Nice trip, John!
If you made it to Cecile Lake, it seems like it might be fun to continue on down to Shadow Lake, and exit at Agnew Meadows. Seems like it would be a sweet loop hike.
How long did the hike take?
Hey Steve,
Yes, I agree it would be a sweet loop. Going to Agnew Meadows would be the way to go provided the shuttle was running. That would save 4 miles at the end of a long day. Otherwise it would be a bit shorter to turn right at Shadow Lake, and take the JMT back to Devil's Post Pile.
I have been to Minaret Lake twice. The first time I went directly to the Lake, and it took ~ 4 hours (only to east side of the lake - add 1/2 hour to north west side). The second trip I hiked via the Minaret Mines route, and it added 1.5 hours and ~2.5 miles. So, taking the most direct route I think Ediza could be done in ~ 7+ hours. Then 7 miles and ~4 hours back to Agnew Meadows would get you to a total ~18 or 19 miles, and ~ 11 or 12 hours (provided you could catch the shuttle. Otherwise, could be another 2 miles via JMT and another hour. Ouch.
These are not "fastest" times, but include stops for lunch, stops to chat with other hikers, stops for Photos, etc... This hike from Devil's Post Pile seems to be the alternative JMT for many hikers. I've met several hikers doing the JMT going via Minaret Lake, Cecile Lake, Lake Ediza, and then back to the JMT at Shadow Lake. There is great camping at both Minaret Land and Lake Ediza, so I can see the charm. I'm told the JMT between Devil's Post Pile and Shadow Lake is dusty and without shade, but I've not done it.
