OK, it's me with 1000 Island Lake. Banner Peak (L) in the background.
I set out from Agnew Meadows on Friday, July 20, 2001 with Tom B., a good hiking buddy. Our destination for the day was Thousand Island Lake, a distance of about 7.8 miles. The River Trail, which we chose to stay along the river, departs Agnew Meadows at about 8,300 feet, before dropping to a low of 8,040 feet, and then climbing to 9,840 feet and the lake. The first half of the elevation gain is insidious, and hardly noticed, rising gradually some 920' before hitting a more apparent climb of 890' to the lake. A fascinating gap took us the last mile, featuring boulders, a melodic stream and fantastic views of Banner Peak and Thousand Island Lake. Tom and I were a bit whipped, but we gained a second wind that last mile, pulled on by the breathtaking, no breathgiving panorama.
At Thousand Island Lake we joined with Eric H. and Tom C., with whom I've backpacked Yosemite's backcountry and also the Emigrant Wilderness, as well as other spots. They had started Thursday morning from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, hiking up Lyell Canyon some dozen miles. Friday morning, while we departed Agnew Meadows, Eric and Tom hiked over Donohue Pass (11,050' elevation) and took the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trails to Thousand Island Lake. We camped on the northwest shore, well away from the waters, with a marvelous picture of Banner Peak before us.
Davis Peak morning of day 2 - view from our camp.
On day two (three for Eric and Tom C.) we hiked the John Muir Trail, up to 10,100' before dropping down to Garnet Lake at 9,680 feet. We lunched near the rickety bridge, then switchbacked over the 10,100' pass leading to Shadow Lake. A powerful view of Mount Ritter greeted us atop the pass, and The Minarets added to the amazing sight. We met seven people from Scotland, who were doing the entire 200 mile John Muir Trail, from about Yosemite Valley, through Tuolumne Meadows to Mount Whitney. We hope to have an accounting of their trek soon, along with some photos. We camped at one of only two legal campsites allowing a campfire along Shadow Creek, just before the drop to Shadow Lake. Tom B. got a great, little fire going that night - thanks, Tom. The hike to Shadow Creek was about 6 miles, and quite pleasant. A black bear had scored a poorly hung food bag in our campsite the night before, according to Ranger Heidi, but to our disappointment, the ursine creature did not return the night we were there. Each of us carried a bear proof food canister, so it would have been one disappointed bear had it returned, and that's the way it should be. A fed bear is a dead bear. I never slept in my tent on this starry trip, and that night I lay, camera at the ready, awake much of the night, hoping for a visit and some snapshots. Drats!
Eric had run off a star chart on his computer, specific to our first night out, and we spent a little time identifying constellations and individual stars. The sky was absolutely moonless; the moon was below the horizon all night. That made for perfect stargazing. Thanks to Eric for that special touch - the star map, not the perfect conditions.
Me, Eric, Tom C. and Tom B. What a crew! Garnet Lake behind us.
Day three found us saying Goodbye to the John Muir Trail, then dropping dramatically through the canyon at the outlet of Shadow Lake, cascading waterfall to our right, with spectacular views of the High Trail/Pacific Crest Trail before us. The PCT had split from the JMT at Thousand Island Lake, eventually becoming the High Trail, and passing by Agnew Meadows. After an easy 4.2 miles, we reached my Jeep and a quick ride into Mammoth for lunch at Grumpy's. We then drove into Yosemite via the east entrance, dropped Eric and Tom C. off at their car at Tuolumne Meadows, and then pierced Yosemite's heart on our way west and home.
This is a MUST DO trip. The views are incredible. This is an active bear region. Bear Canisters are absolutely necessary and mandatory. Please obey this rule to save the bears. Oh, and after 7:30 A.M. you must take the shuttle bus from the Mammoth ski lodge to Agnew Meadows - no exceptions, except maybe for the disabled. You may also drive in after 5:30 P.M. Nighttime pick up of Permits is possible - see Web Site below for more info.
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