dummy, maggot... next you're going to tell me I don't exist?

ok there
back to suggestions please!

anita wrote:ok there
back to suggestions please!

Disregard the impolite comments.

Rush Creek trailhead (not far from June Lake) leads to a number of nice options: Alger Lakes and Donohue Pass from Gem Lake, or Agnew Pass/Thousand Island Lake from a junction at Agnew Lake. Thousand Island Lake is near Banner Peak and Mt. Ritter.

Would be nice to get that classic view of Ritter and Banner. Didn't bring crampons/axe so I suppose climbing either one is out?

You heading there next weekend?

I'd guess there are some who'd say axe/crampons aren't necessary for Banner & Ritter, but i'm not one of them. From what i've seen and heard of the routes to the saddle (from Ediza or from Lake Catherine), there are glaciers to ascend.

Next weekend i'll be soloing Mt. Lyell from Donohue Pass.

I enjoyed Sabrina Basin enough last year to plan to go back again and explore some of its other corners this summer.

+1 for Ritter. The Ansel Adams Wilderness has to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Sierra. Ediza & Thousand Island Lakes offer great places to see and camp. I did Ritter in August 2004. We were able to walk up staying on rock to the right of the glacier and didn't need crampons. this year has been a light year for snow so conditions are likely to be good for getting up Ritter sans crampons.

In most cases, it is well advised to have crampons/axe for Ritter/Banner. You may find however, that Ritter can be safely ascended via the SE Glacier without in this low snow year by this time. As RickF says, A moat opens up on the NW side of the glacier that allows one to ascend the steeper part without having to climb on the glacier itself. The trick is in finding your way across the lower portion of the glacier where the gradient is low. Differing snow conditions make all the difference as you could find it a piece of cake or treacherously icy.

As for the saddle between Ritter/Banner, I wouldn't go up there without crampons/axe unless you can see a snow-free route the whole way. Lots of crappy scrambling can lead to near the saddle where a last bit of snow can stop you cold without proper gear. You might consider approaching from the saddle's back side where the angle is gentler and far more forgiving.

Bob Burd wrote:In most cases, it is well advised to have crampons/axe for Ritter/Banner. You may find however, that Ritter can be safely ascended via the SE Glacier without in this low snow year by this time. As RickF says, A moat opens up on the NW side of the glacier that allows one to ascend the steeper part without having to climb on the glacier itself. The trick is in finding your way across the lower portion of the glacier where the gradient is low. Differing snow conditions make all the difference as you could find it a piece of cake or treacherously icy.

As for the saddle between Ritter/Banner, I wouldn't go up there without crampons/axe unless you can see a snow-free route the whole way. Lots of crappy scrambling can lead to near the saddle where a last bit of snow can stop you cold without proper gear. You might consider approaching from the saddle's back side where the angle is gentler and far more forgiving.

Well put.

Another thing I always consider (especially climbing solo) is what happens if I need to make a speedy or nighttime descent? Far safer with ice axe and crampons.
I bring both, if there's even a chance of having to deal with steep snow/ice. Better the extra weight and not using them than needing them and having to manage without.

Anita, I once went over Bishop Pass and camped in LeConte Canyon for 2 nights, making a day trip to Muir Pass. The third night, we camped at Dusy Basin.

All in all, that was, for scenery, one of the most spectacular hiking trips I have ever done. The mosquitoes in Dusy Basin were awful, though.

Keep up the shit Matt and I will write your retarded Dad a letter too. As it is if you ever make it back into this country most assuredly you will never have anyone to climb with, certainly not me. Though I seriously expect next time around you will be turned back at passport control.

You and I are done.

Chad

Bob Sihler wrote:Anita, I once went over Bishop Pass and camped in LeConte Canyon for 2 nights, making a day trip to Muir Pass. The third night, we camped at Dusy Basin.

All in all, that was, for scenery, one of the most spectacular hiking trips I have ever done. The mosquitoes in Dusy Basin were awful, though.

Didn't run into bugs yet but I was only at 10400.
Will see soon I suppose.
I like your trip. I may do something similar but shorter.

The Bishop Pass trail gets a lot of traffic but the traffic seems to fall off dramatically once you get beyond the actual Pass. I have spent the night in Dusy Basin a number of times and often had the place to myself. For scenery, in particular streams, waterfalls, lakes, and the Palisades in the background, you don't want to miss the North Fork of Big Pine Creek up to at least Sam Mack meadow, and better up to the Palisade Glacier moraine for a close up view of the Palisade Cirque. You could actually do Bishop Pass and N. Fork Big Pine Creek trails in a single semi-loop, taking in some awesome scenery, if you were willing to cross Agassiz Col (class 3) between Sam Mack and Dusy. You could also ascend Mt. Agassiz from the SE side via Agassiz Col (class 2-3) and descend via the West Slope (class 2-3) to Bishop Pass. You'd need to arrange a ride between South Lake (trailhead for Bishop Pass trail) and Glacier Lodge (trailhead for N. Fork Big Pine Creek). I haven't done this myself but have scoped it out from both sides and would like to try it some time, probably as a long day hike.

Clouds are looking really gnarly atm.
View on my way down