Small rodents in the area feed on this plant, which is fairly common in moist soils above 7,000 feet in the Sierra. Hikers have to walk uphill a long way to see these sights. There is a 1,300-foot gain in elevation in the first 2.5 miles, so be prepared take a little time, especially this high in the Sierra. From Lee Vining, drive south on Highway 395 about 7 miles to the North June Lake Junction. Turn right and drive about 3.6 miles to Silver Lake parking lot, about 0.1 mile south of the packing station.
Trailhead is marked at the parking lot.
Steep, well established with many switchbacks. Two 13,000-foot peaks, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, dominate the view around Shadow Lake. The understory plants in the coniferous forest include herbaceous vegetation in the Eastern Sierra. The plants are not abundant but they are apparent. This hike is not a long day hike, but it requires a fair amount of climbing.