Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 9.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8400 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1400, -1400 round trip |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Most of a day |
| Season | Late November through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mt. Thompson |
| Start |
From downtown Bishop, drive west on Highway 168 for 16.1 miles to the South Lake turnoff. Turn left toward South Lake, drive 2.3 miles to Bishop Creek Lodge, and continue for 0.1 mile to the end of the plowed road. |
Description
South Lake is nestled among high peaks in the South Fork of Bishop Creek drainage. While your view along the route is blocked by the canyon walls, your view from lake of the Sierra Crest is dramatic. The tour to South Lake is also the beginning of the more difficult tour to Bishop Pass and to the crest itself.
When planning either tour, remember that the canyon through which you ski to reach South Lake is not safe when avalanches are possible. Also, the lake is subject to collapsing when the water level beneath the ice lowers.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 3.6
Elevation change: +900
From the trailhead (1), ski south on the snow-covered road for 3.6 miles until you reach Parcher's Rainbow Village (2).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 3.6 - 4.6
Elevation change: +500
Ski south on the snow-covered road for 1.0 mile until you reach the dam at South Lake (3). You will find that the road beyond Parcher's is noticeably steeper than the previous section.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 4.6 - 9.2
Elevation change: -1400
Retrace the route for 4.6 miles back to the trailhead (1).
