Coming down off of Bishop Pass, looking out over Bishop and Saddlerock Lakes
The last 1,200′ of climbing came easy, followed by six miles of easy trail after a steep and rocky upper descent.
The trail down is steep and rugged, but well used and well maintained.
Here’s a trail switchback, carved out of the granite.
The lower I descended toward the trailhead, the more people I encountered heading up. But now many were dayhikers, and I saw more small groups, more belly fat and sneakers and what I perceived to be a louder, more urban energy. There’s something about a long climb over a high pass that weeds out the louder aspects of modern civilization…
The classic trail sign on a tree
Here’s a good smile, teeth and all, heading out.
I had expected to hitchhike the fifteen or so miles from the South Lake Trailhead, where I came out, to the North Lake Trailhead, where I started and where my Jeep was parked. Before I even reached the trailhead, though, I had been offered a ride back by another solo traveler. An easy end to a wonderful six days.
End of the trail, end of this story, healthy and happy. I’ll be back.