High Sierra Topix

there at least two likely passes on the long mountain-sadler peak ridge (on either side of point 10724). anybody tried either of them? i want to cross from isberg lake to rockbound lake

Jackfromsequoia wrote: ↑Thu Jul 18, 2024 2:29 pm there at least two likely passes on the long mountain-sadler peak ridge (on either side of point 10724). anybody tried either of them? i want to cross from isberg lake to rockbound lake

As I mentioned on this topic back in 2021, an old friend and Sierra expert (now deceased) showed on his maps of his trips that he went cross-country from Sadler Lake to Long Creek. He first ascended to the Isberg Lakes on trail, then XC up to McGee Lake and further up to the ridge E-NE from McGree Lake. He walked down (south) that ridge to the saddle north of Peak 10724, and then descended the eastern slope working his way down to Long Creek and up it to Rockbound Lake. I have only the maps of his routes. I haven't down this route myself and have no idea how hard it was.
-Phil

THX. We'll give it a go and let you know in September...

Have not done either of those two passes, but I did go from McGee Lake over the saddle west of Long Mtn. (piece of cake), partway down to Harriet, over Blue Lake Pass (moderate class 2) to Blue Lakes, and from there due south over the ridge to Rockbound. A bit longer than those other two saddles, but pretty easy and every inch of it is gorgeous.

I hiked through this area in 2021 (Isberg to Hemlock Crossing to Stevenson Meadow; cross-country to Bench Canyon and back). The Creek Fire did some real damage to this area. Most of the area from Isberg to the Niche burned. There were spot fires from the Niche all the way to Hemlock. The descent into Hemlock Crossing was burned pretty badly.

My report from 2021:viewtopic.php?t=21858

Also note that the Forest Service has currently (July 2024) closed the Isberg Trail, all the way from the trailhead at Granite Creek to Isberg Pass.

wildhiker wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2024 7:42 pm Also note that the Forest Service has currently (July 2024) closed the Isberg Trail, all the way from the trailhead at Granite Creek to Isberg Pass.

Thanks for this info. I have a permit for the Isberg Pass trail in September. The current order, prohibiting access, expires July 31. Hopefully, it's not extented.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 187484.pdf

Does anyone know which fire caused this closure? The Basin Fire is a ways away.

Edit: Called the North Fork FS office. The closure is in effect because they are removing dead and burned trees.