Long Lake/South Slope Route

Approach

Starting at the Long Lake Trailhead (10,500 ft.), hike .25 miles to Long Lake and continue another 2 miles on the well-worn path to Lake Isabelle. Take the turnoff to Pawnee Pass and continue up into a beautiful high basin to the east of Shashoni Peak (12,967 ft.). After arriving at Pawnee Pass (12,500 ft.) you can survey a variety of routes to a few other notable peaks such as Shashoni Peaks North Slopes route over point 12,878, or Pawnee Peak’s (12,943 ft.) easy walk-up South Slopes route.

Route Description

The route to Mount Toll is straightforward from here, and there are no route finding difficulties. Start a 300 ft., half-mile hike up Pawnee Peaks South Slopes to the summit of Pawnee Peak. From here continue down to the 12,500 ft. saddle between Pawnee and Mount Toll, you will lose about 330 ft. Continue up large talus to the summit of Mount Toll. There is no climber’s trail, but you don’t need one, it is an obvious summit push. I will remember this hike for one reason only, the astonishing view of Lone Eagle Cirque. In fact, there is a small sub-summit just south of the actual summit that even has a better view of the cirque. If you are not familiar with this cirque, only Gerry Roach describes it best “It is the most magnificent cirque on the west side of the Continental Divide in the Indian Peaks. The formation of this cirque defies differential glaciation.” I ran off a half role of film from this lofty perch. A few other notes of interest, the view of Paiute Peak is fantastic as well as peering down the Northeast Face into the Blue Lakes Drainage will test any fear of exposure you might have.

Essential Gear

Always be prepared for the worst, an overnight stay.

Miscellaneous Info

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