California: Sampling the Sierras: The Lamark Loop
September 2023
Sierra Nevada Finale
3 Days, 2 Nights on the Lamark Loop 17.1-mile loop trail near Bishop, California 4,967 ft Elevation Gain
Researching a bang-for-the-buck trip, I was able to find this loop. I had looked at the area near Thousand Island Lakes I had backpacked last season. Fortunately, I got some more details from a ranger at Mammoth Lakes and it proved to solidify my decision. There was still a bit of snow on some of the lakes perimeters and I decided to save the loop that goes by Iceberg Lake, just north of the Lamark Loop. That other loop had some tragic outcomes due to snow conditions.
The ranger suggested although most of the snow was gone, to bring an ice axe along with micro spikes. And although I would run into backpackers that went without, for me it would be a welcome addition to my kit!
Finally packing up a 25lb. all you can carry load, I left Bishop around 4ish to head out 168 to the end of the road to North Lake.
Looking behind me as I headed up Piute Pass
I ran into a fellow adventurer by the name of Bob. He has some great stories and some helpful pointers for what would be in store. Much appreciated!
Looking west from Piute Pass
Mount Humphreys in the distance
Mount Humphreys
Clouds were building. And with faint thunder I decided to find a camp spot, hopefully with some protection. Bob had mentioned there would be very few spots if any until I was up and over Alpine Col and that was not something I would want to attempt that afternoon. Good beta.
View from Camp 1 at Muriel Lake
Day 2. Most of it without a trail or path.
Looking back on Goethe Lake were I had picked my way through refrigerator sized boulders for most of the early part of the day…
There were some snow sections around Goethe Lake
Although the snow slopes had fairly defined suncups, a slip could put you in the lake. Some of these sections the water looked to be quite deep and the water’s edge was a vertical slice that would be very difficult to climb out of the water. I opened my pack straps and got my axe and micro spikes out. I talked to a few along the way that did not have or use either.
Looking up toward Alpine Col. 12,342’
View on the other side of Alpine Col before crossing late afternoon snow. Seeing the rocks lying in the suncups, I was glad although the snow was quite firm, I was less concerned about rocks coming down…
Day 2
Camp 2. Day 2. Landed between 2 alpine lakes between Mount Goethe and Darwin. Great spot suitable for fair weather. The forecast help which would make the trip that much more enjoyable. Finding shelter from a storm would have been interesting on much of the loop.
Morning of Day 3 from my Tentsite. I knew I was behind mileage wise. I had Lamark Col at 12,887’.
Alltrails indicated going left around the lake. I decided to work my way right and avoid the lakeside snow slope.
I must have been too caught up in the views and ended up adding another half a mile or so onto my route.
Looking back on the terrain to the foot of Alpine Col.
Finally up and over! The snow was quite firm and needed to be traversed up high. Nasty runout. Oh, and the sun was setting…
I knew at this point it would be important to get to treeline before full on lights out. Pretty easy to wander of route in the dark without a trail. It would be a very long night via headlamp! (I did have everything I needed to stay out another night, one more past my permit. But once meeting up with the trail it was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other).
I took my time reflecting on this trip. It was one of the most challenging trips both physically and mentally. And one of the most memorable adventures I have had this year or any. Probably my last big push before I slow it down and make my way south to see friends and family for the Holidays. What a trip!