• Varied mountain terrain with some briefly steep slopes (30 degrees or so)
  
• 32 miles in 4 days
  
• Cumulative gain, loss: +7000', -7200'
  
• Avg. Relief: 400'/mile
  
• Topos: Devils Postpile (15'); Mt. Ritter, Mammoth Mtn., Crystal Crags (7.5')
  

	Bob & Cathy & Mt. Ritter

The tour starts along Minaret Summit road near Mammoth Mountain downhill resort. Overnight parking is supposedly prohibited here, but we were told that this is not enforced in spring. Ski up the road about a mile to Minaret Summit, and leave the road, following the ridge northward to the top of Peak 10255', and then down to Deadman Pass. From Deadman Pass, you want to ascend north a few hundred feet, and then contour along northwest at about 10200', on the southwest side of the ridge. This route follows a sort of bench, with steeper terrain above and below. As you pass to the northwest of San Joaquin Mtn., you can start to lose some elevation, and traverse down to the end of the valley at 9500', just south of Agnew Pass. From here, work your way westward, staying to the north of the San Joiquin River, up to Thousand Island Lake.

Thousand Island Lake was our Camp 1 after a fairly long day; if you like, you can camp well before this, as Day 2 is fairly short. Start Day 2 by crossing Thousand Island Lake to its southern point. Then head south over a low pass. Stay high to the west of Garnet Lake, and ascend to the 11200' notch just to the east of Mt. Banner. From the south side of this notch, you will enjoy a superb ski descent to Camp 2 at Lake Ediza.

	Skating along beneath Clyde Minaret

Day 3, ascend south to Iceberg Lake, and climb the steep snow (most of our group did not need ice axes, though we did take off our skis) to Cecile Lake, at the base of Clyde Minaret. Cross Cecile, and descend the other side, which is only briefly steep, to Minaret Lake. Continue to telemark down the Minaret Creek drainage, making sure to get over to the south side of the creek before you lose all your snow-bridge opportunities. You will soon enter Devils Postpile National Monument. Keep your eyes open for the small bridge that takes you across the mighty San J River. Ski southward across the base of the Devils Postpile, and loop around to the east, dropping down to the snowy roadway. Ski south along the road for a fraction of a mile to signs for Reds Meadow Campground. Turn left, and camp at the campground area near the hot springs. The bathhouse is closed, but the source pool is there for you to enjoy.

The final day, you climb 2000' roughly due east to Mammoth Pass. Descend to Horseshoe Lake. When you hit the groomed trails of Tamarack XC, follow all signs to the parking area. There is overnight parking allowed about 1/4 mile to the north of the Tamarack XC ski area's parking area.