Which one is the more scenic trail to 1000Island lake in Ansel Adam wilderness -
1. High trail PCT OR
2. River trail

#1, of the 2. However the trail going through Shadow and Garnet Lks. far outstrips either, any time of the year.

Shadow Lake, After the Storm


Late Thaw, Garnet Lake


Banner Peak and Suncups, 1000 Island Lake



or even from Donahue Pass,

Banner Peak Clearing, Island Pass

If you're just looking to get up to 1000 Islands, the River Trail might be a better option,if only because it's not as exposed as the PCT, which is pretty much all out in the open, above the trees . . . River trail also has more access to water and once you get up to !000, well, that's where the views start.

But yeah, for the killer (as mentioned and photographed above) views as well as major gains and losses in altitude, head out of Reds and hit the JMT, headed south . . .

So how about we start at Agnew Meadows on River trail and then cross over to JMT by shadow lake and then from there take JMT to 1000 Island lakes.

so, how about it . . . go for it. all good. Getting up to Shadow will get you into the views . . . are you just doing a small loop, or a bigger one . . . going to Tuolomne, then try hanging out (camp) on the north side of Donahue where you cross the stream . . . a few spots up in the rocks there, or over near the tarn and make a day hike of heading back up and under Lyell. Fine country.

Thanks all for the recommendation. Took the high trail PCT and stayed overnight at TI lake. The views were spectacular all along and this one ranks as one of my favorite Sierra hikes. Came down on river trail and had a bear encounter.