Question on an area in High Sierras

I would ask on High Sierra Topix about the route, but not the time frame. Might want to leave out the fact that you will illegally "overnight" in the Muir Hut.

Thanks,

Just outside the Muir Hut then.
It would be a better view to overlook evolution anyway.

I think there is more expierence here than on HS topix.

Aaron,
The link you provided is to the 100k map, a 62MB image. The "500k" link is right beside it, and at 2.5 MB loads a lot faster.

I'm not nitpicking, but there are rangers that post there that might. Anyways, you can ask about any obscure drainage, creek, basin, peak, etc. Someone there has probably done it.

This place may have more lightweight experience, but I guarantee HST knows the Sierra topography better.

Aaron,

Great idea. I don't know anyone who has attempted Windy Canyon, so I'm not sure it can be done "easily". But here is a little info anyway.

This is a picture from the headwaters of Windy Canyon, looking NNW, from about 10,400'.

That's Mt Woodworth in the center, Devils Crags to the right.
The cross-country route from Horseshoe lakes to this spot is easy, just head due north thru the forest, and don't lose altitude. And it appeared to me that it would be very easy to get down into the meadow below. How steep does it get around the corner? No idea. How bad the bushwhacking? No idea.

This is taken from the same spot, looking a little more NW, directly up Goddard Creek, Mt Reinstein at center.

The bushwhacking in Windy might very well be just as bad as the bushwhacking in Goddard Creek.
And then there is the steepness. Secor, 3rd Ed., pg.192, "Wrinkle: All the canyons that lead north from the Monarch Divide turn into hanging valleys before dropping precipitously into the Middle Fork. The only reasonable route is the Granite Pass Trail…"

The problem is, it's not really clear if he considers Windy Canyon one of those canyons. It might be, it might not.

For a sure thing, you could take the Granite Pass Trail, and then climb up Goddard Creek and go over Wanda or Black Giant Pass. In order to get to the hut where you won't be sleeping. Careful, it leaks.

– Klas

Thanks Klas,
Doesn't look like that will be a time saver.
Awesome photo.
I don't know how you came up with this one. It is in the middle of nowhere.