A Backpack Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets

The outlet of Ediza Lake looking towards Mt. Ritter.

Leaving Ediza Lake

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

It is about 1.7 miles from the Iceberg Lake and Ediza Lake trail junction to the JMT trail junction, and less than a mile beyond that is the JMT/Agnew Meadow trail junction.

Coming up to Ediza Lake for the first time can be quite an experience as you are smacked in the face by the stunning view of the Minarets along with Ritter and Banner peaks reflected in the waters of Ediza Lake. You get strong hints of the view as you come up from below and myriad views coming from Iceberg Lake, but the view over Ediza Lake is the real reward of this hike section.

The optional bridge (if it is still there) over the Ediza Lake outlet, for those heading for Iceberg Lake and the south shore of Ediza Lake.

Unlike what a lot of maps say, there is trail all around Ediza Lake. For me, near the outlet there was a log bridge (see above), but there is no telling what you may find if you visit there. If you are heading for Iceberg Lake from below, you either have to go around the north shore of Ediza Lake on trail to the Iceberg Lake trail, or cross the outlet on whatever bridge is available (or wade across). The north shore trail is best if you are trying to get to an Ediza lake camp.