La Sportiva - Bushido III

Date: 9/26/2025 Location: Yosemite, loop from Cathedral Lakes TH Distance: \~30 miles Vertical gain: \~7400 ft Video of the route: [https://youtu.be/pBVaz3DQ0Us?si=kYgLnNR7KrdYR19m](https://youtu.be/pBVaz3DQ0Us?si=kYgLnNR7KrdYR19m) **Overview:** The Cathedral Range High Route is an idea I’ve been working on since last year, and the area has multiple viable options for a fun short high route. I've done two variations on this route now and can think of at least one more that makes sense. This one begins at the Cathedral Lakes TH and passes Cathedral Peak, Matthes Crest, Nelson Lake, and the Vogelsang area, after which point it gains a broad ridge which it follows to Parsons Peak and returns to Tuolumne via Ireland and Evelyn Lakes and the Rafferty Creek Trail. The variation we did was about 28 miles (we cut off 1.7 by leaving a car at the Tuolumne store), which we completed in 13hr42m.  We went for this shorter version so we could do it with daypacks. To get the full effect, one would continue over Amelia Earhart Pass and traverse over to Maclure Lake to see the glaciers, then return to Tuolumne via Lyell Canyon (adds \~5 miles compared to what we did on this trip). The other variation I did accessed the Maclure Glacier via Hell Hole, but this route is much less fun than the ridge walk. Even though this trip was done in a day, the last time I did a similar route it was as a 2 night backpacking trip, which felt perfect and is what would likely appeal to most people interested in the route.  **Route description:** We started at Cathedral Lakes TH and took the JMT until we could pass Cathedral Peak on its south side. We passed Budd Lake and climbed a slabby pass and headed to the pass west of Cockscomb. The pass itself is very steep and it’s better to stay far to the west. It was class 3 how we did it. Great views of Matthes Crest up here.  We headed down to Matthes Lake and climbed the pass to its east-southeast. We passed Nelson Lake and climbed the pass south of Rafferty Peak. We hiked to Vogelsang Pass, continuing on trail until the view opened up of Gallison Lake and the basin leading to Hell Hole/Maclure Glacier access.  Hell Hole is an okay pass, and puts you out right at the Maclure Glacier, but it’s not as fun as the ridge walk option. For the ridge walk, we left the trail and climbed up to the ridge that leads to Parsons Peak. Incredible panoramic views from up there.  From Parsons, we descended to Ireland Lake and worked our way back to Tuolumne Meadows, and I think this is the ideal ‘short version’ of the route. Last summer I took the Hell Hole route and traversed from Maclure Lake to Amelia Earhart Pass and then to Ireland, etc. The traverse from Maclure to Amelia Earhart is fantastic, so I think the most optimal route for a long weekend backpack would be to take the route as described above until Parsons, go over Amelia Earhart Pass, traverse to Maclure Lake, and then hike back to Tuolumne through Lyell Canyon on the JMT.  **Difficulty:**  Mostly very easy cross country, with the exception of the pass west of Cockscomb. Even that one isn’t too bad, but there are easier options in the area if you look around the map. The Cockscomb Pass is cool though because of the view of Matthes Crest. Wilts Col is another way to get from Budd Lake to Matthes that I haven’t tried but looks fun and probably has an even better view.  **Gear notes:** We carried almost nothing except for a layer or two, headlamps, filters, but I’ll give a shoutout to the La Sportiva Bushidos in wide. In the past I’ve tried to use the Bushidos and wished they worked for me but they were too narrow. The wide version is the best off-trail hiking shoe I’ve tried and I’m so glad they finally made it. It’s just barely wide enough for me, and I can see it still being too narrow for some.

It's a lot better than the narrow Bushido fit for sure but the durability was a weak point for me. I used my pair on like 3 weeks total of Sierra cross country over the past two seasons (so like ~250mi total) and the sole started peeling a bit in places, plus the cage around the midfoot started getting some holes that let sand in. Really great shoe otherwise, it feels very stable and super grippy on slab and talus. I've been messing with the Prodigio Max shoes instead of cracking open my backup pair of Bushidos, they're kinda like a souped up Speedgoat with better stability, grip, and durability. I've used them on some cross-country routes in the PNW since my last Sierra trip and I'm leaning towards wearing those for my big Sierra trip next year, I didn't feel unstable while scrambling on talus and they were much more comfortable for the flat rolling terrain that comprises a lot of XC travel. The rock plate on the Bushido is nice but really wears down on my feet after a few long days.

Bushido is my go to shoe for most mountain activities. Everything from trail running, guiding hikes, to scrambling low 5th class terrain. I recently picked up the 3rd gen in wide which is a big improvement in fit for my feet.

I tried the non-max versions at REI the other day. They aren’t as crazy narrow as some LS models, but were still a bit too snug for me — ended up grabbing the Bushido III wide. One consideration is what sort of routes he’ll be on. Something with a big stack of cushioning could be good for cranking out miles on maintained trails, but may lack stability and ground feel for scrambling.

I haven’t run 100m and just got these coming from a S/Lab Ultra and only have 30-40 miles on em, but my La Sportiva Bushido III Wides have been great for room in the toe box. To be clear — I have no comment on the durability, suitability for your race, or otherwise — just that I’ve really enjoyed the extra room in the toes with these shoes.

Agree with this. I would check out the companies that will let you test them out. It can get expensive with return shipping, but it’s worth it imo to not get stuck in something that works while walking around for 5 minutes at home, then sidelines you with an injury after you use them with a pack for a week on trail. I have heard countless people complain about the Lone Peak 9 while on the PCT (I have heard Altra has been progressively going downhill after being purchased by VF Corporation), and my hiking partner swapped hers in Idyllwild after an injury for topos. They’re working well for her. I tried many and landed on the La Sportiva Bushido III wide toe box, and am on my second pair.

Honestly the most disappointing thing about the shoe because the wide toe box (which is what I have to go with) only comes in one (blue) color and I really like the tomato-y color of the regular toe box but them shits too narrow. I went with a whole size up from my regular shoe with the wide toe box version and they’re great. Awesome traction and good durability (my first pair went about 600 miles with a 16ish lb base weight). Also REI sells them p sure so could try them on risk-free there without the shipping predicament.

I’ve been through all of the above and still haven’t found a good one for me. I’m currently running on the Bushido wide, full size up and laced up loose in the front - I’m really liking them. May by a second pair soon. Built well, good traction and rock protection too.

Awesome report! And great to hear on the Bushido wide, I recently got a pair specifically for the Sierras next year!

I only use boots if I need crampons. Scree, talus, bouldering is sooooo much better with the right trail runners. They are stickier and give you better feel for the rock. You are more nimble and quick to react. I’ve done thru hikes and off trail high routes in trail runners. I sometimes use running gaitors. The only real protection boots give is if shifting rocks hit your ankles. They don’t prevent you from rolling an ankle. I like La Sportiva Bushidos, which have a relatively stiff sole and a good rock plate. Not all trail runners have a rock plate.

YES. but. The new version the IIIs are falling apart waaaaayyyy sooner. I have holes in the sides after 100 miles, vs 2-300.

If you're only hiking a handful of times a year, and your current boots get the job done, I'd say stick with what you got. Hard to say it's worth the money for you. The main benefits of trail runners are lightness and ventilation. My non gtx runners can be submerged in a river and be mostly dry in minutes. I believe your boots are already pretty light, so I don't think you'll notice much difference in terms of weight unless you're really pushing long distances. Even then, I personally don't notice a huge difference between my la sportiva bushido 3 shoes and ultra raptor 2 boots. I think there's a 3-4 oz difference on each foot, and there definitely is a non zero difference, but not Earth shattering.