Is anyone familiar with the cross-country terrain between Mirror Lake and the north side of Wotans Throne? I might be interested in a dayhike of Wotans Throne that minimizes time spent on the Main Trail and takes me more directly to the northwest arete.
Haven't been up that way but I don't think it would be too hard. I've looked down the chute, relatively gentle. Here's a good photo from Bob Rockwell:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/1352218296/Wotans is real cool as well as the lakes up there.
If you wanted to add a little more spice, crossing Pinnacle Pass and heading down North Fork might be fun.
Odd... I didn't see your post earlier today.
I hiked Wotans Throne from Trail Camp once, and then descended to Mirror Lake. I hung to the right (south), and it was a really steep descent. Maybe the north or center part might be a little easier.
I have been up the slabs to north side of Woton's...food poisoning stopped my partner and I in our tracks.
Up should not be a problem...up usually is not. However, you should have a pair of very grippy shoes for the way down. It is really steep.
You read my mind. I hiked up to Trail Camp on the Main Trail, then climbed Wotans Throne. I descended and headed north to Pinnacle Pass, climbed it and descended it, then climbed Thor Peak via the Smiley Face Route. I've been meaning to try this hike for years.
Sweet. Yeah, it's probably faster to Wotan's summit from Trail Camp. I love that area of the mountain. You probably had it all to yourself. Such beautiful granite.
Yes, the terrain between Wotans Throne and Pinnacle Pass is very pleasant. The north side of the pass, however... But then the drainage on the other side is also very nice - a lush meadow.