High Sierra Topix

I have permits to backpack in the Minaret Lakes area (08 Jul) and I'm looking for trail conditions / advice on my proposed route from Minaret Lake to Ediza Lake. Is the "trail" passable or is it under snow still?

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I don't have a first-hand report, but I'd guess it's melted out. It's a long slog of talus around Cecile, and steep and loose coming down from Cecile to Iceberg, then more long slog of talus. So. Be ready for that.

There is NOT a "trail" between Minaret Lakes and Ediza. There is a use-trail up to Cecile Lake that is somewhat hard to find in places, rock hopping around the lake (may be some cairns), and use trail down to Iceberg Lake that starts out poor, and gets more distinct as you go down. The use trail is quite steep, loose and eroded near the top. A few snow gullies usually hold snow year-round. Enough people use the route that snow sections (if still there) usually have footprints. The snow can be quite icy and hard until the sun hits later in the afternoon, about 9-10AM. There is a maintained trail down to Eidza.

I wrote a trip report of my early June trip this year. I suspect the snow has mostly melted by now. You may want to take a look at the report.

Our member c9h13no3 just posted a mosquito report from a recent trip to that area, send him a PM inquiring about the conditions.

PS I Sent him a PM.

here4the_unicorns wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 9:55 pm I have permits to backpack in the Minaret Lakes area (08 Jul) and I'm looking for trail conditions / advice on my proposed route from Minaret Lake to Ediza Lake. Is the "trail" passable or is it under snow still?

Snow free. The “trail” is just eroded garbage, but it sounds like you knew that already. The talus is pretty stable, unlike the eroded dirt & scree, so I prefer that.

I apologize in advance for my ugly face. Pic was taken 5-July.

Edit - I cropped out my ugly mug. Picture is much nicer to look at now.

Awesome! Thanks for the update. Sounds like if we stay high by the lakes we can catch a breeze to avoid the worst of the mosquitoes?

here4the_unicorns wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 8:21 pm Awesome! Thanks for the update. Sounds like if we stay high by the lakes we can catch a breeze to avoid the worst of the mosquitoes?

I’ve always thought Iceberg and Nydiver were the better camping options in the area. Ediza is always a zoo. There are also some nice sites up towards Banner & Ritter too, but then you lose the big view.

Ediza can often be terrible for mosquitoes. The higher you go, the more likely you are to get some wind exposure.