A Backpack Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets

Looking south towards the bench where Cabin Lake is located below Volcanic Ridge. The easy way to get to Cabin Lake may be from the Iceberg Lake trail. The view above Shadow Creek.

Back to the John Muir Trail

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

The easy pleasant trail wound its way in north of (now) Shadow Creek on almost level ground with a few surprise ups and downs, much to my sore ankles relief. In either direction, it is a stroll: very easy hiking. Along here you may or may not see camping, depending on the zealous ranger restrictions. I was told by a Ranger the restrictions were mainly due to the impact of horse packers.

What is a wilderness trail without some overly engineered rock stairs?

Hints of things to come for those going up the trail to Ediza Lake. Here, the Ediza Lake outlet stream (Shadow Creek) and Mt. Ritter are seen from the trail.

After a pleasant ~1.5 miles I once again found myself on the John Muir Trail. Ahhhh, freeway! The next ~.8 miles continued on in is mild ways to the next junction. All along the way peeks and hints of views made the traveling more than nice.