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Cory Anderson

Most people prefer this route but we flipped it around and approached Minaret Lake first - which I highly recommend. While the initial approach is steeper, gaining the final saddle to Minaret Lake is like stepping into a Lord of the Rings movie. The Minarets (peaks) loom over you like granite sentries. The fly fishing is great too - we caught (and released) some healthy brook trout. I grew up exploring the wildest stretches of the Colorado and Montana Rockies, and this place rivals those in every way - save for Mountain Goats and Grizzlies - but that makes sleep all the more restful! I plan on coming back here once per summer for the rest of my life, no matter where I call home. Oh, and be mindful of the recommendation to do this hike in Spring... you will NEED ice axe and crampons to get between Cecile and Iceberg Lakes at a minimum (this can even be the case into early summer). Adventure beckons!