GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass connects Bear Lakes Basin to the Italy Pass / Jumble Lake / Lake Italy region.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Straightforward class 2.
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness. HST Map
ELEVATION: A bit over 12,000 feet.
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt. Hilgard
ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
North to South: If you are heading to Bear Lakes Basin from Granite Park, climb to Italy Pass. The broad saddle at the top of Dancing Bear Pass will be immediately obvious. Traverse to the saddle over mostly boulders, maintaining as much elevation as possible. Some scrambling up boulders will be necessary as you near the saddle, and there may be lingering snowfields to cross. Once you reach the saddle, it is an easy and largely sandy walk across to Bear Lakes Basin. If you are heading to Bear Lakes Basin from Lake Italy, you could do much the same thing-- climb almost to Italy Pass and then traverse over to Dancing Bear. It also is likely possible to approach Dancing Bear more directly from Jumble Lake, but I have not done so.
South to North: Follow the directions toward White Bear Lake contained in the White Bear Pass page. Shortly before arriving at White Bear Lake, turn north and ascend the slope toward Dancing Bear Pass. There are a number of possible routes and a variety of use trails available.
- Looking at Dancing Bear Pass from Italy Pass
- Final slopes leading to the saddle, coming from the north
- The top of the saddle, looking to Bear Lakes Basin
- The path leading to White Bear Lake-- head north and climb to the pass when you see approximately this view