University Pass?

[Spicer'sVet]

Hello everyone. I am set to head to Upper Kern & Milestone basins on 7/20, starting at Onion Valley. We'll head over Kearsarge Pass on the way in, but on the way back we are thinking of checking out Center Basin, and I am curious about going over University Pass down to Robinson Lake for our last night, so as to avoid doing Kearsarge twice. I am looking for any advice/information about University Pass. My current research tells me it's steep on both sides, with loose talus footing, but still Class 2 and certainly doable (I think). The main concern I have is whether there will be snow on the east side of the pass. We are not equipped for steep snow travel (no crampons or axes, only boots and poles). Does anyone have any beta on whether there will be snow on the east side in late July? Also, I read that the pass is directly above the first lake in Center Basin, I think I have that right?

The other question I have is, when we're heading north after Kern Basin, is it worth going over Shepard and Junction in to Center Basin? Or is it easier just to go over Forrester again and head back around Center Peak. I'd prefer the semi-loop going over Junction, but not if it's too difficult. We'll be coming from Upper Kern Basin so that will probably be a long hiking day.

Anyway, would love to hear some advice from anyone with experience of this area. Thanks!

[Harlen]

Hey Spicer'svet,

I've done Uni. Pass, but I don't know what the status of the snow on the east side will be. The standard practice, without ice tools, is to wait till at least the late morning for the snow to soften. This should make it easier to kick steps into it. We crossed several snowed in passes on our last trip, and had no tools with us. The softened snow was fine, and we often made good use of the ever-present sun-cups to work down slope. Good luck. Ian.

As for the Shepherd - Junction Passes option, I think that would be a great choice! I have seen a lot of wildlife on the north side of Junction Pass, in upper Center Basin, and it's beautiful to move all the way through Center Basin. The Junction Pass trail appears and disappears in the talus fields, but you can always find a safe way to go.

[GGC23]

I highly recommend Center Basin and Junction Pass. The Junction Pass trail is an amazing feat of engineering, and when you're up on that ridge next to Forester, you can watch the tiny little line of ants marching along the JMT. It's a cool perspective. Aside from one sandy steep hill on the south side of Junction Pass where you basically boot ski, I'd describe the entire thing as class 1. There's either a real trail or very good use trail for probably 75% of the way.

[wsp_scott]

I've never been over Junction but did an out an back to the Upper Kern from Kearsarge over Forester with a detour to Center Basin a couple years ago. Junction sounds interesting in a potentially painful kind of way where Forester is easy and an impressive bit on engineering on the south side. I really liked the different perspective of north to south and then the reverse and the hike into Center Basin from the JMT is easy.

I don't think you can go wrong with either Junction or Forester again as long as you know what you are getting into with Junction. Center Basin is totally worth checking out, I'd like to spend more time there.

[Mikelech]

I don’t have any first hand info to report, but while doing my own research a few weeks ago I found this great TR (but from a low snow year and in opposite direction than you are thinking). You may have already seen it, but if not here it is with helpful pics and helpful links.

viewtopic.php?t=12491

[maxr22]

This might be obvious to you but it was not to me. I do not recommend going up the middle main chute, especially with snow (unless you have proper mountaineering boots and crampons). During no snow conditions I think the main chute is a loose steep mess. I recommend taking the below green route from Robinson Lake.

Another picture with more snow. I took this one in the big 23 snow year.

I took the yellow path and quickly regretted it.

[KathyW]

I took the shortcut variation years ago. It was awful loose crap once off the snow.

[c9h13no3]

I took the shortcut variation years ago. It was awful loose crap once off the snow.

Yeah, I have never climbed University Pass, but I have it ticked as a "not without snow" route due to looseness. It has a very loose reputation.