Pro tip: skip the JMT detour at Thousand Island Lake, the real view is 0.3 miles past the outlet
Everyone stops at the north shore for the Banner Peak shot, but last August I walked 10 minutes past the outlet and had the whole place to myself at sunrise. Am I the only one who thinks the crowds are ruining that stretch, or does someone have a better side trail instead?
I get why the quiet spot works for you, but I actually like the north shore crowd. There is something about sharing a sunrise with other folks who woke up early for the same dumb reason, you know. Half the fun for me is the people, and the view does not get worse just because someone else is standing there too.