Approach
From the Piute Pass trailhead at North Lake (Bishop Creek), hike up to the pass, then hike southeast, roughly following the Fresno-Inyo county line to the base of the north ridge.
Variation: An alternate route to access the north end of the North Ridge starts at Emerson Lake and climbs a northeast spur of the North Ridge up to a headwall, then climbing a short class 4 chimney to gain the ridge.
Route Description
From the west side of the north ridge, climb up easy (class 2) slabs, then follow a vague rib of talus up and left to a notch with
a spectacular view down into Piute Lake. Climb directly south, following the crest of the ridge. Climbing ranges from talus scrambling to walking along a solid knife edge to a notch. Pass the notch and climb up and right, then up and left to reach a sandy plateau. Walk to the south end of the plateau, then scramble 50' down (class 3) into a narrow notch with exposure, then scramble up 80' (class 3+) around the west face of the summit turret. The summit block is a square mass a few feet north of a low, loose spot on top of the turret.
Descent
The easiest way to descend is to scramble back through the notch north of the summit block, and onto the plateau. Go to the west edge of the plateau and drop down class 2-3 blocks and ledges to the Lost Lakes, then skirt the lakes to the east and return to Piute Pass.
Essential Gear
A good pair of boots. A rope (50m or less) and some slings may be needed for less experienced climbers to cross the notch immediately north of the summit block.