High Sierra Topix

Hi all,

This Memorial day a group of friends and I were able to get permits for a couple of nights taking the High Trail up to 1000 Island Lake. After come cursory searching, the original plan was to take the PCT up to 1000 Island and spend the first night there. Then the next day we would do a day hike to Lake Catherine and around the area, spending another night at 1000 Island before heading back home on the River trail the next day.

However, these plans aren't set in stone and I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions. I've read some great things about Garnett Lake as well so I was thinking of maybe spending the 2nd night there and coming back on the Shadow Creek trail instead of the River trail. This will be all of our first times in the Mammoth Lakes area, so we want to make the most of it (even though I definitely plan on coming back)!

Thank you!

Hi Wanderingeye,

Welcome to HST! Please read: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4205
When you find the time, an intro would be nice . viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9329

Depending on this current storm, Catherine could present problems - steep, icy approach over North Glacier Pass.
Suggest camping backside SW 1000 Isl, just below Banner - explore. (BTW, Your camp then is at the closest approach to Catherine - take a look, see if comfortable going up.) - and no camping north exit end 1000 Isl. From there, (after Catherine?) an easy x-country (see TOPO) hop over to backside Garnet. Camp there?
Are you fishing? Great fishing 'Bows and Brookies backside both lakes - (FYI, no fish in Catherine).
Follow shoreline/ use trail east side Garnet to pick up Shadow Lake/JMT trail again going down to Agnew.
Sounds like fun. Hike safe.