High Sierra Topix

Here's a link to the trip report on my own site: http://www.jacobnie.com/outdoors/210704/210704.html

The Nydiver Lakes were so beautiful and such a great way to get away from the crowds that sometimes seem kind of inescapable in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. With the exception of the north side of Whitebark Pass, I think this route is a pretty gentle and beautiful XC experience!

I hope you enjoy the pictures! And there is a youtube video to go along with it too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TST35agygQc

Nice trip and beautiful photos. You had some wonderfully clear (not smoky) skies and the wildflowers were really nice too. I guess the only downside would be the mosquitoes and some of the usual things such as the ankle roll. As you note, just a little bit of off trail travel gets you away from the crowds.

Thank you Jason!
Just what I needed, a new and very fine TR. I just viewed the TR by paul for the 9th time. Not saying I didn't love it again-- skiing all the way across the range from Huntington Lake to Lamarck Col... but a new trip by you guys in that brilliant Ritter Range country was just what the doctor ordered.
Loved the video you made too, with the quirky but fun choice of music. Cheers on your backcountry route.

Thank you Jacob for the great report ! I need to bump this area up on my (too long) list of areas I need to visit.

When in July?? It looked like probably early July. Unfortunately, beautiful wildflowers usually come with a side of mosquitoes. You may have used head nets, but if not, I highly recommend them to keep mosquitoes out of your face and ears. Sounds like you were not blessed with a stiff wind, which is the only relief one can get at peak mosquito hatch.

I agree that there likely is no "best" route down the north side of White Bark Pass. Also depends on snow. There was a corniced snow patch when I did it, that forced me to traverse upward from the east side. Thankfully it is a short pass.

Thanks for the trip report. Nice to read reports throughout the winter.

Love the close ups of the Ritter Range and Minarets. Would definitely guess early July too. Lake Virginia, a bit south, was swimming in Paintbrush on July 11, and Crater Meadow in Lupine on the 12th. So yes, first half of July.

And a lovely video. Well edited. Brought back many memories of those routes and trails.

Sounds like you all had a great adventure--even Zach and Brandon! thanks for posting--as Daisy said, it makes for good reading in the winter.

Great video. Thanks for posting.

Ditto, great video and really liked the selection of music. I kind of lost track how many times I've been across the river trail, but its been a few years now so I appreciate the memories brought forth by the video.