From Lower Palisade Lake Mather Pass isn't visible yet. Its around the corner of the canyon to the right. The trail climbs up above Lower Palisade on the left and stays high above Upper Palisade Lake. Most people camp near the creek coming out of the canyon that goes to the left. There is a cross country route that goes that way to South Fork Pass, and on to intercept the Bishop Pass trail.

Below is a picture of Upper Palisade Lake with Mather Pass at 12,100 ft visible above the lake and to the right a bit. Upper Palisade lake is about 10,680 ft.