Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Seeking Mt Sill advice (from the southwest side)

This is also posted on High Sierra Topix so sorry for any redundancy but I am saturating these few boards looking for as much wisdom as possible. Backpacking solo 7/6-7/10 over Bishop Pass to scramble Mt Agassiz then on through Dusy Basin - Knapsack Pass - Potluck Pass and hopefully Mt Sill. I've found what I think is as much info (TR's, pics) as possible here and elsewhere but still looking for sage, first hand advice, particularly on the southwest slopes/chutes of Mt Sill. Looks like there are a few chutes to choose from and some get you into more challenging climbing beyond class 3 which is beyond my ability. I am trying to boost my class 3 skills this summer with this trip and the MR in Sept. Thanks.

I haven't ever made it to the "backside" of Mt. Sill, but I did two 4th of July trips in a row trying to get there. The climb down Potluck Pass is not trivial and the postholing and shin banging convinced me to head back to camp during one trip.

There are some photos of Potluck Pass in my photo albums (probably under Bishop Pass area).

Todd,

I have climbed the Southwest Chutes of Sill. In good conditions, the climb to the summit starting up the chutes from the tongue of the Polemonium glacier is easier than getting to the start of the climb! At least this was my recollection from some time ago.

If I were at Bishop Pass and Sill were my goal, I would go over Thunderbolt Pass rather than Knapsack Pass. I would approach Potluck Pass, but stop and change directions just before I reached Potluck Pass. Next head up the hill to your left in a NE direction, ascend to the ridge several hundred feet above and then downclimb onto a small plateau. Once on nearly level ground directly walk over to the glacier/start of chutes. I don't see this way in the textbooks. But I have done it and have found it much quicker and easier than dealing with the less direct approach to Still via Potluck Pass. I have gone the Potluck Pass way also, and did not appreciate the unnessary additional descent and subsequent ascent after going over Potluck Pass.

Yesterday I gazed at the Palisades from the summit of Mt Whitney and am envious of those planning to head up to that magnificent area. Bring extra film to capture the view of the crest to the north from the summit of Sill. Those peaks will soon be on your "to do" list!

Have a great time, Jim

Jim F's advice is spot on. Cross Thunderbolt Pass and then go over the shoulder of peak 10,xxx+ that's just to your left of Potluck. Going over Potluck is just extra work. The final climb to Sill is 98% class 2 and, as Jim said, a minor part of the effort.

Hi, I just returned from there. There is still quite a lot of snow in the SW chutes of Sill, but that should improve by the time you go. Climbing Knapsack out of Dusy Basin is easier than T-Bolt. As someone mentioned, head for Potluck but rather than descending, climb the large blocks north, up the ridge (climber's left; actually part of Mt Polemonium) until you get to ~13,300 ft. Stay to the west (left) side of the ridge and it's all class 2. There are a couple of ducks marking the crossing point and you'll be able to actually see Sill for the first time from that position. Look down and you'll see a few more ducks marking the route down to the saddle. The route is pretty obvious at that point--slog through the talus and pick a chute. Pictures are from last weekend

Dave G, looking at your photos I recognize you from the trail last weekend. We were a group of 10 from Troop 801 in Brea. I don't recall exactly where I saw you, it may have been as you walked by our camp. We spent the night at the south end of Long Lake with our destination being Bishop Pass which we had a beautiful relaxing lunch at in warm sunshine with no wind.

This was a training hike for Philmont the last two weeks of July.

Great Photos

Dave

Great info. everyone. Dave, those pictures are awesome. I haven't been to the Bishop Pass area in about 6 years. And then, only crested the pass, looked around and headed back. Now it's time to "crossover." I guess #1, I'll have to decide between Thunderbolt or Knapsack. I've planned for 3 full days back there so perhaps I'll do both to learn about them myself and #2 hope the gods of ultraviolet have graced the area with a bit more energy. I'll take the advice to head left and up instead of Potluck Pass. Thanks!

Sano guy: It's a small world; my son is in Brea Troop 811! That's pretty cool that you got your scouts up there. We're trying to get some interest from our boys in doing Whitney next summer.

Todd: Sounds like a fun trip you have planned. Depending on where you camp, you might consider going in via Knapsack when your pack is heavy and using Thunderbolt on your way out. Good luck and don't forget to pack the skeeter repellent!

Dave G,

I'm planning on a High Adventure Whitney trip in lieu of summer camp for the older boys next summer. We have some parents who are weary of paying $600 for Emerald Bay and $1,000 for Philmont. A Whitney trip can be done for less than $300 including buying some new gear and for the older boys it is much cooler and not quite as geeky as BSA Summer Camp.

Beautiful photos Dave.

Looking reminded me that Len and I used that same route to look over at Sill in '05. Definitely a better way to get there than Potluck Pass. (I don't know why I didn't do the same thing when I tried to get there in '06. Old and forgetful, I guess.)