Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the parking lot, follow a rocky trail on the east side of South Lake
(9,768 feet) and cross two small footbridges. Descend briefly and then begin climb-
ing through lodgepole pines and fir trees with Hurd Peak looming to the south. Bish-
op Pass, the first of three high-altitude passes in this journey, waits patiently a little
more than 5 miles and 2,000 feet ahead.
Continue through intermittent aspen groves and after less than a mile, bear left
away from the Treasure Lakes Trail to continue ascending southeast. After another
half mile, ignore the Marie Louise Lakes Trail and bear right to travel south. Repeat
this pattern with the Bull Lake Trail shortly thereafter. After 2 miles and 900 feet of
climbing from the trailhead, reach the southern end of Long Lake, nestled beneath
Chocolate Peak, where high-altitude campsites may be found (10,753 feet). Enjoy
spectacular views southward to Mount Goode. Despite the relatively low mileage,
it's wise to acclimate to the altitude before pushing onward.
Follow the eastern shore of Long Lake, ignoring the side trail to Ruwau Lake,
and bear right to continue a southward ascent through rocky tundra past Timberline
Tarns, a chain of small glacially carved lakelets. Enjoy northeastern views of tower-
ing Hurd Peak upon reaching Saddlerock Lake (11,128 feet), and cross its outlet on a
footbridge. From here, it's a 2-mile push, some of it seemingly near vertical, through
stunted white-bark pines and the occasional snowfield to Bishop Pass (11,972 feet),
resting high above Bishop Lake. Enjoy backward northern views of the Inconsolable
Range and the arid Owens Valley, while ahead lie the plunging canyons of Kings
Canyon National Park.
Leaving John Muir Wilderness, descend into Kings Canyon along a sandy gran-
ite trail westward toward lake-filled Dusy Basin. Le Conte Canyon lies some 6
miles, and more than 3,000 feet, below. The first campsites are about a mile below
the pass on a side trail toward the largest northernmost lake. From the main trail,
descend steeply down two sets of switchbacks through the sparse forest, several river
crossings, and a lovely hanging valley to the junction with the John Muir Trail
(JMT). A ranger station (8,750 feet; manned from June to mid-September) sits just
west of this trail crossing, and there are lovely wooded campsites along the river just
below the station.
From this junction, turn left to descend southward on the JMT following the
Middle Fork Kings River. Shortly after the ranger station, cross a wooden and steel
footbridge over Dusy Branch and continue descending through alternating aspen
groves and wood thickets. Manzanita encroaches on the narrow trail, so long pants
are advised for this section. Arrive at grassy Grouse Meadows, where camping is
good and plentiful as long as the area is not closed for restoration, as it is occasion-
ally. Three miles from the ranger station, come to a junction with the trail to Roads
