Google Earth Overview of Banner Peak approach via Ritter-Banner saddle, Lake Catherine, and Agnew Meadows.

Preface

Friday, Septemer 6th, 2019 - I sat at the Mountain Rambler Brewery bar sipping on their award winning Scottish Ale while scrolling through photos on my phone. I had just come off of the trail after an attempted seven day completion of Roper's Sierra High Route in which I lasted four days before bailing due to a number of factors. I'll save that for another trip report. I put my phone down and the bartender asked if I wanted another. I asked her to close me out. Visiting hot springs and drinking at the local pub was already becoming rather drab. My permit was still active for pretty much anywhere north of Onion Valley and although I felt comfortable bailing on the High Route because I got what I wanted out of the trip, I needed redemption. I needed to win.

The first idea that came to mind was Banner Peak. The iconic 12,936 foot mountain and its surrounding lands have a reputation for being the most picturesque in all of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. On top of that, the peak and its taller neighbor to the south (Mount Ritter), have ample routes to summit ranging from Class 2, to 5.9 most of which are widely known and easily researched online. Both peaks can be reached via the Ritter-Banner saddle which is accessed from the west or east so long as its visitor carries the appropriate gear as glacier travel is necessary throughout the year. Ultimately, I decided to stick to the Class 2 route up to Banner Peak because it included a section of the Sierra High Route. I had already done research for half the approach up to Lake Catherine, and I wanted to see more of the High Route to plan for another attempt.

The next issue I faced was that the route included snow travel and the only gear I had was for summer backpacking. Fortunately, a friend in Bishop who was also on a trek allowed me to crash at his pad. Upon returning to his house, I walked passed his bedroom on the way to the restroom and noticed his gear closet. It took me an additional hour to justify lightly perusing his toys, but it only took a few minutes to find an ice axe, microspikes, and helmet. I packed a decent kit and tried to get a good nights rest.





Agnew Meadows

Use trail I mistakenly took located just north of Agnew Meadows Campground.