I remember seeing people coming up Kearsage Pass when I was heading down. Some of them mentioned that after just a few days in Bishop, they felt as though they’d lost their acclimation. Now, after 4 days in town at 4150 ft, 1265 m, I’m also feeling the altitude. I covered 9.5 miles, 15.4 km today and went over both Kearsage and Glen passes.

I woke up this morning in time to catch the sunrise lighting up the mountain behind the lake. After breakfast and packing up, I got on trail around 7:30 am and began slowly heading up Kearsage Pass. On the way up I saw dozens of people heading down, and remembered how much fun it was for me too.

After I reached the pass, I decided to take a different path back to the PCT than the one I left on. Rather than passing the lakes again, I headed along a trail which stays higher above the lakes.

As I rejoin the PCT, I get a view down the Charlotte Valley. Instead of continuing down the valley, the trail turns up towards Glen Pass. The climb to the pass is smaller than Kearsage, but without acclimation, and with a heavy pack, it feels like a mammoth struggle.

From Glen Pass, I can see all the way down to Rae Lakes, where I’m planning to camp tonight. I can also see a snowfield across the trail, but the track is so deep that it’s no trouble at all.

The trail descends past clear lakes, absolutely loaded with fish. It’s impossible to look at a patch of water without seeing at least a couple of trout. As I walk along the shores, I see dozens of trout swimming around the shallows.

About half an hour later, I made it to a campsite by the lower Rae Lake. There are heaps of spots to choose from, and a bear box to store food in. I find a great spot with a view to Pointed Lady Mountain, and some rocks cleverly arranged to make a comfy recliner chair. This is the perfect spot to rest, and hopefully regain some more acclimation.