High Sierra Topix

Thanks everyone for responding in such great detail. We're definitely leaning towards option 2. I've marked all the spots that you mentioned on my map. With 4 days of hiking we should be able to see a lot of them, if we plan well. We could base-camp two nights around Desolation/Humphreys and then the last night around Muriel/Golden Trout, or vice versa.

I have to say that stevet's photos almost entice me to try Alpine Col, but we'd have to really be in the mood for type 2 fun. We'll at least take a look at Goethe Lake as has been suggested.

Paul says just above:

Everything I've ever heard about Alpine col is that it's a great route for a ski trip when the talus is covered by snow.

Exactly how we found it in early April;

North side.


South side.

Glad you're "leaning" toward option 2. I've done the Alpine col to Lamarck col route. Based on your partner's concerns, if you take her on that trip, she will likely never speak to you again.