Bishop Pass from South Lake

 Screenshot of the route

Well, the breathing trick allowed me to keep up with Kathy for a change. I consider this hike to be one of the best in the Sierra because it is difficult, but not for the usual reasons. The Piute Pass trail out of North Lake is made for horses, with big drop steps. It's hard on the horses too. On our last hike there, Kathy and I saw one sympathetic cowboy get off and lead his horse down the steps. 

We got to the trailhead at about the same time as yesterday, about 8:30. The temperature was warmer, about 40 degrees. My pack was completely prepared because I knew what was needed and packed the night before. We got out of the van and started at a good pace with me using the breath step, emphasizing the exhale part of the cycle. It worked and for the most part I kept up with Kathy. 

The trail had a strong female presence and the people we met were either neutral on greetings or friendly. The trail was in excellent shape. The Bishop Pass trail always means coming home, because it is an easy pass to exit from the Le Conte canyon. One common route is from North Lake, over Piute Pass down to the JMT and then south  over the Muir Pass and back over Bishop Pass to South Lake.

Denny on the Piute Pass to Bishop Pass loop 

        

We joined up with friends that did the Lamarck Col shortcut at the Muir Hut

The shuttle from North Lake to South Lake can be done within the highway 168 in a matter of 20 minutes or so. Kathy and I have also done the Kearsarge Pass to Bishop Pass, but it requires having two cars and the drive back and forth from Big Pine. Here is the write up for that one:

Five Passes in 4 days

Approaching the headwall

Slightly wider perspective

Going around a corner to get to ramp

At this point we were .75 mile from the Bishop Pass and decided we were both too tired to do the pass and get back without risk. We were at 11,400 feet and had done 1600 feet elevation gain above 10,000. Maybe next year when I'm 80. If you believe that I have a few things you may be interested in buying. The round trip was 6.5 hours and 9.5 miles.