Overview
Pilot Knob is surrounded by French Canyon on the west, Piute Canyon on the South, Humphreys Basin on the east, so the peak affords wonderful views of the surrounding area.
The trailhead to get to Pilot Knob starts just out of North Lake. Parking is done at the North Lake Lot, and from there you hike through a campground to the trail head. The starting elevation of the trail head is at about 9,300 ft.
Aspens make up most of the cover in the beginnning but as the trail gains elevation these deciduous trees are replaced by evergreens. At about 0.5 mile there will be a log you will cross with the North Fork of Bishop Creek below you. A little way further you will re-cross the stream and continue through the woods. You will then begin taking on switchbacks up an open, rocky slope. The first lake you come to is called Loch Leven and the next one is Piute Lake. Continuing up along the trail, you soon climb out of the bowl of Piute Lake, and into the final ascent towards Piute Pass. Upon reaching Piute Pass (elev. 11,423), you can see Loch Leven and Piute Lake below you. And when you look the opposite direction, you can see the Summit Lake and the valley below of Golden Trout Lake as well as Hutchinson meadow.
Next, descend very gradually and 3/4 mile beyond Summit Lake (6.2 miles from the trailhead) and you will come the junction of the unmaintained trail to Lower Desolation and Desolation Lakes. Head north on the unmaintained trail.
After about 1 mile you will be able to look down on Lower Desolation Lake . The main route will continue above the eastern side of the lower lake, curves slightly left then winds up to a flat area a few feet above massive Desolation Lake.
We camped west of Desolation Lake at Mesa Lake. From Mesa Lake travel north of Square Lake and then north of Knob Lake to the saddle east of Pilot Knob. Climb the East Ridge of Pilot Knob to the summit (Class 2) The views are great from the summit
Getting There
To reach the starting point, proceed on U.S. 395 towards Bishop and in the center of town, turn west on Hwy 168 also known as West Line Street. Drive about 14 miles to the junction of the road to South Lake and keep going straight (right). You will pass a beautiful little community called Aspendell. Continue on until you see a sign on your right that states North Lake 1 mile. Turn right and follow the narrow paved/dirt road that traverses up the valley wall about 2 miles or so. You can then park at North Lake and hike in to the trailhead.
Red Tape
For overnight trips you will need to get a permit from the Inyo National Forest. There is a seasonal quota from May 1st to November 1st on permits and the Piute Pass Trailhead is popular.
For information on reserving permits and trailhead quotas please contact the Inyo National Forest. Here's a link to the Inyo National Forest's page on wilderness permits:
Inyo National Forest Permit Information
You can also call them at:
(760) 873-2483
When To Climb
July through October would be the easiest time. This is a great trip done in the fall because the aspens area beautiful when they are red and yellow.
Camping
The area is wide open and filled with alpine lakes. There isn't much shelter from the sun, but you'll find camping spots at most of the lakes.
External LinksImages
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John Muir Wilderness
