Gardiner to Arrow

[Coops]

I'm trip planning for a loop that will include Gardiner Basin, Arrow Peak/Bench Lake, Cartridge Pass, Dumbell, Amphitheater, and out the JMT. I've been through most of the area except for Gardiner and Arrow. King Col has received very low marks on these threads despite Secor's class 2 rating. Does anyone have any other routes for getting down to Woods Creek, say the basin to the south of where King Col lies? I'm thinking of going up the "Window Creek"/Arrow Pass route on the other side, but getting down to Woods Creek...not so sure. Bail out option would be to backtrack to 60 Lakes Basin and out to Arrowhead Lake. Any advice from folks who've been through that basin or King Col would be much appreciated.

[Coops]

Sorry, meant the drainage to the WEST of King Col, not the south

[maverick]

Hi Coops,

One of these two King Col alternatives may work for you, they look doable, and less difficult than King Col. King Col should be rated class 2.5 or 3, not a 2.

[Coops]

Thanks Maverick. I see that Skurka has put a lot of information out there about this very route which won't take the fun out it but...I'm not sure I'm excited about another designated high route, but then again, Roper's was fantastic, so who's one to say another won't add to the Sierra experience. Trip planning is half the fun, so I will not be purchasing that guide book. I think I'll give King Col a shot and then up to Arrow Pass since I want to summit Arrow Peak. The climb up from Woods to White Fork Pass looks easier, but since I want to go up Arrow, I'll torcher myself in that burn area up to Arrow Creek basin.
Headed for this route in late July, starting out from Kearsarge. I will try and pay it back with a TR per your request. Thanks for keeping up the site!

[maverick]

Coops,

There is an alternative route to get into Arrow Basin, one not often used, by following a creek up to the shoulder of Pyramid Peak, steep to start but gets better as you ascend, just don't follow the creek to closely, there are small cliffs.

[Coops]

yep, that's the one I had in mind. Based on Rogue's description, the way you have it drawn looks like the best option...stay east of the creek. Thanks again.