TR: Mammoth - SHR - Clinch Pass - JMT 9/5-8

[jimmyjamhikes]

I've just posted a trip report on a loop from Devil's Postpile -> Sierra High Route to Twin Island Lakes -> Clinch Pass -> Davis Lakes -> JMT -> Agnew Meadows

https://jimmyjamhikingclub.wordpress.co ... ancy-pass/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.wordpress.co ... cier-pass/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.wordpress.co ... inch-pass/
https://jimmyjamhikingclub.wordpress.co ... g-the-gap/

The main takeaway I'd like to share is that the North Fork San Joaquin is absolutely spectacular. I need to go back there to spend more time.

Unfortunately, Clinch Pass is the gateway to this paradise from the east and the talus on the west side is EXTREMELY unstable (at least on the path we took). I think next time I might try North Clinch Pass but there doesn't seem to be a lot of information about either of these passes.

My favorite photos from the trip:


Studying Nancy Pass


View from Nancy Pass


Upper Minaret Lakes


East side of Ritter and Banner


Nydiver Lakes


Meadows below North Glacier Pass


Lake Catherine


North Fork San Joaquin basin


Table lands below Clinch Pass


North Fork San Joaquin upper basin


Clinch Pass


Very unstable talus below Clinch Pass


Looking down on Clinch Pass


Upper Davis Lake


Garnet Lake reflection

[The Other Tom]

Great pics. Thanks for posting. Somebody has more "courage" than I do by jumping into Upper Davis Lake. Love the last pic of the reflection at Garnet.

[jimmyjamhikes]

Great pics. Thanks for posting. Somebody has more "courage" than I do by jumping into Upper Davis Lake. Love the last pic of the reflection at Garnet.

Oh to be 20 again....

[tie]

How many times did he have to jump in before you got the shot?

Great pictures, thanks for the TR.

[cgundersen]

jh,
Yep, dynamite trip, and I too am a sucker for those great reflection shots. I've also thought about trying to scramble up to those lakes at the upper end of the North Fork basin (that provide the moisture on several of those shots preceding Clinch pass), but it always has looked like a daunting climb. Anyone been up there? Cameron

[jimmyjamhikes]

Yeah, that cliff from 10,800 to 11,100 on the west side of the basin looks pretty intimidating, but the topo makes it look like you could go around from the south (south of lake 10080+) or possibly from the north.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's been up there, too!

[Gazelle]

I went over North Clinch pass and thought it to be quite easy (but maybe relative). After going to Davis and down a nasty chute to NSJ. I have been up in the basin above also when I did Electra to Rodgers a few days later. People have day hiked to Electra going over north clinch and up into the basin from there. Nice lake below Electra! Kristine