How easy is it to follow the trail? Is it easier to just summit Tyndall without Williamson or vice versa?
From the car to Shepherd pass is straightforward. It’s all trail, mostly pretty good trail. In 2015, there was a short section of washed out trail below Anvil Camp, and the last 700 vertical feet below Shepherd Pass is always eroded and a bit of a pain. There will be a big patch of snow just before Shepherd Pass well into the summer. It always has a boot track across it, but it may be a little dicey when it freezes up late in the day. I’ve crossed it in trail runners, but I really had to pay attention.
There is no trail from Shepherd Pass to the peaks, though you will stumble across short sections that look like trails. Just follow the path of least resistance in the general direction of Williamson.
If you’re doing both peaks, do Williamson first. Crossing Williamson Bowl is a time-consuming pain in the ass… both ways. There are lots of huge boulders and a few places you have to climb down or around cliffs. Williamson itself isn’t too bad, once you find the right couloir. As I said before, study the route descriptions carefully; it’s fairly easy to screw it up.
The North Rib route on Tyndall is much quicker and more pleasant than Williamson. It’s one of my favorites.
Water is usually available along the trail once you get into the Shepherd Creek drainage. It’s always available at Anvil Camp and the Pothole. You can also get water at the lakes near Shepherd Pass and in Williamson Bowl.
Edit: Typo
