If you’ve ever gazed out from Mammoth Mountain towards the northeast, you know that the imposing Ritter Range captures attention from miles away.
While it’s a well-known destination due to its proximity to Mammoth, few dare to venture to its summit.
At an impressive height of 13,150 feet, Mt.
Ritter reigns as the tallest peak in both the range and the entire Ansel Adams Wilderness, closely followed by Banner Peak at 12,942 feet.
Growing up exploring Mammoth Mountain, I couldn’t resist the allure of these majestic meta-volcanic kings.
So, I gathered my friends and embarked on an adventure to conquer one of these grand summits before the trails were blanketed in snow.
Setting off from Huntington Beach on a Thursday night, we drove 5 1/2 hours and rested at the trailhead.
With the break of dawn, we departed from Agnew Meadows.
We trekked past the enchanting Olaine and Shadow Lake, finally reaching the breathtaking NE shore of Lake Ediza, where we spent our first night under the stars.
We marveled at the Milky Way, capturing its beauty through our lenses, and prepared for another day of challenging ascents.
The following morning, filled with anticipation, we embarked on our journey to reach the summit of Mt.
Ritter.
We opted for a less steep route just west of the peak, only to find ourselves scrambling over a myriad of rocks.
Water sources were scarce, disappearing until we reached one of the higher glaciers, so we made sure to carry ample supplies.
As we approached the 12,500-foot mark, breathtaking views unfolding before us, we noticed dark clouds encroaching from the north.
With regret, we made the prudent decision not to proceed further, lacking the necessary equipment to safely descend in the face of rain, snow, and lightning.
Instead, we savored our summit beers, enjoyed some snacks, and gracefully descended back to our camp amidst the rain.
We found solace in warm meals, sipped on whiskey, and reflected on the day’s adventure.
Although we didn’t reach the ultimate summit, this expedition has left an indelible mark on our souls.
We cherish the memories forged along the path and carry with us valuable lessons learned.
The journey, after all, is just as important as the destination.
And with that, we eagerly anticipate our return next summer, or perhaps even this winter.
Stay tuned for more thrilling tales from the mesmerizing Ritter Range..
