California — Kings Canyon — Echo Col

I might add a comment on the degree of difficulty.

I've been through Lamarck Col twice on foot and once on X-C skis. I've been through Echo Col twice on foot, and I would never consider it on X-C skis.

–B.G.–

Incidentally, if anybody had been thinking about hiking west over Bishop Pass to get to the JMT, there's a problem. Apparently all of the stream footbridges between Bishop Pass and LeConte Canyon have been wiped out, so the whitewater stream crossings are thigh-deep right now. That is not my cup of tea, so that makes an excellent case for the alternative, Echo Col. Since it is along the Sierra Nevada crest, there are continuous snow chutes up to it on either side. Later in the season, there will be a big pile of loose rocks on either side.

Edit: August 6. Those stream crossings were OK. I got my boots wet a couple of times, but otherwise they were normal.

–B.G.–

I realize this post is from last season, I'm a little late joining the party.

Thanks for posting the detailed map and photo.

I'm considering using this as a way to access the second leg of the SHR late next summer (August/Sept). I would rather not retrace my steps back through Bishop Pass/Dusy Basin/LeConte etc.

Most of what I've read about Echo Col is that it is class III with some sketchy route finding. The initial talus slope from Echo Lake doesn't look too bad, but the final climb looks precarious.

How was your experience climbing from the east side?

Also, was the route down to the JMT on the west side easy to negotiate? I realize this may be asking a lot, but any additional photos or comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again.

Here's one of the photos I found of the final approach from Echo Lake. It looks like the 'chimney' leads to the notch and possibly the top. Ouch.

IMHO . I'd say closer to a class 2; i.e. just some patience and you'll be fine..

GREAT route .although there is some work involved..

The navigation aspects are not all that difficult either

I should add . this is based upon my observations 2 years ago. … Mid August.. Snow not an issue

I agree with Scott. The east side is sort of Class 2.5. The west side is more like Class 2.9, if that makes any sense.

–B.G.–

"The east side is sort of Class 2.5. The west side is more like Class 2.9, if that makes any sense."

It might, if you explained what is the difference between the various numbers to the right of the decimal point. It is pretty well understood for the YDS used in climbing, but I have never seen it defined for scrambling. Care to try?

You know what Class 2 is and what Class 3 is. I was trying to indicate that the east side is moderately tougher than an average Class 2, and that the west side is a tiny bit easier than an average Class 3. But it kind of depends on which way you are headed and how early in the year it is (for snow). The routefinding is kind of tricky if it is your first time.

–B.G.–

"I was trying to indicate that the east side is moderately tougher than an average Class 2, and that the west side is a tiny bit easier than an average Class 3."

I understand, Bob. I was just seeing if I could get a rise out of you. ;-)

Plus and minus has always worked for me, as in class 2 +, class 3 -. Actually, class 2, class 3, etc, is fine.

"class 2 +, class 3 -."

I find that the plus sign gets noticed when people read, but the minus sign gets lost in the shuffle of punctuation.

As you know, there can be a very wide range of what some people call Class 3. However, I have never carried a rope when going over Echo Col, and I've never felt any need for one.

On the other hand, descending the west side of Echo Col can be a problem if you are solo and trying to lug a heavy pack. With two people, you can "hand down" the packs at the big steps. If you had a paranoid climber along, a ten-foot loop of rope would help them out a bit.

–B.G.–

Class 2 you fall you skin your knee maybe do a slide of 10 feet and scrap/bruise yourself up unless your last name is Murphy. Most klutz's fit this category and I find most folks quite often call class 2 class 3 as the tale grows. Sometimes it morphs into full blown 5.11b! Ok, back to our earth shattering minuscia definition shaving here. =) Class 3 you fall you break something, but don't die. This is upwards of 10 foot true cliff sections and some will want a rope. 4 you fall you die guaranteed but its not all that steep generally, but everyone will want a rope generally.

Thanks to all for your comments etc about the route, it is really helpful to us newer guys. With about 20 lbs total pack weight after a resupply this should be fine. It sounds like Echo Col may be similar in difficulty to Frozen Lake Pass and some of the other class 2+ & 3- passes.