GENERAL OVERVIEW: Connects the lakes (including Lake 3144) in the basin northeast of Mt. Clarence King to the next basin (with the small Lake at ~3,450 meters) across King Spur
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: John Muir Wilderness HST Map
ELEVATION: 3,500 meters
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): Mt Clarence King
HST Map: HST Map
This route was a continuation of the circle that my buddy and I did around Mt. Clarence King. This saddle sits right where the letter K (for King Spur) is emblazoned on the HST map of this area, so Special K saddle seems fitting. You'll need to eat Wheaties for this one as it's a pretty tedious slog through fairly dense vegetation, gravel-encrusted rock and other obstacles leading to the ridge on the East side. And, there's no easy way down on the West side, so you'll spend plenty of time checking out dead ends until you finally find your comfort zone. Do not attempt this route if you're in a hurry. It can be frustrating. However, I'm guessing that if you head up from the west, it'll open up more smoothly, because it's easier to find tenable routes. Bring some water, because it can get hot! Here some shots of both sides:
- View of Special K saddle from the East
- On the eastern approach to the saddle
- View of western side of the saddle
- Another western view of the saddle
