Mineral King to Kaweah Gap to Sawtooth Pass Loop 2007

Breaking camp in Cold Springs campground, Mineral King, Sequoia National Park, near the Timber Gap trailhead, having driven up the night before. Shelter is a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo E. ...

2009-01-16T14:07:16Z

bryanlallen
Breaking camp in Cold Springs campground, Mineral King, Sequoia National Park, near the Timber Gap trailhead, having driven up the night before. Shelter is a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo E. ...

The Fit in the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Pass trailhead area. Marmots have been known to munch on cars here; note that the Subaru to the right of our Fit has chicken wire and boulders around it to ...

2009-01-16T14:14:43Z

bryanlallen
The Fit in the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Pass trailhead area. Marmots have been known to munch on cars here; note that the Subaru to the right of our Fit has chicken wire and boulders around it to ...

View to south from just above trailhead. Farewell Gap is the obvious low spot; Vandever Mountain is the peak just to the right, featuring a snowfield dubbed by some as the "Bearskin Patch."

2009-01-16T14:13:22Z

bryanlallen
View to south from just above trailhead. Farewell Gap is the obvious low spot; Vandever Mountain is the peak just to the right, featuring a snowfield dubbed by some as the "Bearskin Patch."

Trailhead parking lot is at lower right; upper end of Mineral King valley extends to the south towards Farewell Gap.

2009-01-16T14:15:33Z

bryanlallen
Trailhead parking lot is at lower right; upper end of Mineral King valley extends to the south towards Farewell Gap.

Nearing the top of Timber Gap, looking back south. White Chief basin is the large granitic cirque to the right of Vandever Mountain in the center of the photo.

2009-01-16T14:10:02Z

bryanlallen
Nearing the top of Timber Gap, looking back south. White Chief basin is the large granitic cirque to the right of Vandever Mountain in the center of the photo.

Looking north to Alta Peak from Timber Gap (9450 feet elevation) across the drainage of the Middle Fork Kaweah River.

2009-01-16T14:24:22Z

bryanlallen
Looking north to Alta Peak from Timber Gap (9450 feet elevation) across the drainage of the Middle Fork Kaweah River.

Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris), photo #1. How close can I get?

2009-01-16T14:20:46Z

bryanlallen
Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris), photo #1. How close can I get?

Marmot photo #2. Still closer?

2009-01-16T14:03:29Z

bryanlallen
Marmot photo #2. Still closer?

Marmot photo #3; getting ready to scurry off.

2009-01-16T14:18:00Z

bryanlallen
Marmot photo #3; getting ready to scurry off.

Bear poop, fresh, beside the trail.

2009-01-16T14:12:58Z

bryanlallen
Bear poop, fresh, beside the trail.

Looking west atop a ridgeback, just before the final descent to Cliff Creek.

2009-01-16T14:05:06Z

bryanlallen
Looking west atop a ridgeback, just before the final descent to Cliff Creek.

Rest stop just above Cliff Creek. Trader Joe trailmix, yum. Note photo of "The Girls" on my pack.

2009-01-16T14:15:35Z

bryanlallen
Rest stop just above Cliff Creek. Trader Joe trailmix, yum. Note photo of "The Girls" on my pack.

Cliff Creek trail crossing, looking back. I hopped across the creek on the log fragment just above the large boulder rather than wading across in the foreground.

2009-01-16T14:08:31Z

bryanlallen
Cliff Creek trail crossing, looking back. I hopped across the creek on the log fragment just above the large boulder rather than wading across in the foreground.

Slightly-slanted self-photo along the trail to Redwood Meadow.

2009-01-16T14:09:17Z

bryanlallen
Slightly-slanted self-photo along the trail to Redwood Meadow.

There were lots of early-season flowers along the trail. 2007 was a poor snow year so the creeks were lower and the flowers more abundant than they normally would be in mid-June.

2009-01-16T14:21:41Z

bryanlallen
There were lots of early-season flowers along the trail. 2007 was a poor snow year so the creeks were lower and the flowers more abundant than they normally would be in mid-June.

Tree lichen on the tree trunks, with bearbrush along the trail (note small white blooms.)

2009-01-16T14:16:13Z

bryanlallen
Tree lichen on the tree trunks, with bearbrush along the trail (note small white blooms.)

Giant Sequoias along the trail.

2009-01-16T14:18:01Z

bryanlallen
Giant Sequoias along the trail.

More Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) south of Redwood Meadow.

2009-01-16T14:16:46Z

bryanlallen
More Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) south of Redwood Meadow.

A trailside sign commemorating Gustavis Eisen.

2009-01-16T14:14:33Z

bryanlallen
A trailside sign commemorating Gustavis Eisen.

Looking back south towards where I had come from. The dark conifers with the rounded tops are Giant Sequoias, whereas other pointed-topped conifers are various species of pine and fir.

2009-01-16T14:03:46Z

bryanlallen
Looking back south towards where I had come from. The dark conifers with the rounded tops are Giant Sequoias, whereas other pointed-topped conifers are various species of pine and fir.

View west to Moro Rock, a granitic dome along the north slope of the Middle Fork Kaweah River. The road to Crescent Meadow goes near Moro Rock and from that point there is a short trail to i ...

2009-01-16T14:07:40Z

bryanlallen
View west to Moro Rock, a granitic dome along the north slope of the Middle Fork Kaweah River. The road to Crescent Meadow goes near Moro Rock and from that point there is a short trail to i ...

Yep.

2009-01-16T14:21:08Z

bryanlallen
Yep.

Redwoods surrounding Redwood Meadow. Though I'd hiked towards this destination several times in the past (all the way back to 1969!), this was the first time I'd ever been here.

2009-01-16T14:09:53Z

bryanlallen
Redwoods surrounding Redwood Meadow. Though I'd hiked towards this destination several times in the past (all the way back to 1969!), this was the first time I'd ever been here.

The meadow is not particularly large but it was quite lush. Not sure how it would look later in the season after being grazed by stock.

2009-01-16T14:15:32Z

bryanlallen
The meadow is not particularly large but it was quite lush. Not sure how it would look later in the season after being grazed by stock.

A nice bridge which crosses Eagle Scout Creek. This turns out to be a Bridge to Nowhere as the bridge further on across the Middle Fork is washed out.

2009-01-16T14:20:22Z

bryanlallen
A nice bridge which crosses Eagle Scout Creek. This turns out to be a Bridge to Nowhere as the bridge further on across the Middle Fork is washed out.

Crossing the bridge; it certainly made this creek crossing easier.

2009-01-16T14:21:52Z

bryanlallen
Crossing the bridge; it certainly made this creek crossing easier.

Flowers and bees along Eagle Scout Creek.

2009-01-16T14:19:06Z

bryanlallen
Flowers and bees along Eagle Scout Creek.

Trail junction with markers from different eras. I was on my way to Bearpaw Meadow and beyond. Hospital Rock is to the west along the lower Middle Fork Kaweah.

2009-01-16T14:25:43Z

bryanlallen
Trail junction with markers from different eras. I was on my way to Bearpaw Meadow and beyond. Hospital Rock is to the west along the lower Middle Fork Kaweah.

Middle Fork crossing looking back; bridge foundations but no bridge. Fairly sporting to wade; wouldn't want to try it if the water was much higher.

2009-01-16T14:20:01Z

bryanlallen
Middle Fork crossing looking back; bridge foundations but no bridge. Fairly sporting to wade; wouldn't want to try it if the water was much higher.

Lush and lonely Lower Bearpaw Meadow; it showed little evidence of use.

2009-01-16T14:22:58Z

bryanlallen
Lush and lonely Lower Bearpaw Meadow; it showed little evidence of use.

"Civilization" as one approaches Bearpaw Meadow and its camping area.

2009-01-16T14:02:31Z

bryanlallen
"Civilization" as one approaches Bearpaw Meadow and its camping area.

Trail junction at intersection with High Sierra Trail; 14.3 miles back to my start that AM. Hamilton Lakes was my goal for the day.

2009-01-16T14:12:57Z

bryanlallen
Trail junction at intersection with High Sierra Trail; 14.3 miles back to my start that AM. Hamilton Lakes was my goal for the day.

Some of the cabins and other structures at Bearpaw Camp.

2009-01-16T14:19:17Z

bryanlallen
Some of the cabins and other structures at Bearpaw Camp.

Sure is.

2009-01-16T14:31:05Z

bryanlallen
Sure is.

View from the HST of the porch on the lodge at Bearpaw Camp. Various folks lounging around, probably waiting for dinner.

2009-01-16T14:04:54Z

bryanlallen
View from the HST of the porch on the lodge at Bearpaw Camp. Various folks lounging around, probably waiting for dinner.

Looking to SE from HST just east of Bearpaw Meadow; the granitic landforms are quite dramatic.

2009-01-16T14:11:44Z

bryanlallen
Looking to SE from HST just east of Bearpaw Meadow; the granitic landforms are quite dramatic.

Looking back to south across Middle Fork and Cliff Creek canyons whence I had come that day.

2009-01-16T14:21:09Z

bryanlallen
Looking back to south across Middle Fork and Cliff Creek canyons whence I had come that day.

There were a LOT of these lizards along this section of the trail; pretty sure this is a Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and a male at that because of the blue undersides.

2009-01-16T14:06:03Z

bryanlallen
There were a LOT of these lizards along this section of the trail; pretty sure this is a Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and a male at that because of the blue undersides.

Sceloporus occidentalis and his shadow.

2009-01-16T14:29:26Z

bryanlallen
Sceloporus occidentalis and his shadow.

Looking east towards Valhalla, Hamilton Lakes area, and Kaweah Gap. Trail is seen along the top of the granite cliff in foreground; someone who is afraid of heights might be a bit discomfite ...

2009-01-16T14:14:31Z

bryanlallen
Looking east towards Valhalla, Hamilton Lakes area, and Kaweah Gap. Trail is seen along the top of the granite cliff in foreground; someone who is afraid of heights might be a bit discomfite ...

This jaunty little hummingbird seemed quite energetic and self-assured.

2009-01-16T14:18:36Z

bryanlallen
This jaunty little hummingbird seemed quite energetic and self-assured.

Granite cirques and landforms south of the HST on the western shoulder of Eagle Scout Peak.

2009-01-16T14:18:56Z

bryanlallen
Granite cirques and landforms south of the HST on the western shoulder of Eagle Scout Peak.

Bridge across Lone Pine Creek. If there weren't a bridge, crossing anywhere in this area would be problematic; the creek is at least 50 feet down that sheer slot!

2009-01-16T14:15:44Z

bryanlallen
Bridge across Lone Pine Creek. If there weren't a bridge, crossing anywhere in this area would be problematic; the creek is at least 50 feet down that sheer slot!

Looking to south along Lone Pine Creek drainage, having just crossed the bridge seen dimly in the foreground.

2009-01-16T14:22:23Z

bryanlallen
Looking to south along Lone Pine Creek drainage, having just crossed the bridge seen dimly in the foreground.

More of the amazing fins and domes of the area to the south of Hamilton Lakes basin.

2009-01-16T14:25:17Z

bryanlallen
More of the amazing fins and domes of the area to the south of Hamilton Lakes basin.

Showy cascade along the trail to west of Hamilton Lakes.

2009-01-16T14:17:59Z

bryanlallen
Showy cascade along the trail to west of Hamilton Lakes.

Detail of the fins and domes to south of trail.

2009-01-16T14:19:51Z

bryanlallen
Detail of the fins and domes to south of trail.

The harsh winters and high altitude result in some quite sculpted trees.

2009-01-16T14:23:19Z

bryanlallen
The harsh winters and high altitude result in some quite sculpted trees.

Sheer walls to the north of the HST in the area just west of Hamilton Lakes called Valhalla. Note that time of photo is almost 7 PM; I was really starting to drag and was eagerly looking for ...

2009-01-16T14:37:15Z

bryanlallen
Sheer walls to the north of the HST in the area just west of Hamilton Lakes called Valhalla. Note that time of photo is almost 7 PM; I was really starting to drag and was eagerly looking for ...

Sundog or parhelion. I smile when I see these as they seem to be harbingers of good fortune for me. See; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundog And sure enough, once I saw this I found a very n ...

2009-01-16T14:28:12Z

bryanlallen
Sundog or parhelion. I smile when I see these as they seem to be harbingers of good fortune for me. See; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundog And sure enough, once I saw this I found a very n ...

Campsite just to the south of the small Lower Hamilton Lake and its outlet stream. I'm carrying two bearcans just to prepare myself for the bulk, as this is what I'd need to carry for my pla ...

2009-01-16T14:16:06Z

bryanlallen
Campsite just to the south of the small Lower Hamilton Lake and its outlet stream. I'm carrying two bearcans just to prepare myself for the bulk, as this is what I'd need to carry for my pla ...

Back on the trail next AM, looking at Lower Hamilton Lake. The lake verge is steep and brushy and there do not appear to be any good campsites around its edge.

2009-01-16T14:22:24Z

bryanlallen
Back on the trail next AM, looking at Lower Hamilton Lake. The lake verge is steep and brushy and there do not appear to be any good campsites around its edge.

Near the outlet of the largest of the Hamilton Lakes; the lake surface was quite calm and mirror-like. There are several campsites close to here, though they appear to be a bit worn and heav ...

2009-01-16T14:14:06Z

bryanlallen
Near the outlet of the largest of the Hamilton Lakes; the lake surface was quite calm and mirror-like. There are several campsites close to here, though they appear to be a bit worn and heav ...

Looking down at the largest Hamilton Lake. The High Sierra Trail climbs in numerous switchbacks to the north of this lake, and eventually winds around to the area at the far left of this pho ...

2009-01-16T14:15:34Z

bryanlallen
Looking down at the largest Hamilton Lake. The High Sierra Trail climbs in numerous switchbacks to the north of this lake, and eventually winds around to the area at the far left of this pho ...

The HST is quite the piece of trail engineering; this short tunnel was blasted through the rock in an area where the granite walls are nearly vertical.

2009-01-16T14:03:19Z

bryanlallen
The HST is quite the piece of trail engineering; this short tunnel was blasted through the rock in an area where the granite walls are nearly vertical.

Just past the tunnel and looking DOWN at the largest Hamilton Lake. The slot cut in the wall to the right is the trail! A less-prominent slot to the left is also the trail, winding ever upwa ...

2009-01-16T14:08:25Z

bryanlallen
Just past the tunnel and looking DOWN at the largest Hamilton Lake. The slot cut in the wall to the right is the trail! A less-prominent slot to the left is also the trail, winding ever upwa ...

Well above the largest Hamilton Lake, with peaks above Valhalla beyond. Hover your cursor over the photo and select a larger view of this photo to notice the trace of the HST on the wall in ...

2009-01-16T14:21:29Z

bryanlallen
Well above the largest Hamilton Lake, with peaks above Valhalla beyond. Hover your cursor over the photo and select a larger view of this photo to notice the trace of the HST on the wall in ...

Though ambiguous on the map, one could call this lake the uppermost of the Hamilton Lakes.

2009-01-16T14:21:31Z

bryanlallen
Though ambiguous on the map, one could call this lake the uppermost of the Hamilton Lakes.

A Baldur Parnassian butterfly (Parnassius clodius) feeding on small blossoms along the trail. Note orange spot on aft wing, which makes me confident of my identification of this species.

2009-01-16T14:15:36Z

bryanlallen
A Baldur Parnassian butterfly (Parnassius clodius) feeding on small blossoms along the trail. Note orange spot on aft wing, which makes me confident of my identification of this species.

Precipice Lake, still partially ice-covered. Pollen covers a portion of the surface in foreground.

2009-01-16T14:16:44Z

bryanlallen
Precipice Lake, still partially ice-covered. Pollen covers a portion of the surface in foreground.

Precipice Lake with snowbanks in foreground.

2009-01-16T14:19:29Z

bryanlallen
Precipice Lake with snowbanks in foreground.

The last remnants of winter ice were still drifting about on the surface of Precipice Lake. This lake has one of the most descriptive and evocative names of any lake in the Sierra Nevada.

2009-01-16T14:20:26Z

bryanlallen
The last remnants of winter ice were still drifting about on the surface of Precipice Lake. This lake has one of the most descriptive and evocative names of any lake in the Sierra Nevada.

Plaque on rock just north of trail at Kaweah Gap. I met a couple of hikers near here who had camped in the area the previous night and who said the mosquitos were very dense and annoying. I ...

2009-01-16T14:25:06Z

bryanlallen
Plaque on rock just north of trail at Kaweah Gap. I met a couple of hikers near here who had camped in the area the previous night and who said the mosquitos were very dense and annoying. I ...

First view from Kaweah Gap of Big Arroyo, looking south. Glacial sculpting of this valley is very obvious.

2009-01-16T14:14:29Z

bryanlallen
First view from Kaweah Gap of Big Arroyo, looking south. Glacial sculpting of this valley is very obvious.

The High Sierra Trail makes its way quickly down into Big Arroyo. Altitude here is about 10,300 feet.

2009-01-16T14:17:20Z

bryanlallen
The High Sierra Trail makes its way quickly down into Big Arroyo. Altitude here is about 10,300 feet.

Easy walking in upper Big Arroyo, approaching treeline. Kaweah Peaks are to the east beyond left edge of photo.

2009-01-16T14:24:44Z

bryanlallen
Easy walking in upper Big Arroyo, approaching treeline. Kaweah Peaks are to the east beyond left edge of photo.

Stream crossing of upper Big Arroyo Creek; I was able to rock-hop across the creek just above here without getting my feet wet; this is where the trail actually crosses the creek.

2009-01-16T14:24:08Z

bryanlallen
Stream crossing of upper Big Arroyo Creek; I was able to rock-hop across the creek just above here without getting my feet wet; this is where the trail actually crosses the creek.

Old patrol cabin just south of junction of the HST (which goes easterly) and the Big Arroyo/Little Five Lakes trail. The cabin is boarded up and no longer inhabited.

2009-01-16T14:25:42Z

bryanlallen
Old patrol cabin just south of junction of the HST (which goes easterly) and the Big Arroyo/Little Five Lakes trail. The cabin is boarded up and no longer inhabited.

The day was hot even at ~9500 feet; numerous small streams coming down from Kaweah Ridge provided welcome opportunities for feet cooling. Note sweat residue on pantleg.

2009-01-16T14:21:19Z

bryanlallen
The day was hot even at ~9500 feet; numerous small streams coming down from Kaweah Ridge provided welcome opportunities for feet cooling. Note sweat residue on pantleg.

Fresh bear claw marks in the bark of a Lodgepole pine along the trail. The top of my walking stick is just under four feet off the ground, so the claw marks extend up about eight feet. Thoug ...

2009-01-16T14:26:28Z

bryanlallen
Fresh bear claw marks in the bark of a Lodgepole pine along the trail. The top of my walking stick is just under four feet off the ground, so the claw marks extend up about eight feet. Thoug ...

Not a great photo, but I leave it here to tell of the mother grouse at center of photo who was anxiously watching her chick (which I had startled) flap noisily off down the trail while wobbl ...

2009-01-16T14:19:28Z

bryanlallen
Not a great photo, but I leave it here to tell of the mother grouse at center of photo who was anxiously watching her chick (which I had startled) flap noisily off down the trail while wobbl ...

"Trail" along Big Arroyo. There are numerous meadows along this ~5-mile section of trail between the junctions with the Little Five and Big Five trails, and the trail fades out at every mead ...

2009-01-16T14:19:39Z

bryanlallen
"Trail" along Big Arroyo. There are numerous meadows along this ~5-mile section of trail between the junctions with the Little Five and Big Five trails, and the trail fades out at every mead ...

Another meadow view in Big Arroyo, looking back north from whence I had come.

2009-01-16T14:24:09Z

bryanlallen
Another meadow view in Big Arroyo, looking back north from whence I had come.

Big Arroyo Creek, looking to south.

2009-01-16T14:26:47Z

bryanlallen
Big Arroyo Creek, looking to south.

Looking back north towards the area of Kaweah Gap, along a section of the trail in Big Arroyo where the trail steepens for a bit along a ridge of granite which resisted the grinding action o ...

2009-01-16T14:27:25Z

bryanlallen
Looking back north towards the area of Kaweah Gap, along a section of the trail in Big Arroyo where the trail steepens for a bit along a ridge of granite which resisted the grinding action o ...

View to south of lower Big Arroyo. Moraine Lake (not visible here) is atop the ridge on the left, about 1200 feet above the bottom of the Arroyo.

2009-01-16T14:25:05Z

bryanlallen
View to south of lower Big Arroyo. Moraine Lake (not visible here) is atop the ridge on the left, about 1200 feet above the bottom of the Arroyo.

Manzanita bush (Genus Arctostaphylos) which had this granite boulder in an almost-enveloping embrace.

2009-01-16T14:28:17Z

bryanlallen
Manzanita bush (Genus Arctostaphylos) which had this granite boulder in an almost-enveloping embrace.

Trail junction sign on western side of Big Arroyo creek. Prior to this point since ~10,000 feet the trail had been along the eastern side. The creek crossing was difficult; I had to go a way ...

2009-01-16T14:26:58Z

bryanlallen
Trail junction sign on western side of Big Arroyo creek. Prior to this point since ~10,000 feet the trail had been along the eastern side. The creek crossing was difficult; I had to go a way ...

Junction of Lost Canyon and Soda Creek trails. Distance back to Big Arroyo Creek is a bit different than what the previous sign claimed. My route headed up Lost Canyon.

2009-01-16T14:27:23Z

bryanlallen
Junction of Lost Canyon and Soda Creek trails. Distance back to Big Arroyo Creek is a bit different than what the previous sign claimed. My route headed up Lost Canyon.

Looking southeast back down into Big Arroyo. The granite canyon wall in the distance is the eastern wall of Kern Canyon. There is no trail in the lower stretches of Big Arroyo; the trail I h ...

2009-01-16T14:28:29Z

bryanlallen
Looking southeast back down into Big Arroyo. The granite canyon wall in the distance is the eastern wall of Kern Canyon. There is no trail in the lower stretches of Big Arroyo; the trail I h ...

Texture of Incense Cedar bark as the sunlight dwindled.

2009-01-16T14:28:29Z

bryanlallen
Texture of Incense Cedar bark as the sunlight dwindled.

Another photo of Incense Cedar bark texture.

2009-01-16T14:23:48Z

bryanlallen
Another photo of Incense Cedar bark texture.

Pretty little pour-over along Lost Canyon Creek.

2009-01-16T14:30:54Z

bryanlallen
Pretty little pour-over along Lost Canyon Creek.

Small meadow patch along Lost Canyon Creek. I camped that night about 1/2 mile further up the canyon from here; the mosquitos were moderate.

2009-01-16T14:30:01Z

bryanlallen
Small meadow patch along Lost Canyon Creek. I camped that night about 1/2 mile further up the canyon from here; the mosquitos were moderate.

Morning shadow taken as I got underway the next day; the trip plan called for exiting over Sawtooth Pass to get back to my car parked in Mineral King Valley.

2009-01-16T14:37:03Z

bryanlallen
Morning shadow taken as I got underway the next day; the trip plan called for exiting over Sawtooth Pass to get back to my car parked in Mineral King Valley.

Upper Lost Canyon, with the pointy spire of Sawtooth Peak just becoming visible to the west.

2009-01-16T14:30:35Z

bryanlallen
Upper Lost Canyon, with the pointy spire of Sawtooth Peak just becoming visible to the west.

View from trail of little meadowlets along Lost Canyon trail. It looked like among the trees on the other side of the creek would be a fine place to camp.

2009-01-16T14:31:39Z

bryanlallen
View from trail of little meadowlets along Lost Canyon trail. It looked like among the trees on the other side of the creek would be a fine place to camp.

Upper Lost Canyon, with Sawtooth Peak on the skyline to the left. The trail makes its way up the wall at the head of the canyon to the right amongst the scattered trees.

2009-01-16T14:33:24Z

bryanlallen
Upper Lost Canyon, with Sawtooth Peak on the skyline to the left. The trail makes its way up the wall at the head of the canyon to the right amongst the scattered trees.

Looking back east down Upper Lost Canyon at the beginning of the climb over the ridge to Columbine Lake.

2009-01-16T14:26:06Z

bryanlallen
Looking back east down Upper Lost Canyon at the beginning of the climb over the ridge to Columbine Lake.

First view of Columbine Lake after topping the climb out of Lost Canyon; Sawtooth Peak to left. Sawtooth Pass is towards the low portion of the ridge to the right.

2009-01-16T14:30:33Z

bryanlallen
First view of Columbine Lake after topping the climb out of Lost Canyon; Sawtooth Peak to left. Sawtooth Pass is towards the low portion of the ridge to the right.

Looking back east across Columbine Lake; if you display the photo in a larger size (hover your cursor over the photo for display choices) you can see the trace of the trail along the eastern ...

2009-01-16T14:31:41Z

bryanlallen
Looking back east across Columbine Lake; if you display the photo in a larger size (hover your cursor over the photo for display choices) you can see the trace of the trail along the eastern ...

Looking to northwest while climbing up the east side of Sawtooth Pass. Columbine Lake to lower right, and Kaweah Peaks Ridge on skyline to left. Mount Kaweah is the rounded-top reddish peak ...

2009-01-16T14:25:21Z

bryanlallen
Looking to northwest while climbing up the east side of Sawtooth Pass. Columbine Lake to lower right, and Kaweah Peaks Ridge on skyline to left. Mount Kaweah is the rounded-top reddish peak ...

Sawtooth Peak from Sawtooth Pass; Needham Mountain is the highest peak on left.

2009-01-16T14:34:15Z

bryanlallen
Sawtooth Peak from Sawtooth Pass; Needham Mountain is the highest peak on left.

From Sawtooth Pass looking southwest to reddish Mineral Peak in middleground, and across Mineral King Valley to the cirques on the west wall of the valley.

2009-01-16T14:32:35Z

bryanlallen
From Sawtooth Pass looking southwest to reddish Mineral Peak in middleground, and across Mineral King Valley to the cirques on the west wall of the valley.

Looking west and down about 3500 vertical feet to Mineral King Valley (can't quite see my car, but it's down there...) A small signpost on the right directs hikers to traverse right rather ...

2009-01-16T14:35:46Z

bryanlallen
Looking west and down about 3500 vertical feet to Mineral King Valley (can't quite see my car, but it's down there...) A small signpost on the right directs hikers to traverse right rather ...

Cottony clouds and blue sky above me, from Sawtooth Pass.

2009-01-16T14:26:05Z

bryanlallen
Cottony clouds and blue sky above me, from Sawtooth Pass.

Self-portrait atop Sawtooth Pass. Mount Kaweah is just above my right shoulder and Mount Whitney is on the distant skyline just above my left hand.

2009-01-16T14:30:43Z

bryanlallen
Self-portrait atop Sawtooth Pass. Mount Kaweah is just above my right shoulder and Mount Whitney is on the distant skyline just above my left hand.

Lower Monarch Lake with Mineral Peak just above. Enlarging the photo allows you to see Upper Monarch Lake at middle left with its drainage stream cascading down to the lower lake. Traces of ...

2009-01-16T14:34:58Z

bryanlallen
Lower Monarch Lake with Mineral Peak just above. Enlarging the photo allows you to see Upper Monarch Lake at middle left with its drainage stream cascading down to the lower lake. Traces of ...

Gnarled Whitebark Pines just to the west of Lower Monarch Lake. See the Ent? ;-)

2009-01-16T14:34:38Z

bryanlallen
Gnarled Whitebark Pines just to the west of Lower Monarch Lake. See the Ent? ;-)

View to northwest of Timber Gap, where I had departed Mineral King Valley two days prior.

2009-01-16T14:30:11Z

bryanlallen
View to northwest of Timber Gap, where I had departed Mineral King Valley two days prior.