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The Eastern Sierra with all its wonderful lakes and incredible trails is my favorite. At Thousands Island Lake, about half way between Agnew Meadow and Tuolumne Meadow, the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails cross. If you have time for one more ultralight backpack this year, this should be it. At 10,000 feet, when you reach Thousand Island Lake, you’ll feel like you are in another time and another world.

I suggest you either hike from Tuolumne Meadows over Donahue Pass (about 12,500 feet) past Thousand Island Lake down to Agnew (about 28 miles) near Red’s Meadow. Or you can drive to Mammoth Lakes, up to Mammoth Mountain and then down into the valley to Agnew Meadow. If you choose the Tuolumne to Agnew route, you can catch a shuttle back to your car at Tuolumne.

If you have a few days, walk from Agnew Meadow to Shadow Lake and spend the night. The next day, day hike to Ediza and Iceberg Lakes, dropping your packs at the junction that takes you to Garnet Lake. Spend the night at Garnet. The next day, head over the ridge to Thousand Island. You can day hike up to Cathedral Lake near Ritter Peak — cross country (never been on the trail) but I gather it is easy to find.

Finally, you can head back 10 miles the final day — all downhill — to Agnew Meadows.

I’ve visited Thousand Island a half dozen times. It a timeless place that you’ll never forget. And, I guarantee you will want to return again and again.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.