Trail description of Ediza Lake hike from the Hiking and Walking website: The jagged spires of the Minarets and two 14er's, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, form the dramatic backdrop for Ediza Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Ritter Range. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way.
The most rigorous part of this hike is the climb up to Shadow Lake, but it actually wasn't too hard.
Last but certainly not least on our hiking itinerary was the trip to Ediza Lake. Because the trailhead to Ediza is inside Devils Postpile National Monument, we again had to be up early so as to be through the entrance gate before 7 AM, which is when they close the road to normal traffic and only allow shuttle buses and authorized vehicles in. Despite our early start, the first parking lot at the trailhead was full when we arrived - a crowd of high school cross country runners had come in ahead of us for another day of training in the mountains. But they soon all ran out of sight and we had a peaceful hiking experience.
Chuck opted out of the hike to Ediza (almost fourteen miles roundtrip) so it was just John, Ramone and me for this final trek. What a spectacular journey this turned out to be. Shadow Lake is nestled between mountains, and tall shady trees line its shores. There are some rocks that stick out into the water, so you can venture out there for a fine 360 degree view. Or, find a nice spot under the trees to relax.
It is uphill to Ediza Lake, but not as steep as the climb to Shadow Lake (and even the climb to Shadow Lake is not that strenuous). There are trees and shade on the trail above Shadow Lake, and the route goes beside the Shadow Creek. There are a couple of cataracts for picturesque viewing.
Ediza Lake is more exposed than Shadow Lake. This allows for expansive views of the dramatic scenery. There is a campground at the western end of Ediza Lake, but we did not venture that far. A woman came up the trail on a horse, leading another pack horse. She told us she was commissioned to bring supplies up to people who camped at Ediza - not a bad job! The map shows that the trail follows the full circumference of Ediza, but we did not complete the circuit. After finishing our lunch, we headed back down the way we came.
We had a farewell dinner and a few beers at the Mammoth Brewery Eatery. It was the end of a successful hiking trip. I hope we can all get together to do another hiking trip again.
