Brewer Basin in Kings Canyon

From the small lake mentioned below, we could look down at the highest large lake of the Sphinx Lakes that rests below one of the peaks of the Sphinx Crest.

The Highest Large Sphinx Lake

Soon we arrived at a small lake (11358) just in time for a rest, and saw the real job ahead.

The highest and probably smallest Sphinx Lake in the basin. Sphinx Pass can be see clearly above.

Ahead over the next 1/2 mile and 680 foot gain was solid talus. In the middle was a small flat area, our first goal of the climb. We threaded our way through the medium blocks, and even managed to find some solid ground on a very small ridge to help us along. At one point we had to traverse over and climb a very steep section in loose scree and sand where I found myself slipping and sprawled exhausted face down in sliding sandy scree, unable to look up. After a short rest I was able to wrangle the pack and myself over to a more stable area where I was more able to make progress steeply upward. Now I know why other hard core cross-country travelers are always trying to get their pack load weight way down. This kind of travel with a heavy pack is no fun.