High Sierra Topix

scottmiller wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 8:09 am Emigrant is my go-to for non-permit hikes. I agree with the afore-mentioned Big Sam/Brown Bear Pass route. I like leaving from Kennedy Meadows. There is no official trail from Kennedy Lake up to the Big Sam trail, but there is a very followable use trail. That side of Emigrant does not get the crowds of people that the trails from Crabtree/Gianelli get, plus the view from Big Sam is great, and the High Emigrant Lakes are faboo. I also like Shallow Lake, another easily-accessible off-the-trail lake. If you go that far you could return via the aptly named Mosquito Pass.
If you can get a permit, a shorter loop than North/South lake is Piute Pass/Lamarck Col, via North Lake. Both passes are awesome, Humphrey's Basin is amazing. Good trails all the way. It might be easier to get a permit for Lamarck Col. Other permits you might try are Italy Pass and Pine Creek, roughly in that same area, and with some excellent destinations. Permits are also easier to get coming from the west side, for example at Edison Lake or Florence Lake.

rormisto wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 11:30 am Agreed with Daisy on the heat-- have met a number of groups who scrounged for permits and ended up in lower, hotter elevations than they had intended, and gotten into trouble for it. And also agreed with her on drive time, might be worth evaluating how far you're willing to go for how much hiking.

I'm more often on the east side, and I get the feeling it might be too far for you, but if you end up out that way, Cottonwood Pass is my go-to for a last minute, non-quota trip, or occasionally Kennedy Meadows South if you're looking for more trees.