High Sierra Topix

I have done that same loop as lambertina. Pyra Queen Pass and the pass at the top of Picket Creek are difficult where any little miss in route-finding can lead to class 3+ terrain. By "comfortable with off-trail" add excellent navigation skills, micro-route finding, comfortable with exposure, and prepared for high winds (Pyra Queen can be a wind-tunnel). Pyra Queen builds a steep snow stringer all the way across the descent some years. I forgot when you said you want to do this.

Not to make judgements on your skills, but from the loops you are thinking about, you seem to prefer long daily miles on trails. On the Kaweah loop you will not likely make more than 7-8 miles for two days. Once down from Pyra Queen you still have miles of talus hopping.

Yeah, this loop looks appealing for a number of reasons, but I think pyra queen might be a lot to bite off as my first real cross country excursion. I do want to see the picket and Kaweah basins at some point though.

WD you’re right that I’ve tended to plan for long days on trail, which I think is habit coming from a trail running background. But the best times I’ve had in the Sierra have been moving slow through less traveled terrain, so I’m keen to go off trail. Currently leaning toward tablelands /lonely lake /deadman canyon as a nice way to get my feet wet.