Harvey, I haven't hiked any of those, but here are the numbers, links to trailhead location maps, and links/text from the Inyo descriptions.

Taboose 5500-11400 (5900 gain) Trailhead
Taboose Pass Trail Experience many biologic zones as this strenuous trail begins from the black lava rocks and sage of the Owens Valley floor. The trail climbs more than 6,000 feet as it follows the canyon of Taboose Creek between Cardinal Mountain and Goodale Mountain. Crossing over Taboose Pass leads to the John Muir Trail and destinations in Kings Canyon National Park south of Mather Pass. This trail is not recommended for stock.

Sawmill 4600-11300 (6700 gain) Trailhead
The Sawmill Pass trail is steep and strenuous. Starting near Division Creek, this trail climbs more than 6,700 feet of elevation to reach the Sierra Crest. Sawmill Pass provides access to the Woods Creek area of Kings Canyon National Park. There is no water or shade at the trailhead or along the first few miles of the trail. A pre-dawn start is recommended during the summer and early autumn.

Baxter 6000-12300 (6300 gain) Trailhead
The Baxter Pass trail provides access to the John Muir Wilderness. After climbing more than 6,000 feet of elevation to the Sierra Crest, the trail continues into Kings Canyon National Park . This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to locate in some places. It is not recommended for stock.


I think I would avoid Sawmill Pass, since it climbs so much and then drops so much on the west side to the Woods Creek bridge. That part of the JMT (except the bridge itself) was not a favorite of mine. Baxter is more appealing since it climbs through Bighorn sheep country (I would love to spot a few of them), and meets the JMT near Rae Lakes, a great reward! Taboose is appealing because it would put you close to Bench Lake, another pretty area.

If your hiking partners aren't as seasoned as you, I would think coming in at Baxter, heading out over Kearsarge would make a nice Rae Lakes loop. A side trip to Sixty Lakes Basin would be interesting, too. BTW, there is a cool shortcut down to Charlotte Lake about where the JMT crosses the 3400 M contour. ...but then there are lots of people camping around Charlotte Lk, so maybe not so great.