Thousand Island Lake

Bluebird early autumn weather greeted the four of us as we charged up the Rush Creek Trail on Friday, beginning our grand loop of jewel-like lakes in the Mammoth / June Lakes high country.  We savored quick swims in chilly lakes and a lazy afternoon in camp before continuing on Saturday to wondrous Thousand Island, Garnet, Emerald and Ruby lakes.  The winds picked up Saturday night and bedeviled us all night, but as we made our triumphant descent back to the car through the dramatic gorges and meadows above Agnew Lake, we realized we had done the wilderness well.

There’s a reason it’s called the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This high country of granite spires and glacial lakes inspired some of the famed photographer's finest work.

Leaving civilization behind on the Rush Creek trail, we’ll spend three days and two nights on the trail exploring a lovely assortment of lakes named, appropriately enough, after jewels: Gem, Emerald, Ruby, and Garnet. The capstone will be Thousand Island Lake, dramatically studded with countless granite islands and tucked away under the watchful gaze of Banner Peak. After a good dose of alpine air and scenery, we’ll return to L.A. by 8:00pm on Sunday, September 19.

This backpacking trip will be quite strenuous due to rugged terrain, unpredictable weather and wildlife, high altitude, and an overall length of about 24 miles, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good condition. Permit pending for 5. Signup preference will be given to GayOutdoors “Full Members”. Per-person cost of approximately $75 (carpool gas & mileage, permit and campsite fees) must be pre-paid and will be refunded only if the leader cancels or if a replacement signup is found. This is a low-impact outing, so carpool participation is required.

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of severe thunderstorms or snow within 72 hours of our start will cancel this trip, as will fewer than three confirmed signups. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any potluck meals, so participants must provide their own four-day supply of food.