A Backpack Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets

The glaciers of the Minarets and the "south notch", just south of Clyde Minaret. Note the distinctive red spot below Clyde Minaret on the right, which Norman Clyde wrote about when he was documenting his first assent climb of Clyde Minaret, and solo to boot.

Cecile Lake

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

Cecile Lake is an average looking high altitude lake in a rocky talus infested bowl. The real attraction is the Minarets in their prime glory, looking like the jagged teeth of some ravening predator. Not just teeth, but slender spires can be seen, the mere sight of which can give the slightly acrophobia nightmares.

Clyde Minaret and the jagged teeth of the Minarets.

I could see the red spot on Clyde Minaret which Norman Clyde wrote about, which climbers aim for when approaching this climb. Looking at the pictures, you might think the red spot is some flaw of film or digital weirdness, but it is there and also on places to the north, also plainly in view.

The usual route around Cecile Lake, a rocky talus infested mess. The snow field can be gotten around by going above the snow.

Getting around the lake can be done in either direction, though the usual way is around the east side through the talus, following the signs of previous passage. On the other side is a tricky steep class 3 section similar the the rocky switchbacks encountered earlier, but with the added thrill of snow till late season, making ice axes a requirement. Also a slip would mean a long ride down into iceberg lake far below.