Bishop Pass Trail - South Lake to LeConte Canyon

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Bishop Pass Trail - South Lake to LeConte Canyon

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 11.0 miles / 17.7 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: This guide represents Day 1 of 6, hiking from Bishop Pass to Kearsarge Pass. The entire 58 mile journey will follow 41 southbound miles of the John Muir Trail (JMT).

The Bishop Pass Trail, as it is named, will lead up over Bishop Pass and down to the LeConte Canyon where you will officially join the JMT. During this 11 mile segment you will climb +2,200' and descend -3,300'. During my Aug '10 solo hike this took me 9 hours, including rest stops, eating, pumping water, and photography.

The trail itself is in excellent condition. It is well maintained and frequently traveled by back packers and Pack Stock. Day hikers typically remain north of Bishop Pass.

Specific trail characteristics are noted below in the Points of Interest (POI) section along with a few corresponding pictures. NOTE:The POI photos get out of sequence due to an unresolved tech glitch

Tips: Getting off to a good start: Eleven miles is a big chunk for Day 1. Leaving early and prepared is the best way to make this distance. This trail is unique because after the first 5 miles at Bishop Pass, it is all downhill to LeConte Canyon. It then becomes an endurance vs. strength hike. But downhill can be a subtle tyrant on your legs and toes, perhaps more so than climbing. If you can’t spend the night in the local area to ensure an early start, a Plan B would be in order.

A good plan B might include hiking to the south end of Long Lake (2.5 miles) and camp there. Or cross the Pass and camp at the Upper Dusy lakes (6.5 miles). Once you leave Long Lake most camp areas would be limited to the exposed areas above the tree line from the footbridge (3.5 miles) to the base of the Pass (4 miles)

The First Mile: Pay attention to your feet, your harness, your comfort level. Fend off blisters BEFORE they start. Get your pack dialed in. Get your sunscreen on. And begin to hydrate NOW, not later.

Also, feel free to view MY TRIP of this hike. It includes my trail journal and more photos of this beautiful back country. Thanks for visiting. DCW

Points of Interest

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Bishop Pass Trail Head: Mile 0 @ 9,850'

Just beyond the boat launch at South Lake, you will find paved car parking for back country hikers. Also, bear boxes, a large dumpster, and USFS toilets.
Your journey begins with a stunning view of South Lake. The trail climbs rapidly with the lake in view on your right. The trail then moves into the forest and South Lake drops from view. Prior to Long Lake there are two easy to follow trail splits. One to Treasure Lakes (stay to the left) and one to Bull Lake (stay to the right).

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Long Lake: Mile 2 @ 10,800'

As you emerge from the pine forest, the trail will level out and just as you thought you'd catch your breath, this first view of Long lake and Mt Goode will take your breath away. This will be your first main access to water. Water will be plentiful all the way up to the base of Bishop Pass. The trail continues to the left. It follows the water's edge to the far end of Long Lake. Suitable campsites are primarily at the far end of Long Lake.

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Footbridge at Saddlerock Lake: Mile 3.5 @11,100'

This is a great little spot for some rest after climbing from Long Lake and is an easy place to water up before the Pass. The water runs fast and clean at this point as it flows down into the Timberline Tarns Lakes. The next trail water is about 1/2 mile ahead at the base of Bishop Pass. If fishing is your thing and you are tired of the common place Brookies, Timberline Tarns holds the last few Rainbows you will see before Rae Lakes 4 days away.

Last Water. Bishop Pass Left of Snowfield Photo

Footbridge at Outlet of Saddlerock Lake Photo

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Bishop Pass: Mile 5.1 @ 11,972'

Climb Time: 65 minutes, 650'. From the stream crossing at Bishop Lake to the Pass sign.

From the base of Bishop Pass, the trail starts by winding its way up along open ground and then moves to the center of a boulder field and then begins a typical set of switchbacks. Near the top you will head southwest away from the switchbacks up and across a wide open scree area and then to a flat summit. Your last views of Bishop Creek will occur on the switchback climb whereas the Pass itself favors a view only to the south into Dusy Basin.

As a reminder, Bishop Pass defines an entry point into Kings Canyon National Park. This federal land NP has its own rules regarding pets, guns, fires, etc. The nice folks at the INYO permit offices will brief you on the specifics when you get your Bishop Pass Trail permit.

*As of Aug '10 there was trail work being done to repair rock slides through the lower core of the boulder field. A detour trail was marked by sticks with cloth flags.

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Lower Dusy Lake: Mile 8 @ 10,800'

I call this Lower Dusy Lake because of its proximity to all the other lakes, none of which are individually named. The trail does pass near an upper lake (Mile 6.5) that is quite suitable for camping and water, as is this "Lower" lake.

Camp or Continue? The amazing view down into LeConte Canyon @ 8,750' makes it tempting to continue. From this location, it took me about two hours to walk the trail down to the LeConte Ranger Station. I noted two suitable camping areas along the steep finish into the canyon. Water is available all the way down. Once you get to the bottom there are camp sites close by along the JMT.

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LeConte Canyon & Joining the JMT: Mile 11 @ 8,750'

End of a long Day 1. The Ranger station was occupied during my visit in Aug '10. There is a trail logbook and signs clearly defining the JMT. Within the first 100 yards southbound you will cross a metal footbridge. At that point there are several established campsites on either side of the trail and easy access to water from the Kings River.

If you head too far south the river will start to move away from you and campsites are less obvious. After 11 miles I would pick one closer to the bridge and call it a day.