A Backpack Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets

Another stitched panoramic look at the Minarets Anona Lake and its glacier.

Time to Leave Anona Lake

A Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets, August/September 2006

After a short break, we decided to move on. The next destination on this route is "Gertrude Pass", Gertrude Lakes and Ashley Lake. One might want to take a shortcut through what looks like a direct route north, but take a look at the picture below. As you can see, the way is more complex. There is probably a way through because on the other side I saw a good to faint use trail heading this way that petered out, but why bother? You would just miss Gertrude Lakes and the way to those lakes is short and easy really.

So, our first step was to find a crossing of the Anona Lake outlet stream (easy) and angle towards "Gertrude Pass".

This is looking north-northwest from near the outlet of Anona Lake. This is looking towards Ashley lake, but it is not the way to go. It is true that you could find a way through or up on the right, but there is a better way. Cross the outlet near here, walk to the first trees mid-picture and head northeast (right) in a climbing traverse over easy terrain.