Cross Piute Pass into a vast open granite tableland at 11,000ft with dozens of unnamed lakes and Mt Humphreys looming overhead.
Cross Piute Pass and enter a world above the trees. Humphreys Basin is a vast, open granite tableland at 11,000ft, dotted with dozens of unnamed lakes and tarns stretching to the horizon. The imposing pyramid of Mt Humphreys (13,986ft) towers above. This is a place for wandering. No trail needed in the open basin. Bring a fishing rod for golden trout in the unnamed tarns.
Start: North Lake TH (9,300ft)
End: North Lake TH
Water: Loch Leven Lake, Piute Lake (both along trail)
Climb past Loch Leven Lake (scenic, good rest stop) and Piute Lake. Switchbacks to Piute Pass (11,423ft) - panoramic views of Humphreys Basin, Mt Humphreys (13,986ft). Descend into vast above-treeline basin. Camp at any of the numerous named and unnamed lakes/tarns that catch your eye. Incredible expanse of granite, water, and sky.
Water: Basin lakes, Piute Lake, Loch Leven
Morning exploration of Humphreys Basin - dozens of unnamed lakes and tarns in every direction, golden trout fishing in some. Cross-country wandering is the main attraction (no trail needed in open basin). Return over Piute Pass and descend to North Lake.
Golden Trout Lake (spur trail, fishing); French Canyon (continue west to join JMT); Mt Humphreys (13,986ft, class 4, experienced mountaineers only); extend to Evolution Loop for multi-day JMT section; Bishop Pass Trail connection (semi-loop via neighboring pass to South Lake); French Canyon to Pine Creek Trailhead (alternative semi-loop exit)
North Lake TH accessed via road from Bishop (~30min). North Lake Campground nearby (first-come). Entire basin is above treeline - no shelter from storms, carry rain gear. Can be very windy. No campfires above 10,000ft. Bear canister required. Piute Pass approach is the start of the Evolution Loop (Route 28). September is ideal - fewer bugs, warm days, cold nights, fall colors on aspens near North Lake. This itinerary can be extended to 3 days — spend an extra night in Humphreys Basin and explore the dozens of unnamed lakes and tarns at your own pace. Note that the parking area is ~0.7 miles from the official trailhead — add this to your daily mileage. Early summer visitors should expect heavy mosquitoes; treat clothing with permethrin and bring a head net and insect repellent.
You must be signed in to download. GPX downloads are tracked to measure how often routes are used.