Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
2,457.00 ft (748.89 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
9.32 mi (15.00 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Piute Pass Trail is a 9.32 mile out-and-back trail located in the Sierra Nevada west of Bishop, California. Taking you through a Lodgepole Pine forest before giving way to expansive views amidst jagged granite peaks, this trail follows Bishop Creek as it ascends gradually to the mountain pass. This trail crosses meadows, ponds and alpine lakes, which are nice spots to stop and cool off in the hot summer months. From the pass the trail This trail leads into the heart of the Sierra Nevada and is popular amongst trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. 

The trailhead can be accessed from the North Lake Campground where adventurers will find plenty of day use and overnight parking. If you want to spend the day in the high mountains, the Piute Pass Trail is a great stand-alone adventure and day hike. Camping and backpacking trips can also be made here since it provides access to Humphreys Basin, Muriel Lake, and peaks such as Muriel Peak, Mount Emerson, and Mount Humphreys.

PERMITS
Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips. Day trips do not require a permit. Quota season runs from May 1st - November 1st, during this time permits are limited to 30 a day. 

AMENITIES
The trailhead has limited amenities and is an active bear area which means that all food must be placed in a bear locker. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead but no potable water. All water must be filtered or treated from lakes and streams. 

MORE INFORMATION
White Mountain Visitor Center (760) 873-2500
Wilderness Permit Information (760) 873-2483

NORTH LAKE CAMPGROUND / TRAILHEAD
For more information about camping at the trailhead please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20332.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

4

Pros

Scenic Views. Peak Bagging Opportunities. Alpine Lakes.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

9,368.00 ft (2,855.37 m)

Highest point

11,417.00 ft (3,479.90 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Vault toilet
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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