whatever that means. And on some if one does not route find correctly there is considerable opportunity to get into difficulty. Not all the difficulty on crossing a pass is right at the top (North glacier pass), A person with a "bad knee" carrying a weighty backpack is not going to want to have to monkey about in talus period regardless of how easy it might be for an ordinary backpacker.

Instead just go to this page and read information on each pass, take the links to look at the topographic map, and search this site and the web for more info. Then come back here and get specific info.

http://sierrabackpacker.com/sierrapasses-new.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Knapsack Pass in Kings Cyn NP. Not so difficult into a stunningly beautiful basin below the Palisades.

Main reason for posting: There's actually a pass named "Dont be a Smartass Pass??????" Gotta admit, I thought Rouge was just funning with us .

SSSdave wrote:OP must mean cross country passes that have names else it is meaningless...

Respectfully, I disagree on both counts. The OP did not specify that the pass must be named and it is not meaningless if someone demarcates the pass location.

Yeah definitely would like to know any pass named or unnamed. If unnamed then specify where it is!

i think this thread does have a point and would love any suggestions that are on topic.

Ditto Cartridge. From the north that is...the south would be one nasty slug up hill...

I wouldn't call Cartridge Pass easy from the north side. From the base of the pass, at the upper end of Lake Basin, it's not bad and remnants of the old JMT remain. BUT -- and this is a big but -- you have to get there first, which involves a gnarly bushwhack up Cartridge Creek from the Middle Fork of the King's River or a combination of two or more challenging cross country passes that plop you down in Lake Basin.

Mike

I did Cartridge Pass late last summer. The north side has been significantly damaged by storm water. When I went up it about 5 years ago I actually could follow switchbacks - now it is a steep miserable washed out gully. There also has been some damage to the trail on the south side - but not as much. It is a shame that this trial is not maintained. It is only a matter of time and it will be lost to us. It probably got damaged in that same storm that wiped out Shepherd Pass.

If knees are the issue (I have bad knees) then many "hard" passes become "easier" if you just slow down and rest a lot. It may take me 2 hours to get down a pass that is half an hour for everyone else, but when I am down, I still have my knees. Helps also to have a light pack. I am careful what I plan on doing when I start a 12-day trip with a fully loaded pack. I leave the hard stuff for the end of the trip. I have no trouble going up - it is down that is the issue. Plan your trip to do the harder part of a pass as the uphill portion. I also like passes that have camping along the way because I never know when my knees will just scream "Stop".

For knees, steep continuous scree is really hard. I would rather do a more technical pass that involves exposed rock ledges.

Yes, "don't be a smart ass pass" is in Yosemite...
Bummer about Cartridge's damage...and oh yea...you gotta get thru Red, White and Grey passes to get there...LOL!
Speaking of Shepherd...anyone actually been up that this summer after the damage? I want to go over it in Aug 14....

For me, there are no easy passes. Some are less difficult than others, but they are all difficult - especially when hauling a heavy pack.

ndwoods wrote:Yes, "don't be a smart ass pass" is in Yosemite...
Bummer about Cartridge's damage...and oh yea...you gotta get thru Red, White and Grey passes to get there...LOL!
Speaking of Shepherd...anyone actually been up that this summer after the damage? I want to go over it in Aug 14....

we were up there. Somewhere on here is a video I posted of it. Impressive washout but easily passed on foot.