Advice about Merriam Lake and Humphreys Basin

[SSSdave]

As a day hike from Tomahawk, better than actually dropping down to the barreness of the Puppet Lake bench (prized by fishermen due to larger golden trout), would be to make a morning Class 1 hike to peak 12225 (just east of the col) for a superb view looking down at all the lakes.

[Love the Sierra]

Cameron and sssDave, thank you so much.
When you point these places out, I see them exactly on the map and say “Yeah, that does look like a great place!” If you had not pointed them out, I would have never noticed. THANK YOU!
Funny, because skiing, I end up exploring nooks and crannies like that. But somehow hiking, I never have. I am feeling so inspired!! Thanks again!

[edebe]

Good TR and nice photos SSSdave.
Has anyone had issues with aggressive marmots around Paris / Puppet lakes or elsewhere in French canyon or Humphreys basin? Had em whistling out a game plan and simultaneously ripping through my tent and kitchen looking for sweaty stuff to chew to pieces after returning to camp from a short morning fish. Barely chased one off while attempting to stealing my deployed 12’ tenkara rod!
Lesson learned the hard way:
1 Hang your pack from a rock / tree or bury under rocks, and lock up your cork and sweaty clothing, shoes, etc.
2 Break down camp daily, sigh…
3 Try the trash bag covered w bear spray method?
4 Back to tent or just bivy, my new tarp tent (BD betamid) let in a mouse that couldn’t get back out the following night
P.s. lost the handle to one rod and they nearly chewed thru both backpack shoulder straps. Could’ve been worse

[Love the Sierra]

When I was there last year, I left my tent unattended at Tomahawk all day while I hiked around the basin exploring. No disturbance. However, I do leave camp quite neat and tidy, ursacks hung, sleeping bag and other gear zipped inside the tent, fly closed. (It is a double walled tent.)
We encountered a TON of marmots in the talus surrounding Lower Desolation. Other than sending my dog into a delirium, no problem with them.