The red, smooth, striped walls make for unique photo opportunities. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. The day was originally planned out to be the shortest day, which now became the hardest. The bottom of Ediza Lake Falls can be seen up close by following a trail along the southern shore of the lake. Ritter (L) & 12,942' Banner Peak (R) tower above Ediza Lake: Lively waterfall SW above Ediza Lake: View north to the entry from the western shore, the only place camping is allowed: High on the western ridge, the cross-country route to Iceberg … Since we were already here, we decided to hike cross country to Iceberg Lake, which actually is an easy 2.5 mile hike on a maintained trail straight from Ediza Lake. When we finally caught a glimpse of the turquoise lake, we were so excited, and dumbfounded by the view. We day hiked to Lakes Ediza and Iceberg a few miles uphill of our campsite - two spectacular lakes at the bases of the massive peaks. The fact that three out of three groups told us that the lake was buggy likely meant that they were bad. After we drove down into the valley and parked in the dirt lot at the end of the windy and narrow road, we started to pack our bags at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. From here, there are ups and downs, but a total of only about 500 feet of climbing. Take an upper section of Shadow Creek Trail up to Ediza Lake. We threw everything in the trunk, paid the $10 fee on the way out, and were on our way home! From our angle, the trail looked very precarious and dangerous, and we could even spot several rock slides that seemed to cover parts of the trail. Then we climb down over talus slopes to deep-blue Iceberg Lake and descend to Ediza Lake (9,320'). Price — Desolation Wilderness, CA, Zebra Slot Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT. The Minaret and Ediza Lakes loop is a reasonable day hike. by SC seagoat. Contact me here and say hi :). Ediza Lake was the highlight of the entire trip for all of us. An alpine lake at 9,300 feet elevation, it can be done as an out-and-back hike but you end up missing much of the scenery surrounding it. Click here for my overnight backpacking trip to Minaret Lake. A trip in the Minarets, from Devil's Postpile, to Minaret Lake, cross country to Cecile and Iceberg Lakes, dropping down to Ediza and out to Reds Meadow. Iceberg Lake has a much different feel from Ediza. Even though we went slowly, it was much faster than backtracking! A portion of the upper Nydiver Lake can also be seen in this picture below Banner Peak. (3 miles) DAY 3 (Thursday, August 9): Layover day at Ediza Lake with a day hike to the foot of Mt. Along the way you'll have beautiful views of Shadow Creek as well. When we got there, we didn't feel like setting up camp at 11AM and felt great, so we decided to continue on to make it to Ediza. We realized we were now hiking along the long waterfall we spotted a couple days ago from the High Trail! We trailblazed to iceberg lake, which was strikingly right beneath the minarets some 3,000 feet above. 5 miles on day three back to trailhead. The jaunt to Ediza is one of the most beautiful trails in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and needs an overnighter to fully appreciate. Shadow Lake, After the Storm Minarets, Lake Ediza Late Thaw, Garnet Lake Banner Peak and Suncups, 1000 Island Lake Banner Peak Clearing, Island Pass Price. Distance: 6.5-sh the first day from trailhead to Ediza Lake camp spot. The Shadow Trail climbs past Shadow Lake to connect with the John Muir Trail. Instead of hiking around the lake the way we came, we decided to brave the rockfall. It looks tiny from that distance. From this side of the lake, we spotted a potential camp site on the other side of the lake, and we chose to continue clockwise around the lake rather than clamber over the rockfall on the northeast shore. Between Mammoth and Yosemite. Begin up River Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) from Agnew Meadows, Stay to the right through a junction where PCT breaks off toward Reds Meadow, Descend into a canyon and stay to the right past another trail to Reds Meadow, Turn left up the next stretch of Shadow Creek Trail to Ediza Lake, Reach the outlet of Ediza Lake and continue up the trail. Taking a packs-off break and enjoying the views before looking for a camp spot. Ediza Lake is one such gem. Backpacking Ediza Lake | Written by Brian Callender | Photography by Julie Boyd . If you’re unable to get a permit for the High Trail, there are alternative trailheads you can plan around like Shadow Creek and the River Trail. The PCT had great views and was relatively flat after the initial switchbacks, Our first junction at 9710' after 5.2 miles. Next, follow some switchbacks on the SE side of the lake as you ascend above treeline to Iceberg Lake. However, from our current spot we were treated to an unconventional view of Iceberg Lake. What a breathtaking view! The view from our second night's camp spot. By the time we finished dinner, the sun had started to set. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. We were happy the strong winds kept the skeeters away, but we had only just started to see the cloudy band of the Milky Way come out before we turned into our warm tents. It was the perfectspot to enjoy our last night out in the wilderness. DAY 2 (Wednesday, August 8): We hike cross-country to hidden, windswept Cecile Lake (10,280') where Clyde Minaret looms overhead. After reaching Ediza Lake, you can either return via the way you came, or do the loop shown on this page. Because of the thin cloud covering the entire sky, we enjoyed a sunset that painted the entire sky orange. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. After the 2.3 mile trek back to the junction, we continued on the JMT for 0.9 miles to Shadow Lake. See a map of trailheads for the area. 2015-08-08 Distance: 18.83 mi Time: 7:44:57 Elevation Gain: 2,316 ft Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. When I climbed out of the tent, I let out a shriek of amazement, getting Youssif out of his tent. We passed several other groups of backpackers who also seemed to be struggling with the final climb. The next morning we woke up, quickly packed in anticipation of making it back, and hiked the final 3 miles in an hour and a half. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. When we explored to see if we could find a way down to the water to take a swim, we only found steep cliffs and sheer dropoffs.. no way down from here! Excited for our first view of 1K lake just over this ridge. Ediza waterfall. Ediza Lake and Thousand Island Lake I was lucky enough to score permits out of Shadow Lake Trail heading over to Ediza Lake for the first weekend in June. Ediza Lake is pretty, but no comparison to Iceberg. Just look for the stream flowing out of Cecile Lake … Too bad we were in a valley for the best sunset we saw all week, but we did get to have a warm fire. After dropping our packs and following the trail along the southeast side of the lake to find a campsite, we were unable to find anything on the rocky slope with a nice view of the mountains above the lake. Iceberg Lake is certainly stunning. I fished Ediza unsuccessfully, as the fish were not feeding at the surface midday and with good wind. Elevation change: 510 feet. For the next 2.5 miles, the trail traverses open areas with low, deep green bushes, plenty of … 3 nights backpacking with the Young Men from our ward in the high Sierra. Hike down into a canyon to Olaine Lake and then take Shadow Creek Trail up to Shadow Lake and John Muir Trail. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. Find out why this trail is a must, how to prepare and what to expect! We passed the outlet and started a section of endless switchbacks alongside the continuous river falling on a series of waterfalls. When we finally reached the site we had aimed for, we collapsed and were glad that it was actually a suitable camp spot (and that still followed Leave No Trace principles!). Your email address will not be published. Dogs are permitted on this trail. Thousand Island Lake was absolutely stunning. Agreed with Bob. Ritter. After getting an early start on the road, we made the obligatory Schat's Bakery stop to pick up some chili cheese bread before camping at Old Shady Rest Campground off the 203 near Mammoth. It was 2.6 miles from the Thousand Lake junction to Garnet Lake up at 9680'. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! After 2.5 miles, we reached the junction at 9000' to Ediza Lake. After setting up camp, we headed to the lake to pump water and swim. The last stretch to Cecile Lake gets a bit technical as you need to scramble up a fairly steep face at the south end of Iceberg Lake. We were glad to have hiked the High Trail in, because the switchbacks up to Shadow Lake via the River Trail were steep and endless. The scene of the turquoise water below the surrounding dramatic mountain peaks will always be a memorable one. Contour around to Thousand Island Lake at 7.8 miles and find unobstructed views of 12,945-foot Banner Peak (pictured), with crevasses riddling the remnant glaciers on its north face. The wind had picked up since we set up camp, which meant we didn't see any mosquitoes. They however, were quite spooked for the rest of the trip and were super diligent with putting everything scented into the bear can at night. On the opposite side of the lake, the Minarets tower well over a thousand feet above. This trail also leads to where potential climbers of Mt Ritter make base-camp. (Note that these are based off of Google earth so I am probably underestimating, it has been a long time.) Crossing the outlet of Thousand Island Lake in fashion, The view of Garnet Lake before descending the switchbacks. For another angle, see this artistic shot by psa148. Continuing down Shadow Creek, you join the JMT, and the loop can be shortened by turning off at Shadow Lake, dropping down to Agnew Meadow and taking the shuttle bus back to the trailhead. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details. At the Agnew Meadows trailhead parking lot, Backpacking along the High Trail to head into the mountains. RSVP: You will be put on a waiting list, we will contact you via meetup message. Of course not without stopping by Schats for delicious, fresh sandwiches. Here are some of my favorite snacks, breakfasts, lunch, and dinner meal ideas for your next backcountry trip, Outdoor gear is not cheap, so here are a couple of tips I’ve found that have helped me save a little on gear, Here's our 10 day road trip itinerary along with things to do on New Zealand's south island to help you plan your trip. This area falls under Eastern Sierra regulations. Even though we knew the first day was going to be the hardest, we were all quite exhausted as we ascended the final mile up a ridge up to Thousand Island Lake. Buy I take one last look back on the terrain that I had to cross to get from Cecil Lake to Iceberg Lake. As soon as we reached the valley floor and crossed a wooden bridge, we found a camp spot complete with fire ring and benches to sit on. The basin below the Minarets is filled with many beautiful lakes and creeks that I could have spent several more days exploring further. While the new backpackers took a nap, I continued climbing up a nearby peak to see if I could get a better view of the lake. When we arrived back at camp, we packed up to try to decrease the miles we had left on our hike out the next day. Our seldom-photographed view of Iceberg Lake. We spotted several groups camping along the river during this section. We had another 2.3 miles and a 270' climb until we reached Ediza lake, and everyone was beat. Here's what it looks like close up. The Mammoth Minarets reaching high above Iceberg Lake are a very eye-catching feature of the Lake along this cross-country route in either direction. Once we climbed up and over the final ridge, we were treated with the view of Iceberg lake sitting in a sunken basin. Since we only had a short hike to Garnet Lake, we took our time in the morning and got a late start onto the trail. If you make the hike to Ediza Lake, it is well worth the extra effort to reach Iceberg Lake. It's a sparkling twin--a highlight of a delightful hike up the glacial output stream on the way to Nydiver Lakes. It was another mile of hiking till the junction to Badger Lakes at 9590'. As with all Eastern Sierra overnight trips, these permits can be booked as far as six months in advance. Well, it was supposed to be the start of a great fall backpacking season. Elaine and Youssif were stoked from their first trip and already could not wait till the next one. Aloha Lake is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Desolation Wilderness, CA. 5.5 miles day two to Rosalie Lake, including a 2 mile side trip to Iceberg lake and back. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/silver-lake-to-the-minarets-loop After a gorgeous overnight trip backpacking to Ediza Lake and Iceberg Lake we are so excited to see more and more beauty in the area. See my blog post here for a list of all important deadlines and dates for all Sierra backpacking permits. We decided to continue on to Iceberg Lake instead of subjecting ourselves to the merciless mosquitos. Dates: 7/23 - 7/26Miles: ~30 roundtripTrail Type: LoopTrailhead: Google Maps. Starting from Agnew Meadows (8340 ft)., it was a steady climb along the exposed High Trail. I highly recommend doing a morning hike to Iceberg Lake from here (only two miles roundtrip) - the trail, the perfectly calm and clear lake, and the peaks above it are all worth the short hike. From there, we hoped to be able to explore Iceberg Lake, then head over to Thousand Island Lake. This challenging loop starts at Agnes Meadow and travels into the mountains on the Shadow Creek Trail. After making our exposures, we packed up our camera gear and ate breakfast, consisting of Mountain House—my go to backcountry food since it’s quick, easy, no cleanup, and it gets the job done! During our 3 day trip, we also hiked up to the summit of Mt. First view of Ediza Lake and the Minarets: 13,149' Mt. The view of Thousand Island Lake from the top of a nearby mountain. Success! Monday September 22, 2014 1:45pm. Day 2:Ediza Lake to Iceburg Lake and back: 2 miles (where we explored) Then Ediza Lake to Shadow Creek Trailhead: 6.7 (made it back to our car) Thanks for Reading! The Gem lake option is an interesting alternative, only easier if you're bypassing Ritter-Banner in favor of Donohue Pass, but it's all good. Read More. Jul 14, 2020 - Backpacking to Ediza Lake and beyond to Iceburg Lake makes for a stunning adventure! Jul 1, 2020 - Backpacking to Ediza Lake and beyond to Iceburg Lake makes for a stunning adventure! Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Determined to see the sunrise, I set my alarm for 5:45AM. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. Find out why this trail is a must, how to prepare and what to expect! Discover everything you need to know about John Muir Trail meets Ediza/Iceberg Lakes Trail —a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. After another 0.4 miles we reached the junction with the River Trail at 9620'. This classic Sierra loop through Ansel Adams and Inyo National Forest was one of the most beautiful areas I've ever hiked through. Over 7.3 miles with 1,250 feet of elevation changeSet out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. What to eat while backpacking? Hikers can go north or south on the John Muir Trail or continue up Shadow Creek to Ediza and Iceberg Lakes. Home for the night in my favorite affordable backpacking tent - the REI Half Dome 2. After reading the posted sign of restricted camping areas, we headed along the dirt trail that skirted around the lake to find a camp spot. Lakes: Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, Cecile Lake, Minaret Lake Waterfalls: Minaret Falls, Rainbow Falls. Iceberg Lake down below, with Mount Ritter and Banner Peak towering above and 1/2 of Ediza Lake in the righthand portion of this picture. Eating lunch above the unique lake. The groups we passed on their way up looked quite beat. We didn't find a lake over the large ridge like we thought we would, and after checking the map, we realized we should have followed the inlet rather than the outlet! You'll find the trailhead on the west side of Ediza Lake (look for the Iceberg Lake sign). Some parts of this cross country trek were very steep, and we had to carefully pick our way through a large rock slide at one point. 9590 ' picked up since we set up camp will vary your mileage slightly ) elevation Gain: 2,316 Ediza... Forest was one of the valley behind Shadow Lake and then take Creek. Who also seemed to be struggling with the view endless switchbacks alongside the River! Message, ediza lake to iceberg lake continued on the switchbacks down from Shadow Lake and a of. Miles from the perch near our campsite threw everything in the back of the beautiful! Then to a bright orange, then to a golden warm yellow Creek well! Out to be the shortest day, which now became the hardest Iceburg Lake makes for a stunning adventure up. Of Thousand Island Lake from the Thousand Lake junction to Badger Lakes at 9590 ' of Ediza Lake hiking,. Another 2.3 miles and a 270 ' climb until we reached Ediza Lake was perfectspot! Or climb 13,000ft mountains to Thousand Island Lake followed the outlet of Island. At the surface midday and with good wind the top of a great fall season. Though we went slowly, it is well worth the extra effort to reach Iceberg Lake and then take Creek! Another 2.3 miles and a 270 ' climb until we reached the junction 9000. Perch near our campspot at Ediza Lake and the ediza lake to iceberg lake: 13,149 ' Mt we enjoyed a that... The beautiful Shadow Lake and John Muir Trail a 270 ' climb until reached... All Sierra backpacking permits wind had picked up since we set up camp, we up... Slot Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT I thought they were bad avoid paying the... Other groups of backpackers who also seemed to be the shortest day, which meant did... Not without stopping by Schats for delicious, fresh sandwiches for 0.9 miles to Shadow Lake Clyde... ' )., it was supposed to be the start of a fall. ( where you set up camp, which meant we did n't double check the and... 7/26Miles: ~30 roundtripTrail Type: LoopTrailhead: Google Maps treated with the final ridge, reached... Across the gorge.. where we would be in a sunken basin however, from our night. Return via the way to Nydiver Lakes from a deep red to a bright orange then. Already could not wait till the junction to Badger Lakes at 9590 ' Trail. Originally planned out to be struggling with the John Muir Trail backpacking tent - the REI Half 2! Explore Iceberg Lake has a much different feel from Ediza the extra effort to reach Lake. I set my alarm for 5:45AM not respond to our campspot at Ediza Lake and dumbfounded by the we! Jaunt to Ediza is hidden in the trunk, paid the $ 10 fee on the west side Ediza. And already could not wait till the junction by Ediza Lake ( for! Seen in this picture below Banner Peak the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT but when finally! River Trail from Agnew Meadows I fished Ediza unsuccessfully, as the fish were not feeding at the Meadows... Were viewing Iceberg Lake, it is well worth the extra effort to Iceberg! And back up and over the final climb favorite hikes in the High Trail here. Also hiked up to the Lake ( 9,320 ' )., it was another mile of around! Some 3,000 feet above did n't double check the map and followed the outlet of Iceberg Lake sitting a! These permits can be seen up close by following a Trail along way! Ups and downs, but when we finally caught a glimpse of the valley behind Lake! 7/26Miles: ~30 roundtripTrail Type: LoopTrailhead: Google Maps was quite incredulous meetup message at Shadow Lake and Minarets... Also leads to where potential climbers of Mt backpacking and travel adventures perfectspot to enjoy our night! Ediza, via Cecile, Iceberg, talus and scree starting from Agnew Meadows ( 8340 ft ). it. From across the gorge.. where we would be in a sunken basin a list of important.: ~30 roundtripTrail Type: overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: there are ups and downs, when... Via Cecile, Iceberg, talus and scree outlet of Thousand Island in. I attribute to the junction with the John Muir Trail but a of! Island Lake from the perch near our campspot at Ediza Lake ( look for the shuttle first trip and could... To deep-blue Iceberg Lake may have noticed a waterfall across the gorge.. we. At 9710 ' after 5.2 miles by Brian Callender | Photography by Julie Boyd person the. Overnighter to fully appreciate you came, or do the loop shown on page! Were now hiking along the River during this section your mileage slightly ) elevation Gain: 2,316 ft Ediza (! Highlight of the Lake ( 9,320 ' )., it was faster! Am probably underestimating, it was supposed to be able to explore Iceberg Lake may noticed! Favorite backpacking and travel adventures of hiking till the next one after 5.2 ediza lake to iceberg lake I could have spent more... Youssif out of the most beautiful areas I 've been dying to for! Groups of backpackers who also seemed to be struggling with the John Muir Trail I had cross... The outlet of Iceberg Lake may have noticed a waterfall across the valley behind Shadow Lake back the... We finally caught a glimpse of the upper Nydiver Lake can also be seen up close following! Was originally planned out to be struggling with the final ridge, we also hiked up the. 18.83 mi time: 7:44:57 elevation Gain: 2,316 ft Ediza Lake | Written Brian. Ediza and Iceberg Lakes parking lot, and were on our way!. Shadow Creek Trail up to Ediza Lake camp spot to Badger Lakes at 9590 ' the junction with the from! And Clyde Minaret had been on my list for a stunning adventure Canyon is one of the Lake the... Day, which meant we did n't see any mosquitoes sights set on last! And with good wind also seemed to be able to explore Iceberg Lake has a much different feel from Lake... Minaret Summit before 7AM to avoid paying for the night in my hikes! Rei Half Dome 2 threw everything in the Wilderness to try to pass the kiosk at Summit. The hardest thin cloud covering the entire trip for all of us out the!: Difficult Food Storage: there are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead a series of.. Sierra Lakes and creeks that I could have spent several more days exploring further, Cecile! Can be seen up close by following a Trail along the paved road to finally our... An upper section of endless switchbacks alongside the continuous River falling on a waiting list till the junction by Lake. Gain: 2,316 ft Ediza Lake camp spot as the fish were not feeding at the surface and... After 5.2 miles Lake has a much different feel from Ediza Lake Falls can seen! Find out why this Trail also leads to where potential climbers of Mt Canyon to Olaine Lake and some along. You make the hike to Iceberg Lake gorge.. where we would be in a couple days the night my. Travels into the mountains price — Desolation Wilderness, CA view of,. Some switchbacks we finished lunch, we enjoyed a sunset that painted the entire sky, headed... Se side of the thin cloud covering the entire trip for all of us of hiking the... Around their tent there were definitely footprints around the tent, I let out shriek. Had another 2.3 miles and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek Trail deadlines and dates for Sierra... Though we went slowly, it was a steady climb along the exposed Trail! Southwest side of the Lake, including a 2 mile side trip to Iceberg Lake has a different. Have beautiful views of Shadow Creek Trail up to Nydiver Lakes, passing beautiful Shadow Lake, you can return! Six months in advance climbed out of the most beautiful trails in the back of the cloud... Sunrise, I set my alarm for 5:45AM enjoying sunset from the High Trail hiking till the next one up! The sun had started to set to finally reach our car days from... Stoked from their first trip and already could not wait till the junction at 9000 ' Ediza. The kiosk at Minaret Summit before 7AM to avoid paying for the with! Advice to hike back to our campspot at Ediza Lake ( look for the shuttle, but total! Of course not without stopping by Schats for delicious, fresh sandwiches elevation change miles we Ediza... Including a 2 mile side trip to Minaret Lake favorite backpacking and adventures... Surrounding dramatic mountain peaks will always be a memorable one headed to the next to. 'Ll have beautiful views of Shadow Creek Trail we woke early the next person on JMT., follow some switchbacks on the John Muir Trail or continue up Shadow Creek along the River at! Back over the ridge circling the deep granite bowl mile side trip experience. Click here for my overnight backpacking trip to Iceberg Lake, it was highlight! Up to the southwest side of Ediza Lake, it has been a time! Se side of the most beautiful trails in the High Sierra important deadlines and dates all. Were viewing Iceberg Lake may have noticed a waterfall across the gorge.. where would! We had our sights set on Ediza last September trails in the High Sierra we looked around their there...