Piute Pass
A breathtaking 11,460 ft. mountain pass in the Eastern Sierra, offering access to stunning alpine lakes and the John Muir Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snowmelt, meadows bloom
Piute Pass
Best Time
Snowmelt, meadows bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 11,460 ft. mountain pass in the Eastern Sierra, offering access to stunning alpine lakes and the John Muir Trail.
"The wilderness that Piute Pass gives access to is one of the most unique areas in the Sierra's and is world renowned for it's beauty."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Piute Pass Trail is very rocky. Invest in good hiking boots to navigate the terrain comfortably.
💧 Water Filter Recommended
Plenty of water sources, but always filter or purify stream water for safety.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 13 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Azure Lakes
En route to Piute Pass
Stunningly blue alpine lakes that offer a breathtaking reward for your hike.
Humphreys Basin
Beyond Piute Pass
A world-renowned wilderness area with unique beauty, accessible via Piute Pass.
John Muir Trail Access
Connecting to JMT
Piute Pass serves as a gateway to the iconic John Muir Trail for backpackers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your High Sierra Adventure
Trail Conditions & Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Piute Pass Trail is very rocky. Invest in good hiking boots to navigate the terrain comfortably.
💧 Water Filter Recommended
Plenty of water sources, but always filter or purify stream water for safety.
⚖️ Practice Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve this beautiful High Sierra environment.
🚗 Hitchhiking Tips
Hitching from Bishop to the trailhead is possible, but be patient and prepared.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Piute Pass Trail is very rocky. Invest in good hiking boots to navigate the terrain comfortably.
💧 Water Filter Recommended
Plenty of water sources, but always filter or purify stream water for safety.
⚖️ Practice Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve this beautiful High Sierra environment.
🚗 Hitchhiking Tips
Hitching from Bishop to the trailhead is possible, but be patient and prepared.
🥶 Weather Can Change
Be prepared for sudden temperature drops and hail, even in summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Piute Pass for its stunning alpine beauty, vibrant blue lakes, and access to the renowned Humphreys Basin and John Muir Trail. Many recall fond memories of its pristine wilderness. However, some reviews express frustration with the trail's rocky nature and the perceived lack of amenities at the pass itself, with one reviewer finding the terrain and lack of services disappointing.
"We took a trip starting from Piute Pass and ended at Pine Creek Pass. It is a really amazing trip, with so much to see and many challenging parts along the trail. If you plan your trip correctly, the weather can be amazing up here, as we only had to wear light wind breakers for the mosquitoes. After the snow has melted, there will be tons of meadows, falls, and creeks. If you take our route, be prepared to cross many creeks around the Hutchinson Meadow area. If you come prepared, this is a great route for beginner/intermediate backpackers. Overall, this is an amazing area that I plan on visiting several more times in the future."
Matthew Ruiz
"Very poor customer service. It would have been nice if they placed this closer to the parking lot. It takes a while to get there because the wheels on my cooler are too small to roll over the “stairs.” Which, FWIW are way out of code compliance. A standard stair has a 10” tread and a 7” riser, but these are totally random as if the builders ordered the wrong sized stone and were too lazy to return it. And why so many stairs too? I mean one or two is OK, but there are like tens of stairs going up there and all placed in random locations. The path just meanders like in a zig zag pattern instead of just going right up. It was a very long walk, and hot too. I started sweating and then it got cold and I had to put on my sweater, all before even getting there. Also, there are lots of rocks on the path. I mean A LOT. Like every step you take, there’s another %^&* rock! Don’t they have a custodian or cleaning contractor? And then when you finally get there its just a nothingburger. No shops or restaurants or places to buy souvenirs. Just more rocks and poorly constructed stairs and several large unheated swimming pools. I’m never coming back."
Tim Drew
"Hard to rate a particular pass in the Sierra's since I haven't seen them all which is why piute pass doesn't get a full on 5 stars. That said, the wilderness that piute pass gives access to is one of the most unique areas in the Sierra's and is world renowned for it's beauty. Piute pass gives access to the JMT, but more immediately drops hikers into Humphrey's basin which must be visited."
Kevan O'Connor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point for Piute Pass is from the North Lake Trailhead near Bishop, California. From Bishop, head east on US-395 and turn south on North Lake Road. The trailhead is at the end of the road. For those coming from the south on the John Muir Trail (JMT), Piute Pass offers a connection point.
Yes, there is parking available at the North Lake Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended. Some visitors opt to arrange shuttle services or carpooling.
Hitchhiking to the Piute Pass trailhead from Bishop is a common practice for some hikers. While not guaranteed, it's often successful, especially during busy periods. Be prepared for potential waits and always prioritize safety.
Piute Pass provides a crucial link for hikers wanting to access or exit the John Muir Trail. It allows for loop hikes or shorter segments of the JMT. The trail from Piute Pass drops hikers into Humphreys Basin, a stunning area.
Road conditions can vary, especially in the early season due to snow. It's always advisable to check with the Inyo National Forest or local ranger stations for the latest information on road status and any potential closures before your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest, which includes the Piute Pass area. Day use does not typically require a permit, but it's always best to check the official Inyo National Forest website for the most current regulations.
Permit fees can vary. Overnight permits often have a reservation fee and a per-person fee. Check the Recreation.gov website or the Inyo National Forest website for the most up-to-date pricing and reservation information.
Permits, especially for popular trailheads like North Lake, are highly competitive and often require booking months in advance through Recreation.gov. Popular dates, particularly for overnight trips, sell out quickly.
Piute Pass is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, the trail can be impassable due to snow from late fall through spring. The best hiking season is typically from late June to October.
There is no direct entrance fee for Piute Pass itself. However, if you are parking at trailheads like North Lake, there may be a day-use fee or a fee for overnight parking. Check with the Inyo National Forest for specific trailhead fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail from North Lake to Piute Pass is approximately 7 miles one-way and involves significant elevation gain. It's characterized by rocky sections, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain vistas. Be prepared for a strenuous hike.
Yes, there are numerous established and dispersed camping opportunities in the Humphreys Basin area beyond Piute Pass. Popular spots are often found near lakes. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
You might encounter various High Sierra wildlife, including marmots, pikas, deer, and various bird species. Black bears are also present in the area, so proper food storage (bear canisters) is essential.
While many people backpack through Piute Pass, it can also be a challenging but rewarding day hike, especially to the pass itself or a nearby lake. Be prepared for a long day with significant elevation gain.
The trail offers continuous scenic beauty, but highlights include the vibrant blue alpine lakes encountered along the way, the expansive views from the pass itself, and the unique wilderness of Humphreys Basin.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant blue of the alpine lakes can still be striking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas and alpine lakes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the water and sky.
The intensely blue lakes encountered on the approach to the pass are incredibly photogenic. The summit of Piute Pass itself provides panoramic views. Humphreys Basin offers a variety of dramatic landscapes.
Include a human element in your shots to convey scale. This could be a person hiking on the trail or a small tent in a campsite. Shooting from a lower vantage point looking up can also emphasize the grandeur of the peaks.
Weather can change rapidly, so protect your gear from rain and dust. Altitude can affect battery life. Be mindful of the sun's intensity and potential for glare on water.
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