Wanda Lake panorama with Black giant in the background
Saturday, 06 Aug 10.2 miles, 7:55
Approaching Muir Pass
We all awoke early after a pleasantly frigid night and packed quickly to start hiking shortly after 7:00. Our alpine campsite was lovely in morning light. We had planned to stick together over the snowy part in the interest of safety. The climb was surprisingly gradual and easy save for an unneeded detour off trail to avoid a supposedly flooded trail section next to Wanda Lake. Wanda was partly ice filled and lovely with her crown of mountains. The snow pack was intermittent but became more constant and the slope became rather steeper after Lake McDermand. We moved at a steady but slow pace as we were easily winded, nearing twelve thousand feet. At last we gained the pass. It was a party atmosphere with our hiking and camping companions of the last few days. Muir hut, a small round shelter built of stone was the center of festivities. It housed a marmot whom others saw but who was doing a good job of avoiding me. It was exhilarating to be at such altitude and the pass and views were stunning. After forty-five minutes of chatting, picture taking, and exploring we started down at 11:15. As we were leaving, the resident marmot finally emerged and posed for my camera as she nibbled at some delightful morsel that she found tucked among the rocks.
Entering LeConte Canyon
The descent was challenging: where the slope was steep, someone had boot-skied down before us, making the way slick. As we got lower, the snow came in wide, undermined patches that required care to cross. The ranger had warned us of snow bridges on the descent but avoiding them was easier said than done. Mostly we’d be walking along thinking we were lovely and then, all of a sudden, we’d hear water running underneath our feet. Ridiculous tip-toeing followed as we tried to delicately get off the bridge. Below the outlet of Helen Lake the patches of snow got smaller and more rotten while the trail was rockier and wetter. At Small Lake I got water and Chelsea and I went on at our own pace. We passed an interesting plant with plump, waxy foliage topped with tiny burgundy clusters: Rosy Sedum (Sedum roseum), and the first Sky Pilot of the trip (Polemonium eximium), a single clump rising triumphantly from the desiccated soil. Finally, below Medium Lake, the trail improved and we made good time down a rugged descent into picturesque LeConte Canyon. It was hard to get into the stream but I managed a good rinse and set my socks and shoes in some sun to dry. A&R caught up a half hour later to set up camp with us and G&L pushed on a little bit further.
