Summary 
| Difficulty | 5 Advanced |
| Length | 13.6 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8500 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+2900, -2900 round trip |
| Navigation | Road and map |
| Time | Full day |
| Season | December through mid-May |
| Snowmobiles Use |
Low on the road. Not permitted beyond North Lake Campground and the end of the road. [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mt. Thompson, Mt. Darwin |
| Start |
From downtown Bishop, drive west on Highway 168 for 16.1 miles to the South Lake turnoff. Do not turn; instead continue straight for 2.0 miles, passing through Aspendell, until the road is no longer plowed. |
Description
Piute Pass, located on the Sierra Crest, offers grand views to the east and to the west. To the east lies the upper section of the North Fork of Bishop Creek where the rolling terrain bordered by cliffs, is blanketed in white. To the west lies Humphreys Basin, and to the north lies Mt. Humphreys itself. Once you reach the pass, the thought of making a basecamp and of spending several days exploring the area is inevitable.
Unfortunately, the gentle slopes in the vicinity of Piute Pass are not representative of the entire tour since there are two steep sections to cross — one immediately to the east of Loch Leven Lake and the other immediately to the east of the pass. In addition, you must climb steadily through woods west of North Lake Campground.
While there is usually sufficient snow in December, the ideal time for this tour is during the spring when the snow is firm. No matter when you choose to ski here, be aware that in some areas potential avalanche paths are unavoidable. Pick a time when the conditions are safest.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.0
Elevation change: +450
From the trailhead (1), ski southwest up the road for 1.0 mile until you reach the turnoff to North Lake (2). If the turnoff is not evident, look for a knob to the west (right) when the road levels off. If the road to Lake Sabrina is plowed, as it usually is by mid-April, you can drive to the North Lake turnoff.
Keep in mind that avalanches from the steep slopes adjacent to the road occasionally occur.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.0 - 2.2
Elevation change: +300
Leave the main road and ski west and then north on a lessor snow-covered road for a total of 1.2 miles until you reach North Lake (3). After about 100 yards you will cross the Middle Fork of Bishop Creek. In the part that traverses north, you may find snow drifted over the road and avalanche danger when the snow is unstable.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 2.2 - 3.0
Elevation change: +50
Ski west on the snow-covered road for 0.8 mile until you reach North Lake Campground and the end of the road (4).
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 3.0 - 4.9
Elevation change: +1400
Climb steadily west along the north side of the North Fork of Bishop Creek for 1.9 miles until you reach Loch Leven Lake (5).
For the first 1.1 miles you have two alternatives. You can follow the creek and make your way through the aspen and lodgepole woods or you can climb above the woods and ski along the base of Mt. Emerson. The latter alternative may not be an option late in the season.
At 1.1 miles you will encounter a step in the valley floor and the remaining 0.8 miles is a very steep climb. Although there is a reasonably good route over the step, you should exercise extreme caution to avoid the consequences of a disastrous fall. Climb toward the small bowl located to the north (right) of the step; then traverse southwest (left) on a bench until you reach a point just above the outlet of Loch Leven Lake; then ski west to the lake itself.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 4.9 - 5.8
Elevation change: +250
Ski west for 0.9 mile until you reach Piute Lake (6). The cabin just to the east of the lake belongs to the California State Department of Water Resources.
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 5.8 - 6.8
Elevation change: +450
Ski west for 1.0 mile until you reach Piute Pass (7). The final 0.2 miles is steeper than the terrain since Loch Leven Lake.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 6.8 - 13.6
Elevation change: -2900
Retrace the route for 6.8 miles back to the trailhead (1).
