Donohue Pass is the northern boundary of the Ansel Adams Wilderness with Yosemite National Park. At 11,056 feet snow can be expected in places year round. This is the case with many of the other passes on the John Muir Trail.

On the south side of Donohue Pass, there is a sub-alpine environment where only short plants and the heartiest trees cling to life. The hiker may also see Marmots at this elevation -- keep a watchful eye on food during lunch and rest stops.

Rush Creek may be the first water crossing the hiker encounters that requires them to find a safe (and hopefully dry) passage. It's waters are pristine, as it is fed from from ice melt and lakes along the Ritter Range.

Hikers Note: Remember to always purify your water -- water filter, iodine/chemicals or boiling.

Island Pass rises to 10,200 feet. Although the hiker traveled up long switchbacks to reach this point, this is not a "classic" pass between tall peaks. Rather, it is a gentle one (like Cathedral Pass in Yosemite National Park) that takes one to the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Enjoy this pass as it is the last of the gentle ones.

One of the most photogenic lakes in all of the Sierra Nevada is Thousand Island Lake. The backdrop for this lake is Banner Peak (12,936 feet). If the hiker brought a camera, they should use it here -- sunrise and sunset if spending the night.

Hikers Note: The John Muir Trail splits from the Pacific Crest Trail at Thousand Island Lake. The two trails will re-join again near The Devils Postpile.

The Ritter Range is not the typical white granite color of other Sierra Nevada mountains. This is because this range, and other mountains in the area, were the creation of volcanic activities. As one travels further south along the trail they will encounter more "classic" volcanic features like cinder cones, volcanic rock, hot springs and The Devils Postpile.

After passing the smaller Emerald and Ruby Lakes, the hiker comes to Garnet Lake. This lake rivals Thousand Island in its size and beauty. The backdrop for this lake is also Banner Peak, but from a slightly different "profile". You did save some film right?

After a steady climb from Garnet Lake, the trail again descends toward Shadow Creek. Rarely flat, the John Muir Trail does not travel the path of least resistance, but rather one of pristine beauty. This portion of the trail affords the hiker with more stunning views of the Ritter Range and classic Sierra Nevada scenery.

The hiker, if not already, may encounter day hikers or over-night hikers at Shadow Lake. This lake, as well as the others mentioned, are near the Agnew Meadows Campground which is a popular trailhead in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Is it any wonder given the picturesque lakes in the area? Plus the trailhead is only four short miles from Shadow Lake.

Hikers Note: Camping is restricted at Shadow Lake. Camping is allowed along the creek feeding into the lake, or along other lakes further on the Trail.

From Shadow Lake, the trail again climbs up switchbacks and finally levels off at Rosalie Lake which is an excellent spot to pause or spend the night.

There are plenty of excellent locations to enjoy a rest, whether overnight, for lunch, or to just catch one's breath. These lakes also offer the opportunity for fishing (with a license). Along the John Muir Trail you can catch a broad variety of trout: Rainbow, Brook, Brown and the native Golden. An excellent resource is Trout-Fishing the John Muir Trail by Steve Beck.

Johnston Lake is the last one you will encounter in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Shortly after this lake the John Muir Trail enters the Devils Postpile National Monument.

Hikers Note: After this lake, the John Muir Trail shortly re-joins with the Pacific Crest Trail. These two trails follow the same path until near Crabtree Meadow -- just west of Mt. Whitney.

One of California's major rivers, San Joaquin, has it's "middle" fork originate in this area. There are two bridges one can cross to get to the other side of the river. The hiker needs to pay attention for trail markers and signs since there are now many trails in the Devils Postpile National Monument that crisscross one another.

The Devils Postpile is a collection of basillic columns that formed from cooling magma. The postpile can be enjoyed by viewing the sides of the columns or climbing to top of the postpile.

Hikers Note:.Nearby in the Red Meadows Resort area is another volcanic feature worth visiting for a small fee -- hot showers powered from hot springs.