Turtleggjp, I did not take a picture of Black Giant per se, but I do have one shot looking back in that general direction from close to Helen Lake. Not sure if it will help you but here it is:
Looking in the general direction of Muir Pass from Helen Lake
Rockyroad, most people right now did not use microspikes and did just fine--I was the oddball. They are easy to put on and take off (unlike crampons) but even so it gets to be a pain when you are alternating a lot between snow and rock. I probably would not bother in 10 days.
A lot would depend on when you are hiking. If you are hiking when the snow is very soft--from late morning on--then they would not do you much good anyway. If you are hiking when the snow is very hard--early morning--then I wouldn't walk without them. But in 10 days the amount of snow involved will be dramatically diminshed.
Thank you Kpeter for taking the time for writing up this in depth TR, and posting
marvelous photo's.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member:http://reconn.org
This is a really great trip report, especially with hints on stream crossings. I went over Piute Pass in 2005, much like you did KPeter, but I haven't done the whole loop. So, next week, 8/10/2011, I'm starting from North Lake Campground. I'm 68 and I figure this is the last time I'm going to have the energy to do this long a High Sierra trip. I'll try to get a trip report together when I get home.
Splendid TR, kpeter, and wonderful pix to boot! Reading it was like reliving my own loop trip many years ago. I've always felt this route is one of the best extended hikes the Sierra has to offer. Thanks for contributing your personal account of it.
Great photos and a wonderfully engaging report, I felt like I was along with you on the journey. Those last steps up to the South Lake trailhead parking lot certainly do feel a little mocking.
Great post, thanks.
I am considering either a N/S loop or Lamarck Col-S. lake loop in mid Sept.
just before my 60th. The weather conditions have really thrown a wrench into
plans this year, I hope winter snows do not start early. Whacha think???
