THE ULTIMATE MINARETS LOOP via Volcanic Pass | Ritter & Banner | Thousand Island Lake

We took an off-trail route through the High Sierra's incredible Minarets to come up close to the most famous pair of mountains in the Sierra Nevada... Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner. This was a 4-day backpacking 'lollipop loop' in the Ansel Adams Wilderness starting from Agnew Meadows, where we journeyed over 3 passes (Volcanic Pass, White Bark Pass and Garnet Pass) and to 11 lakes (Shadow, Cabin, Minaret, Cecile, Iceberg, Ediza, Nydiver, Garnet, Thousand Island, Emerald and Rudy). I don't think we've ever covered so many lakes in such a short trip! The loop we did is rarely done as it takes a lot more effort than the typical route (but comes with a big reward!). However, the trip was unique and challenging regardless of the route, because of the cold temperatures and gail force winds we experienced, pretty much nonstop. AHHH! We hope you enjoy the journey with us - it was a WILD ONE. Itinerary - September 3rd-6th: Day 1: (Night hike) Agnew Meadow to Shadow Creek Day 2: Shadow Creek to Minaret Lake via Volcanic Pass Day 3: Minaret Lake to Thousand Island Lake via White Bark Pass and Garnet Pass. EPIC DAY. Iceberg Lake is unmatched. Day 4: Thousand Island Lake to Agnew Meadow. IMPORTANT LINKS: Natalie's backpack: Hyperlite Southwest https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/h3y... Dylan's backpack: ULA Ultra Circuit SV: https://app.rockporch.com/mlink/c87bG... Natalie's convertible hiking pants: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/Txt... Natalie's Hiking Shoes (mountain runners): https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/CCd... Garmin In-Reach Satellite Phone: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/7iZ... Water Filter: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/tpW... Small Sit Pad: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/LTY... Long Sit Pad: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/lQr... Natalie's Trekking Poles (Ultralight): https://app.rockporch.com/mlink/kZM6j... Dylan's Trekking Poles (lightweight but heavy duty): https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/RmH... Natalie's cap: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/K8J... Headlamp: https://app.rockporch.com/prdlink/PBh... Battery Pack: https://app.rockporch.com/mlink/wJfJi... Strength (+ mobility, endurance, stability) training, community, 1-1 support: https://strengthmethod.app Follow us on instagram: @somewilderplace @natalieafit If you purchase using any of the links above, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you do, we greatly appreciate your support! :) If you have any questions about our routes, trips, training or gear, please reach out! #backpacking #highsierra #wilderness