Piute Pass

Near: Bishop
Distance: 10 Miles
Elevation: 9,000 - 11,300 feet
Vegetation: Pine forest to moon scape
Last Visit: November 2019

Piute Pass is a relatively easy (by the standards of the Bishop area) route over the Pacific Crest from the east.  The trail up Bishop Creek passes between the imposing peaks of Mt Thoreau and Mt Emerson, past a couple of alpine lakes, and emerges onto the wide expanse of Humprey's Basin.  This hike is pleasant, and the steep sides of the Bishop Creek canyon and surrounding peaks make for imposing scenery, but for me, the pass and Humprey's Basin were just a bit too barren for my aesthetic tastes.  I like me some rocky peaks, but they're best when contrasted with some shady forest and green meadows. Like much of the immediate area around Bishop, Piute Pass is really more of a desert person's jam.

Rules

This hike is enters the John Muir Wilderness.  No permits are required for day trips, but overnights require a wilderness permit and there are strict entry quotas for each day.  Dogs are allowed off leash if under effective voice control.

Trailhead

This hike starts from the North Lake Trailhead, off route 168 out of Bishop.  No fees. There is a pit toilette at the parking area. 

Route Notes

A pretty straightforward up and back.  Well shaded early, but getting progressively more exposed as you emerge onto the moonscape of Humphrey's Basin.  The start of the route is along the road from the North Lake day use parking area to the North Lake Campground there is a signed intersection here directing you to Piute Pass.


CalTopo Map: https://caltopo.com/m/EEMT

Photos

The North Lake trailhead

Piute Lake from just a bit of the trail

Piute Lake from near the pass.  Water drains from here to the Owen's Valley

Humphrey's Basin and Summit Lake.  Water drains from here to Florence Lake and ultimately to the San Francisco Bay

The low November sun on the flanks of Mt. Emerson.  Nice rocks, huh Erin?