GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads from the basin North of Basin Pass to Minaret Creek. The next pass North of Nancy Pass on the Sierra High Route.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: In the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest. To the East of Deadhorse Lake and along the ridge separating Minaret Creek with the next creek South. HST Map
ELEVATION: 9,800
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Ritter
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: If coming from Nancy Pass you probably tired to stay fairly high en route to Deadhorse Pass. This would put you in the trees with a forested slope to the top of the pass. A slightly lower route will result in more talus but neither way posses any issues.
The North side drops no more than 200 FT before it levels out considerably. Grassy and forested slopes are encountered en route to Minaret Lake. It is important to stay higher on the traverse to Minaret Lake so that you don't end up dropping far below the outlet, unless of course that is your objective.
- Just to the left of center is the pass as seen from Nancy Pass.
- North side dropping and then leveling out on the way to Minaret Lake.