Seeking Advice on Sabrina to South Lake Cross Country Route

[MiniG]

Hey all, I'm planning a big loop in the Sierra at the end of this month and part of my currently scoped route takes me from Lake Sabrina to South Lake via George and Tyee Lakes. I have not done this stretch of trail before but looking at maps I think I would rather stay deep in the high country than go up Table Mountain just to come right back down to South Lake, then back up again to Bishop Pass to continue on with my route. Maybe sounds a little silly but I don't really want to "exit" the high country at both Sabrina and South Lake.

- What are some other alternative routes from Sabrina to South Lake, if any? Or are George and Tyee Lakes worth seeing, even if it means descending to South Lake just to ascend again to Bishop Pass?

Any insight is appreciated!

[Wandering Daisy]

I think if you came down to South Lake, you technically need a new permit to go back in via Bishop Pass. I suppose if recreation.gov lets you do this then OK. I do not know if the system as sophisticated enough to "know" that the route takes you out of the wilderness.

I recall a trip report recently where a HST member found a route from Hungry Packer Lake over a pass that dropped into the upper Evolution area. Maybe you can find that report. Sorry I do not recall who posted it. There also is a pass from Echo Lake, I think it is called Echo Col?. Look at the HST map and that pass is named then look up the written description.

There is also "Wallace Col". I have not done any of these so no comments on the difficulties.

[mort]

Hello MiniG,
I have not been to George Lake, so perhaps useless advice. If I was coming to Sabrina basin, looking to get to Bishop Pass without exiting, which is exactly how I feel. I'd head up the inlet to George to about 11000 ft. then turn south for 1 to 1.5 miles aiming for the low point a bit south of point 12212 (on my old USGS 15 min) From here south east to Treasure Lakes. Treasure Lakes trail continues south east over Hurd Col as a pretty good path. At the col you drop along ramps and talus a bit, you can see across lumpy fairly low angle talus to Saddlerock Lake less than a mile.
-mort
View east from Hurd Col (May 2021)