Thinking about throwing a different wrinkle into a trip in Sept. I was wondering how the travel is in Center Basin as well as the trail (use trail...old JMT trail) up and over Junction Pass. Does it hook up with the westen side of Shepherds Pass???

"Does it hook up with the westen side of Shepherds Pass???"

Ken,

I haven't been into Center Basin and cannot tell you how the trail is on that side, but it definitely connects with the Shepherd Pass trail at a feature named "The Pothole" on maps. It is visible as you ascend/descend the Shepherd Pass trail. I have talked to a couple of hikers who had used the trail and they had difficulty following it up to Junction Pass from The Pothole, frequently losing it in the brush down low. Personally, I think it would be hard to get very far off route, as the trail goes up a valley. The beta is to stay to the right(east) side of the valley going north, and to the left if you are coming south from Center Basin. Also, you might want to check with the rangers on the current bear situation in Center Basin. It was closed to camping several years ago after a couple of hikers got injured trying to keep bears away from their food. It may have quieted down by now, but it wouldn't hurt to check.

Thanks for the beta Tom. I do remember something about Center Basin being closed to camping a few years back....Basically we are going in over Kearsarge into Center Basin over Junction, over Sheppards (which I now see on the map that yes, you are correct that it ends up at The Pothole) and then over Shepherds Pass, down and over to Forester and back to the trailhead.

From my maping software it shows the trail heading south out of Center Basin and onwards to Junction Pass ascends on the western side. It looks much safer than my idea of heading over Harrison, Lucys, and Millie's footpath.

"Basically we are going in over Kearsarge into Center Basin over Junction, over Sheppards (which I now see on the map that yes, you are correct that it ends up at The Pothole) and then over Shepherds Pass, down and over to Forester and back to the trailhead."

That sounds like a nice route to me. It will give you some of the best of Shepherd Pass without the hot slog coming up from the TH to The Pothole.

"It looks much safer than my idea of heading over Harrison, Lucys, and Millie's footpath."

+1

Have a great trip! And let us know how it went. I'll be particularly interested in what you find going from Center Basin to The Pothole. I've heard stories all over the map. I may get up there myself on a short trip in October, not sure yet, and I'd be interested in any feedback you can provide.

Most definately Tom. I will pass on photos and tales! I hope this happens as it looks like magnificent country

"I hope this happens as it looks like magnificent country"

+1. It's hard to go wrong in that area.

Kirchner approved!

Have a great time...