High Sierra Topix

Just out of curiosity, do most hikers do this hike starting at Minaret lake or the Ediza lake side ? I'm also interested in hearing the advantages/disadvantages of starting in either direction. Thanks guys.

Early season without either ice axe or crampons, or hiking poles, going between Cecile and Iceberg runs the possibility of sliding into the ice cold lake that has only steep slippery ice to grab onto at the shore. Without such, without the savvy experience on hard snow of being a mountaineer or an advanced skier, fools please step forward.

http://www.davidsenesac.com/Iceberg_Lak ... 11-06.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This past Sunday I was on the east side and made a quick out-and-back jaunt to Lake Ediza. As noted, the skeeters were annoying (okay, really bad if you forget the Deet). Anyway, I took a little video which doesn't add any value here other than an idea of what things look like along the trail between Agnew Meadoes and Lake Ediza.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rZo9xJ8jfM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks alot for all of the info. The side hike to Volcanic Ridge from Ediza lake sounds interesting any details on this off shoot? I am looking forward to the trip. We are going to go ahead with it!

You can also go over Volcanic Pass which is a class 2, instead of the Cecile-Iceberg
route if you uncomfortable with the class 2-3 snow route.
After staying at Minaret Lake go back on the trail and head up towards the Minaret mine
and over the obvious pass and then down to Cabin Lake, and on to Ediza Lake.
Also the lakes west of Garnet Lakes are pretty with meadows full of wildflowers
and no people.
If going in July or early August be prepared for the skeetrz, otherwise you will
never get your girlfriend to go backpacking with you again.