Backpacking 2005

Andy, Jonathan, and Bob spent 5 days in the Sierras along the Ritter Range. We had planned to follow the High Route over North Glacier Pass, north of Banner Peak, but were turned back at Cecile Lake by dangerous snowbanks leading directly into freezing water. Our revised itinerary:

Day 1: Depart from Devils Postpile, camp at Superior Lake (not to be compared to Lake Superior)

Day 2: Cross country over Nancy Pass, following the High Route to Cecile Lake, via Minaret Lake, one of the most beautiful spots in the Sierras, especially this year, when it was unusually green from double the usual snowfall last winter.

Day 3: North on the John Muir Trail

Day 4: On to Thousand Island Lake, another candidate for most beautiful spot

Day 5: Out to Agnew Meadows

The weather was windy and cold, but we did not see a single cloud on the entire trip.


Unusual snowbanks in September, following a snowy winter


The team--Andy (red hat), Bob, Jonathan


The Minarets from Minaret Lake


Minaret Lake from the trail down from Cecile Lake


Minaret Lake in the morning


The last Minaret from Minaret Lake

One of the 1000 islands...

View from Nancy Pass


The Ritter Range


The Minarets from Cecile Lake




Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak from 1000 Island Lake


Looking north over the east end of 1000 Island Lake