High Sierra Topix

A short trip report for the lollipop we just did over this last weekend. Started at Cottonwood Pass Trail head, went to lower soldier, then up and over into miter basin. Went around to upper soldier, then climb Langley, then out via the west side of army pass.

The entire route was virtually snow free, and all of the crossings were simple rock hops. Miter basin was glorious! I've never seen so many wildflowers and standing water in the basin. Sky blue lake was still about 20% covered with snow, with significant snowfield slopes preventing easy circumnavigation of the lake. Mosquitoes were about a 3 during the day at lower soldier, but basically nonexistent in miter basin in the mornings and all day. In the evenings, skeeters came out for an hour or so right at dusk.

We saw a surprising number of people on both the PCT and lower soldier lake. We had upper soldier to ourselves, and we only saw two other groups when we climbed Langley.

How were the mosquitoes?

Great to hear that Miter Basin conditions are nice. Did you use New Army Pass or Old?

Thank you for the conditions report.

Miter basin was glorious! I've never seen so many wildflowers and standing water in the basin.

Now that's what I call a tease, which hopefully will be followed up with some photos, please!

Kathyw - I was glad we passed through lower soldier and didn't camp there. Even during the afternoon the buggers were out strong. Everywhere else was almost mosquitoe free until dusk. An important side note, all our clothes were soaked in premitherin, and we sprayed with naturapel in the evenings. I wore my headnet at sunset to twilight while out taking photos.

Maverick - I only shot on my DSLR, and I'm without wifi/computer until we get home mid August. I will say that the basin has never been more photogenic! I'll be sure to post a few when we get home and I have time to process them.