Minarets and Ritter Range 2010

Today we were prepared to reach our high point of the trip, and the only “true” alpine campsite of the trip (no trees!).  Lake Catherine is “behind” Ritter and Banner, and is at just over 11,000 feet elevation.

Journal Entry: Started hiking around 9am, over Garnet Pass by 9:30—easy walking.  Down to Thousand Island Lake and between lakes at the end.  Headed uphill toward North Glacier Pass—good use trail over the first part.  Talus and snow fields for the final approach—but snow was easily avoided.  Short downhill over more talus to Lake Catherine.  Found campsites near the outlet.  Awesome views from this lake!  Group of four camped nearby, hiked up from the North Fork San Joaquin River.  Lots of pikas around here!  Took a short hike up some rocks to catch a view of Ritter Lakes and wider view to the east, where a few ridges are visible.  Tomorrow we re-trace our path back down to Thousand Island Lake.

North Glacier Pass Marmot