Member descriptions, photos, and map locations of Cross Country Passes in the High Sierra. This forum is for information only - discussions should be kept in the appropriate categories. This forum is a component of the HST Map. We need your help to complete the database, so please contribute!
DESCRIPTION and PHOTOS: This is a connector route between Granite Park and Bear Lakes Basin (typical entry point: Pine Creek). It's an alternative route to the use of Italy Pass and Dancing Bear. The approach from the East is very straightforward. At about the point the trail on the 7.5 minute topo map disappears, the pass will look like this:
View of Granite-Bear Pass from the East side (Granite Park)
Closer view of Granite Bear from the East
Looking East from Granite Bear ridge
We have ascended the right side of the chute (even in autumn there tends to be remnant snow), and although it can be fairly steep and a bit loose in sections, it's pretty reliable. The west side is a snooze to get down to Black Bear Lake: lots of very gentle gravel and nothing to make you regret having chosen this path. The photos should tell most of what you need to know. When 7 Gables Peak peeks out from the end of Black Bear, it's a real treat!
View West from Granite Bear
View up to Granite Bear from West
CG
Last edited by copeg on Fri Jul 07, 2017 4:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason:Formatting
The noted steep snowfield on the north side of the pass can span the full width of the ravine that has cliffy walls for much of the summer after heavier winters. There is usually first a deep narrow melt back from the warmer side walls that can allow squeezing through passage.
I crossed Granite Bear Pass on 7/25 this year. I was concerned that the snow left no safe route but I was able to bypass the snow near the top on the right side. There seemed to be a way on the left side as well.
