High Sierra Topix

Hello! Looking for some 3 day Eastern sierra trip suggestions. This trip will be a “warm up” for a longer trip coming after it. I was thinking of doing McGee to Hopkins Pass, Fourth Recess, Mono Pass and then out Mosquito flat (shuttle back to car). This trip worries me for potential snow pack on the north side of Hopkins pass. We have some XC experience but are not particularly comfortable with snow fields yet. Thank you for any suggestions!

What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 3- Numerous backpacking trips, some x-country travel

What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
- Class 2 terrain/pass/x-country

What is your main interest?
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery

When is your trip?
Late July

How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead.
3.5 days - 1 half day (travel to TH), and 3 full days. (3 nights)

How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers?
8-12 miles per full day, no layover

Have you hiked at elevation before? Any prior issues with Altitude Sickness?
Yes we have hiked at elevation and experienced nausea once. No issues since then.

Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point (which may require 2 vehicles or hitchhiking)?
Prefer loop, open to point to point with shuttle or out and back

Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in (Yosemite, SEKI, western sierra start or eastern start ect.)?
Eastern start

Have you hiked in the Sierra Nevada before, if yes, where? Please list a few of your more difficult hikes, so we can then recommend routes based on your experience level.
Mineral king loop
Rae lakes loop
Elizabeth pass loop

Late July? And a heat wave on the way? I think you should be okay, but why that specific route? If you have a shuttle anyway, you can go in via South Lake and eplore all you want, then head back out Pine Creek. Spend as much time as you want doing xc, but the trails are always there if you need an escape hatch.

Balzaccom, I may be missing something, but exactly how do you suggest getting from South Lake to Pine Creek? I have been from Evolution Valley PCT to Piute Creek and even going down Piute Creek was miserably hot in July, going up would be horrible. To avoid the long hot trail route, you would go over either Alpine Col or Snow Tongue pass, which are fairly difficult although class 2.

The north side of Hopkins Pass has some short very steep sections. I was unimpressed with Hopkins Lakes. The navigation on the south side can be a bit tricky. But that is just my opinion- others think it is very scenic.

What about instead, going over McGee Pass to Tully Lake, and then back to Mono Creek using Roper's High Route and then up Mono Creek. Not sure if you would have time, but even better, stay on the High Route through Mills Creek, down to Italy Lake, and up Italy Pass and out Pine Creek. In my opinion that route has better scenery.

Another option, further south, is on the 1/2 day hike to Cottonwood Lakes. Then over old Army Pass (may need traction devices), summit Langley, and down to Soldier Lake. On full day #2 explore Miter Basin and perhaps even move camp up to Sky Blue Lake. And then a longish but not to difficult exit over Cottonwood Pass. (plu a mile or so to connect the trail heads).

Sorry, but I failed to see the days you had available. The route I suggested is probably too long for your short timeframe.