Bishop to Mammoth Lakes, 115 Miles

This stretch has proven to have the most beautiful and difficult hiking that we have encountered yet. Averaging nearly 20 miles a day, often over vast elevation changes, has pushed us to our limits out here.
Over the course of 8 days, we have crossed 8 major passes, 100 miles, and we saw awe inspiring views along the way. On a plaque, we read that John Muir described the Sierras as “the range of light.” That’s as apt an assessment as I have a heard to put to words what we have seen.

Bishop to Lower Rae Lake, 13.5 Miles

A great day as we traversed two mountain passes. To reenter the PCT, we took the Kearsarge Pass again, and shortly after, the 3rd of the 8 passes: Glen Pass. Not the highest pass, but likely the most difficult due to its difficult terrain, steep incline, and trail-erasing snowfields. Going up this pass led me to ponder how an equestrian could possibly go over this terrain. I must vastly underestimate the might of the horse. 
These challenging passes are each like a gate to another world. As we summit them, we gain the first glimpse of the valleys ever deeper and more remote in Kings Canyon National Park. The beauty, flora, fauna and geology never cease to inspire awe in us. 
This is a challenging stretch as we push ourselves to do high miles so that we can reach the city of Mammoth Lakes on a supply of 7 days of food. Each day we will cross another pass before we reach the exit trail, Horseshoe Meadow. This trail is notable as the trail that John Muir used to enter the high sierra in his book, My First Summer In The Sierra. That summer he worked as a sheep herder to finance the endeavor. Reading it as I go through this terrain adds another dimension to the heritage of this incredible place.

Lower Rae Lake to Kings River, 17.5 Miles

A beautiful and odd day today. Beautiful crossing the 4th of the 8 passes we must traverse, Pinchot Pass, at 12,100 ft. Odd because I was very altitude sick today, despite that I have been at higher altitudes recently and have been otherwise fine. Due to this, crossing Pinchot took many arduous hours, making it one of the more difficult passes, despite that it had almost no snow present. 
We’re making our way to Mammoth Lakes, and our goal is still within our grasp.

Kings River to Grouse Meadows, 18 Miles

Brutal and satisfying day going over the 5th pass, Mather Pass at 12,090 ft. Incredible views, many marmots, and a horrific snowfield on the north side certainly made this a mixed bag. After six miles and 3,600 ft of elevation gain, we dropped sharply to the lowest altitude we have been in a while, 8k. Grateful to have purchased a set of medical knee braces in town beforehand, as so much downhill without them is just hell on my knees carrying a heavy pack. Makes the hiking a great deal more enjoyable. 

Grouse Meadows to Helen Lake, 8 Miles

Today was very challenging for me as the fatigue from these passes caught up with me. After a strong start to hiking in the morning, we were fortunate to get close to the least timid group of deer that I have come across.

Soon after, I began to slow down, then feel ill from exhaustion. After getting as close to the next pass as we could for an early crossing tomorrow, we set camp early to rest, counting on stretching our food for an extra day to still make the journey to Mammoth Lakes.

Helen Lake to San Joaquin River, 17.5 Miles

Today we crossed Muir Pass, often considered one of the most difficult due to snow often remaining there much later than most places along the PCT/JMT.

Muir Pass features the notable Muir Shelter, built in 1930 to commemorate the great naturalist and protect hikers caught in storms at that high, exposed altitude. This is the only place I know of where fires are allowed above 10,000 ft, as the NPS left bundles of wood in case of emergency.

We’re still exhausted from the exertion of altitude, elevation, rough trail and stream crossings, but feeling much more capable after a long rest the day prior.

Speaking of stream crossing, we forded Evolution Creek today, notorious as one of the most treacherous of the High Sierra river fords. In years with high snow melt, the rushing water can be as high as your chest. This year, it was not too difficult, and only reached our knees at the deepest portion.

San Joaquin River to Bear Creek, 19 Miles

Today, we crossed Selden Pass, the lowest of the eight. Though ‘only’ 10,800 ft, it was no easier than any of the other passes, and the heat definitely added some challenge.
The heat has also brought about what we hath feared most: the first mosquito hatch. When we cross a boggy area, the bug pressure can be almost nauseating! By pure coincidence, we were fortunate enough to buy a lotion in Bishop that has natural mosquito repellents such as rosemary.
Camping near Bear Creek, we were happy our tents have great bug netting, as I’m amazed how fast this change from cold to hot and bug dense occurred.

Bear Creek to Fish Creek, 18 Miles and 17.5 to Mammoth Lakes

Beautiful day crossing the 8th and final pass of this stretch, Silver Pass. Due to our exhaustion, it was probably the most physically challenging yet, with a 3,000 ft gain over 5 miles. This leg has certainly worn me out, even consider why I’m doing this. The incredible views and accomplishment when you finally summit that pass is something I haven’t experienced before. After all this, I look forward to a well earned chance to relax in Mammoth Lakes. Then, we’re back at it!

Total Miles: 903