“What about either going Bishop pass to Dusy and Palisade basins, with the options of Columbine and Isosceles peaks, and either doing an in and out or if there’s time, back out the JMT?”
That would make a fine trip, especially as an in-out. I’m not particularly keen on dropping down into LeConte Canyon, both for the regain of elevation required to get back up to Bishop Pass and because it is not, IMO, a particularly pleasant area. But that is strictly personal.
“Alternately, Piute Pass to packsaddle lake via golden trouts, then hugging south to Goethe lake hike Muriel peak Darwin canyon lakes and out Lamarck col to upper Lamarck.”
Another nice route, although it involves a lot of talus. Packsaddle Lake is quite pretty, and the off trail from there to Goethe Lake is pleasant. I don’t think it would be as high quality as the Dusy/Palisade out-back route, though.
“What do you guys think of route finding for either of these areas? Wasn’t sure which would be easier or more difficult. Also wasn’t sure about Lamarck col, although I guess it looks straightforward enough to follow the drainage north to upper Lamarck?”
The route finding through Palisade Basin is pretty straightforward until you get to Cirque Pass, where the descent to Palisade Lakes can be tricky. There are several ways to get down, some easier than others. Getting back over Lamarck is straightforward. Just follow the lake chain up to the tarn just above the last large lake and head NNE up to the col over sandy benches and rock outcroppings. You will see lots of footprints and the occasional cairn to keep you on route. Once over the col, there is a use trail all the way back to Upper Lamarck Lake and a maintained trail on down to North Lake TH. The only obstacle I have found tedious is the talus crossing about midway along the uppermost lake. It is a jumble of very large talus blocks that a little guy like myself finds challenging at times. Still, it is not insurmountable.
