July 7 in the South Sierras

Where the trail breaks out of the  forest, with Cirque Peak behind

 One of my favorite dayhikes in the Sierras is the 15-mile loop from the Cottonwood Lakes, cross-country over the summit of Cirque Peak, down to the PCT, and return through Horseshoe Meadows.

After departing the Army Pass trail in the upper basin, the hike climbs a route up the north face

Saw these two bighorn rams on the climb up. View full size to find them.

On the 12,900' summit

View north includes 14'ers Mt Whitney and Mt Williamson

Looking SW, on the cross-country route back to treeline and the PCT.  That's Big Whitney Meadow below.

Next morning, I get to watch the rising sun's rays hit the peaks of the Eastern Sierra from the porch of the Dow Villa.