Video recap:
Located near Mammoth, CA, Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest serves as a great backpacking destination. Starting from Agnew Meadows Trailhead, we followed the High Trail, which is part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), up to Thousand Island Lake, and returned via the John Muir Trail (JMT).
All along this itinerary are many side trails to investigate leading to a number of alpine lakes and diverse terrain. Check out the video below:
0:00 - Day 1 of the itinerary provides scenic views all along the High Trail (part of the PCT). Starting at 7:00 am was nice to (1) beat the crowds and (2) cover the bulk of the uphill while the weather was still chilly.
1:45 - We arrived at Thousand Island Lake by around 11:30 am, so the entire loop is doable in one day, but it was definitely more enjoyable to take our time and camp out one night. After finidng a nice campsite, we just relaxed in the sun and then spent the afternoon walking around the lake and exploring.
3:37 - Day2: Having a long drive ahead of us that night, we started our return to Agnew Meadows via the JMT at around 7:00 am.
4:50 - After hiking over a pass you get a nice panorama view of Garnet lake. Unfortunately after reaching the mouth of Garnet Lake, we followed a side trail that immediately descends to the northeast to link up to River Trail (see map above). We realized it soon enough but didn't want to walk back uphill, so instead of returning via the JMT to Shadow Creek we just followed the River Trail all the way back. The River Trail was still pretty but the views along the JMT seem to be a bit more exciting.