Minarets and Ritter Range 2010

As with most trips in the Sierra, this one started with uphill.  We saw quite a few people on the John Muir Trail (JMT), but saw no hikers once we left that trail, only two stock parties.  The trail goes up and over a ridge, crossing from Minaret Creek to King Creek drainage.  Near the trail junction before Superior Lake was the remains of Beck’s Cabin, named for John Beck, a prospector in the 1880-1900 timeframe.  Originally we were intending to camp at Beck Lakes, but decided to stop at Superior Lake instead.  Nice quiet lake right at treeline!

Journal Entry: First day hiking on our annual trip.  Drove to Mammoth Lakes yesterday and took the shuttle to Devils Postpile campground.  Nice site next to the river.  Started hiking, meeting the JMT soon heading north.  Branched off on the trail to Beck Lakes.  Around 2000 ft. total elevation gain today to Superior Lake where we are camped.  View of Nancy Pass from here, our first goal for tomorrow.