Glen Pass is just a low point on the ridge near Mt. Rixford.
High tarn visible to the south of Glen Pass. If you need water, get it here.
Glen Pass
Just beyond the upper portion of Rae Lakes, the climb to Glen Pass begins. Unlike most other passes, this one crosses a knife-edge ridge.
#34: 36.7897 N, 118.4096 W 11978'
Unexpectedly Tough
Several passes on the JMT are known for being tough climbs—Forester Pass comes to mind. Few references mention Glen Pass as being particularly difficult. After all, it's under 12,000' and less than 2000' above Rae Lakes. Non-the-less, we felt it was a very under-rated pass. We climbed it late in the day after hiking many miles. In addition, the climb is steep and the pass is hidden by "false fronts." As a result, you think you are getting to the top only to see more and more switchbacks winding above. It was 6:00 in the evening when we finally topped it, and we were really tired!
If you need water, get some from one of the high tarns visible from the top of the pass. We didn't and regretted it later as we couldn't find water again until reaching Charlotte Lake.