Both routes start from the North Lake trailhead west of Bishop.
(Beware that the topomaps of this region are still in the ancient imperial system, which means that they have not been revised in decades) Southern RouteHike to the Lamarck Pass (no need to climb Mt Lamarck itself) and then head down the southern side into Darwin Canyon. Follow the many lakes downstream until you reach a point where you can head north (turn right). That's Darwin Bench. Hike up towards the lakes of this valley and you'll find two lakes at about the same elevation. Walk in between them and start ascending the class-2 slope on your left to the summit. This route is not my favorite because on the way back you have to climb again Lamarck Pass, which is a mountain in itself.Northern RouteTake the Piute Pass (or better Paiute Pass) trail from the North Lake trailhead and (right at the beginning, past the tent sites) make sure you don't take the left fork that goes to the Lamarck Lakes. Turn right towards Paiute Pass. A few minutes in the hike you have to cross the creek twice over logs. When you reach the pass, check carefully the trail. A use trail on the left continues to Muriel lake, but it's not easy to see. It starts right at the top of Paiute Pass.The faint trail to Muriel Lake at Piute Pass: The use trail continues along the western shore of the lake but it disappears in multiple places. It then bends south and heads up the slope to the south of Muriel Lake (again, it mostly disappears), or just ascend the southern shore of the lake without entering any major canyon. Ascend the southwest shore of Muriel Lake: Alpine Col and Mt Goethe to the left from Goethe Lake: Alpine Col and Mt Goethe:
Southern route: Northern route: |
Pictures
Weather Video from the top Sierra mountains |