Backpack Piute Pass from North Lake Campground

This trail was one of the most gorgeous backpacking trips my father and I had ever gone on. Although we weren't prepared for the snow , the time we did spend on the trail was magical.

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and there was some light snow falling in big flakes as we parked and got ready for our trek. (note: unless you have proper snow gear this early onset snowfall is an indication that mountain conditions will only get more intense)

Once on the trail, we were immersed in gorgeous orange and white forest, following a quickly flowing river and crossing over on fallen logs often. The snow persisted and began falling in tiny round pellets, coating the forest floor with a thick layer of white.

Only 4 hours later, we stopped for lunch at the last lake before the pass. The snow has picked up into a heavy fall. Unprepared for the snow, we decided to set up camp and wait, in hopes that the snow would lessen enough for us to make it to the other side of the mountain.

Stopping for lunch turned into taking shelter for the rest of the night as the winds picked up and the snowfall remained heavy. Kept awake all night by the cold, and our lack of proper equipment to combat such conditions, we read Lord of the Rings under lamplight and munched on frozen bread.

The next morning we woke up under 5 feet of snow! The tent was hidden under the whiteness and our water bags had frozen solid! The creek next to our tent had also crystalized into stagnancy- leaving only the lake for drinking water.

We played in the snow for a bit, and crunched around on the frozen creek, collecting water and watching more storm clouds approach. After discussing it, we decided to head back and finish the trail another season when we had the right gear for the weather. The hike back was even more beautiful than before and the logs we crossed earlier were now slippery with ice, so our poles came in handy.

Overall, the experience was amazing, the wildlife beautiful, and the weather totally rad. We saw many marmots and deer, and the fresh snowfall turned the mountains into winter wonderlands. I highly suggest going when it isn't so cold, but no matter what season it is, you wont be disappointed in this hidden gem's shiny features.