Overview
Mount Lamarck lies on the crest of the High Sierra about 1 1/2 miles north of Mount Darwin. While easily climbed from the cross country trail over Lamarck Col ( class 2 ), Mount Lamarck also has a moderate ice gully on the North Face which provides excellent snow and ice climbing. The South Slope and Southeast Slope are also class 2.
Mount Lamarck has an excellent view of Mounts Darwin and Mendel!
Getting There
Take Highway 168 from Bishop, CA. Follow the road to the North Lake trail head. Take the Lamarck Lake trail to Lower lamarck Lake. To climb the ice gully on the North Face, continue to Upper Lamack Lake. From here, rock hopping up the moraine past a glacial tarn leads to the pocket glacier at the base of the North Face.
For the class 2 route from Lamarck Col, leave the Lamarck Lakes trail between the Lower and Upper Lakes and head southwest along a faint path ( see R. J. Secors The High Sierra, Peaks, Passes and Trails guide book ).
The maps for this area are the Mt. Darwin and Mt. Thompson 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles.
Red Tape
Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping. There is a wilderness permit quota in effect from May 1st to November 1st. 60% of the wilderness permit quota is advance reservation ( $5.00 per person ) and 40% is available on a walk in first come first serve basis ( free ). See the Inyo National Forest website at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/ for the most current information.
Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permit Office - 873 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514
Reservation Line - 760 - 873 - 2483
Wilderness Permit Fax Line 760 - 873 - 2484
Wilderness Information - 760 - 873 - 2485
When To Climb
The best time for climbing Mount Lamarck is generally June - October.
Camping
Excellent camping sites can be found at Upper Lamarck Lake. There are also several campsites at the end of the road at North Lake ( fee required ). Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping - see the Red Tape section above.
Mountain Conditions
The most current information can be found at the Inyo National Forest website at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/. The website www.395.com is another good resource.
External LinksImages
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Evolution Group
