Piute Trailhead to Pine Creek via Lake Italy

This 47.3-mile point-to-point backpacking trip travels from the Piute Pass Trailhead near North Lake to the Pine Creek Trailhead, crossing through some of the High Sierra’s most remote and dramatic terrain. Linking the John Muir Wilderness and the southern end of the Hoover Wilderness, this route blends well-graded trails with rugged cross-country sections, alpine lakes, high passes, and granite basins. Highlights include Piute Pass, Humphreys Basin, the scenic Pacific Crest Trail, Lake Italy, and Italy Pass. Expect solitude, jaw-dropping views, and classic Sierra terrain all the way through. Most backpackers take 4–6 days, depending on acclimatization and pace.

The trip begins with a steady climb from the Piute Pass Trailhead through a corridor of lodgepole pine and glacially carved granite. After cresting Piute Pass you’ll drop into Humphreys Basin, an expansive, lake-dotted alpine plateau. Wildflowers fill the meadows in summer, and the open terrain makes for excellent off-trail wandering.

After crossing the basin, you’ll connect with the John Muir Trail / Pacific Crest Trail (JMT/PCT). Option to take a short detour to Muir Trail Ranch for resupply. Continue north on the JMT/PCT hiking over Selden Pass and into Bear Creek Meadow. 

North of Bear Creek Meadow you’ll leave the JMT/PCT and head east on the Lake Italy Trail, toward Lake Italy, a stunning and remote lake surrounded by steep granite walls. The approach is more rugged here, with fewer signs of trail maintenance, but the views are worth every step. You'll climb over Italy Pass (12,400’), the highest point of the route and the most exposed section. Expect lingering snow early in the season. 

The descent drops you into the upper reaches of Granite Park, then follows switchbacks through pine and fir forest toward Pine Creek Pass, eventually reaching the Pine Creek Trailhead.

FLORA & FAUNA
You’ll pass through several ecological zones: montane forests with lodgepole and whitebark pine, open alpine basins filled with granite and lichen, and lush meadows filled with paintbrush, lupine, and monkeyflower in peak summer. Wildlife includes marmots, mule deer, Clark’s nutcrackers, and the occasional black bear. Mosquitoes can be intense early in the season—bring a head net.

PERMITS & REGULATIONS
You’ll need a wilderness permit for overnight travel, reservable through Recreation.gov. This route starts in Inyo National Forest at the Piute Pass Trailhead. Make sure to select the correct entry point and trail when applying. Bear canisters are required, and campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

NEED TO KNOW

• Best season: Late July to September, depending on snow conditions.

• Shuttling: This is a point-to-point hike; arrange a car shuttle or use local shuttle services out of Bishop.

• Water: Generally abundant, but always filter.

Navigation: Most of the route follows established trails, but the Italy Pass section is rough and may require cross-country navigation skills. Carry a map, GPS, and backup.