Viewed from Ediza Lake Mount Ritter appears as a formidable pyramid - closer inspection reveals that it's..... a formidable pyramid. Mount Ritter is a huge alpine peak, and not to be taken lightly even by its most reasonable route. This area presents a different, and less granitic, picture of the High Sierra, with meadows, and jagged dark peaks looming overhead.
Geologically this area including the Minarets to the south is made from volcanic breccia.
Getting There
Agnew Meadows is the trailhead. Get there either by shuttle bus from Mammoth during the day, or arrive by car late at night.
For routes on the eastern side, follow the trail to Shadow Lake and from there to Ediza Lake - 5.25 miles, 1,100 feet elevation gain. Ritter towers almost 4,000 feet above the lake. Camp west of the lake, the closer to Mount Ritter the better.
A route not to be taken lightly. You too can tread in the steps of John Muir.From Ediza Lake follow a use trail towards Ritter and Banner Peak until you encounter the first snowfield (seasonal).Reach second snowfield which lies above the bench by the path of least resistance, which lies to the right of the bench, somewhat below Banner Peak. Climb up the second snowfield to a couloir which leads to the Ritter-Banner Saddle. The third snowfield (ha...[more]Browse More Classics in CA
I made a video documenting our climb up Mt. Ritter's Southeast Glacier, via the Norman Clyde variation. It is cheesy, but has some decent beta for the climber. Go to: www.youtube.com/joshuatree100
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
Slideshow
