Questions: Humphrey’s Basin, Sierra Nevada

[Nathan Moody]

Hey all, I'm looking to plan a mid- to late-July backpacking trip in and through Humphrey's Basin. I was wondering if anyone had any trailhead preferences for this area, or thoughts on snow levels in July relative to this year's unusually high amounts of rain and cold. Also, anyone have side trip suggestions or insights into the difficulties/ease of cross-country travel to the various lakes that dot Humphrey's Basin itself?

[Ken Helwig]

Piute Pass trailhead. Once atop of Piute you can explore both North and South. Travel is quite easy there too.

[Jay Wilkerson]

Pine Creek TH is great place to start. I was there last summer. IMHO this is a excellent hike into prime Sierra High country–You have many options from that TH: Italy Pass, Elba Lake, L Lake, ETC, ETC,

Taken from Roget Lake Pass 11,760ft–Looking at Puppet Lake.

[Anonymous]

"Also, anyone have side trip suggestions or insights into the difficulties/ease of cross-country travel to the various lakes that dot Humphrey's Basin itself?"

Upper and Lower Desolation lakes, Mesa Lake, Tomahawk Lake, et al, are all easily reached cross country. There is a way trail that leaves the Paiute Creek Trail and takes you past Lower Desolation Lake and on to Upper desolation Lake. It is easy cross country from the south end of Upper Desolation Lake to Mesa Lake and on to Tomahawk Lake. From there you can drop down to the Paiute Creek Trail. On the south side of Paiute Creek Trail, nestled up under Glacier Divide, is a gorgeous lake appropriately named Honeymoon Lake. You have to cross Paiute Creek to get to a trail leading up to it, but it is well worth the effort. It would be a primo place to spend a night.

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