Summary 
| Difficulty | 5 Advanced |
| Length | 18.4 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8400 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+3600, -3600 round trip |
| Navigation | Road, map and compass |
| Time | Very long day |
| Season | December through mid-May |
| Snowmobiles Use |
Low on the road. Not permitted in John Muir Wilderness that begins approximately at mileage point 4. [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mt. Thompson, North Palisade |
| 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
Large numbers of hikers cross Bishop Pass each summer on their way to Dusy Basin and Le Conte Canyon, but once covered by snow this magnificent area is isolated from all but the hardiest skiers. The most interesting part of the tour begins at South Lake and covers a wide variety of terrain; lakes, creeks, gullies, ridges, and knobs are scattered throughout the area. On your way to Bishop Pass, the fun and challenge are picking your route through and around these features. On your return from Bishop Pass, the highlight is the 3600-foot descent.
But the real attraction of Bishop Pass is simply being on the Sierra Crest at the gateway to the heartland of the range. Since the list of the prominent features visible from the pass is long, you should consult your map for this information. In order for you to thoroughly enjoy all the sights, plan to ski when you are reasonably assured of good visibility.
Also keep in mind that while there is usually sufficient snow to ski to Bishop Pass as early as in December, the ideal time for this tour is in the spring when the snow is firm and the days are long. Finally, remember that there are many places along this tour that are subject to avalanche.
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.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 4.6 - 5.3
Elevation change: +350
Traverse and climb south for 0.7 mile until you reach a gully (4). This is the standard route and follows the summer hiking trail. Late in the season you may need to walk part of it.
An alternative route, not shown on the map, avoids the steep slopes that the summer hiking trail traverses. From the dam descend to the edge of South Lake and then ski south along the edge of the lake to the point where the aforementioned gully intersects the lake. Ascend the very steep gully until you reach the standard route at mileage point (4).
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 5.3 - 6.5
Elevation change: +650
Climb southeast up the gully for 0.1 mile to where the terrain levels off, and then continue generally southeast for 1.1 miles until you reach the north end of Long Lake (5). The terrain will begin to climb again about half way to Long Lake.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 6.5 - 7.8
Elevation change: +300
Ski south along the east (left) side of Long Lake and then climb south for a total of 1.3 miles until you reach Timberline Tarns (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 7.8 - 8.0
Elevation change: +150
Ski south for 0.2 mile until you reach Saddlerock Lake (7).
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 8.0 - 9.2
Elevation change: +750
Climb southeast to an elevation of about 11,600 feet where the terrain becomes much steeper, then climb south, and once the steepness lessens, continue to climb more gradually to the southwest for a total of 1.2 miles until you reach Bishop Pass (8).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 9.2 - 18.4
Elevation change: -3600
Retrace the route for 9.2 miles back to the trailhead (1).
