A few buddies and I decided to hike across Humphreys Basin back in July, from the Pine Creek Pass TH to the North Lake TH. Two coworkers, G and E, are relatively new to backpacking but pretty outdoorsy and in good shape. My long time hiking buddy, B, also joined us.
My total pack weight at the start of the trip was about 22lbs - B's was the lowest at a clean 20lbs.
The hike was a blast. Lots of navigational challenges due to the large amount of snow remaining and rapidly melting! But everyone in the crew handled it like champs, and were rewarded with an excellent backpacking experience that will be fondly remembered. The answer to a 2nd annual trip was a resounding "yes!" so mission accomplished!
Night 0 - Car Camp at North Lake campground
Very nice campground with only a dozen or so sites. We lucked out getting a nice one right by the creek. B drove his new Mercedes Sprinter DIY-sportsmobile-trailhead-attack-vehicle for us to hang out in and oogle at. Still a work in progress, but a VERY cool rig.
Campsite and B's Van
Yes, butcher block counter tops in a camper van. Fancy.
Nice creek along our campsite.
Day 1 - Pine Creek Pass TH to Pine Lake
After a late start and a long midday siesta to nurse a couple of hangovers due to night 0 overindulgence
we made it to the last creek crossing before Pine Lake. The crossing looked pretty sketchy so we elected to make camp and reassess in the morning. 
LOTS of water!
How hungover? This hungover. Lol.
Ragin' Pine Creek
Day 2 - Pine Lake to Moon Lake
By day 2, everyone was feeling pretty normal again. Time to reassess crossing Pine Creek. Still a "nope" - waist high, fast moving, really cold water, big rocks. Too risky. After a brief investigation we found a route up and around the other (south) side of the lake. Really not sketchy at all unless you're prone to vertigo.
Route around south side of Pine Lake
We continued on to Upper Pine Lake, and were greeted with...more water where the trail is supposed to be!
Upper Pine Lake is beautiful, and we stopped for a few minutes to grab a snack and bask in the awesomeness.
Upper Pine Lake - very scenic!
The "trail."
Onward a couple more miles, through a couple more creeks, over several snowfields, and we were at Pine Creek Pass. A beautiful entrance into northern Humphreys Basin. We made it through French Canyon and up onto the plateau near Moon and Elba Lakes, where we called it a day and set up camp.
On the ascent to Pine Creek Pass
Getting closer...
On Top of Pine Creek Pass
Looking down Beautiful French Canyon
Campsite night 2
Day 3 - Moon Lake to Puite Pass
Awoke early on day 3 ready to tackle Carol Col (AKA Puppet Pass) and Piute Pass. Carol Col was...exciting! I found the little ledge that you can pretty much walk up to the top, while B, G, and E decided to rock hop all the way up. I won.
Leaving Moon and Elba Lakes
On the way up Carol Col
Flower on The Ledge
On top of Carol Col, looking North
Looking South
Mt. Humphreys
Meandering through the southern side of the basin toward Piute Pass
Ascending Piute Pass
Descending Piute Pass
Campsite night 3 (just below Piute Pass)
Soaking up the evening view
Day 4 - Piute Pass Back to the Car
After a leisurely morning, it was a pretty quick and mostly downhill hike back to the North Lake campgrounds and our car. Spirits were high on the hike out, and planning for the 2nd annual trip commenced immediately.
After some delicious BBQ and brews in Bishop, it was time to saddle up make the 5+ hour voyage back home.
Room with a view
Lake after stunning lake!
Descending Piute Pass Trail
All in all, one of my favorite trips so far!
