Wed. Jul 29 (6a start)
RT Distance: 12 miles
Elev. Gain: 4,200 ft.
Mt Gilbert is a popular SPS peak that lies along the Sierra Crest, but has yet to find itself on a challenge. Luckily for those who have already climbed it, there is no shortage of alternate Challenge peaks in the surrounding area. In my defense, this area has been picked pretty clean over the last 25 years.
Our starting point is the Bishop Pass TH at South Lake. Just over half a mile from the TH, take the right fork towards Treasure Lakes. Follow the Treasure Lakes Trail up towards Treasure Lakes where it peters out, taking the western branch of the drainage towards Mt. Johnson. Climb to the saddle (Treasure Col) between Mt. Johnson and Moonwalk Peak, then hike beneath Moonwalk and Moonshot Peaks along the crest to the summit of Mt Gilbert.
Other Challenge peaks in this area include Ski Mountaineers, Trapezoid Peak or the Moonshot and Moonwalk Peaks combo. Bonus peaks might include Mt Johnson, Hurd Peak, Chocolate Peak among many others.
6am start from Bishop Pass Trailhead at South Lake.