Mount Alice

ALPINE

MAP

Mount Alice is the monarch of Wild Basin, and is among the highest and most striking peaks in the park. It would be a very popular summit, but like everything in Wild Basin, it is a long way from any trailhead. Despite the nine-mile approach, a number of excellent routes have been completed on the steep, Diamond-like east face although much of the rock quality is only so-so. Additionally, Hourglass Ridge is a peak bagger’s classic. Even so, few visit this great mountain. Approach: Hike the Wild Basin Trail to a junction at 4.8 miles; go right on the Lion Lake Trail and follow it for 2.2 miles to Lion Lake No. 1. Walk around the east side of the lake, then continue west-northwest cross-country for 1.5 miles to the east face of Mount Alice. To reach the saddle with Chiefs Head Peak and Hourglass Ridge, follow a rugged path northwest past Trio Falls to Lion Lake No. 2 and Snowbank Lake (11,521’). From here, either A) Hike west and gain the crest of a ridge that leads northwest to Hourglass Ridge 0.25 miles south of the saddle, or B) Head northwest up the drainage and follow a faint path to the saddle between Mount Alice and Chiefs Head Peak (12,450’). Descent: The easiest return to Lion Lakes Basin is to descend the Southeast Gully. It also is possible to descend Hourglass Ridge, or to follow the South Ridge to Boulder-Grand Pass, then east to Thunder Lake.