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Fryingpan Creek TH to Wonderland trail to the tarn in between Camp Summerland and Panhandle Gap (out & back). My Gaiagps App tracked 10.58 miles w/2797ft EG.
This trail would be great for small children to Summerland, be aware though there is a log bridge with high railing. To Panhandle Gap there is another log crossing with no railing. With dewy conditions, these bridges were not hard to cross.
Arrived on the Wonderland trail around 4:15am, saw no other people until just before Camp Summerland at 8:40am. After it was a steady onslaught of backpackers and hikers, I'd say over 50 people. Took long breaks at the Fryingpan Creek crossing for sunrise and the tarn. It was a cold morning, in the high 30s.
Wonderland trail in this area is easy to moderate with steady elevation. When you cross Fryingpan Creek there is log bridge with high handrail. A mile or so after Camp Summerland is when you enter the boulder field below the tarn. There are some stream crossings before the boulder field. There is a log bridge with no railing over an unamed creek drainage coming from the tarns and before a waterfall. This portion of Wonderland trail is very well maintained. Every junction has signs, but it is always smart to have a map of the area on you, before your visit. There was some frost on the trail in the Camp Summerland meadow.
There was a bear spotted by a couple I met on trail probably around 10am or so at Fryingpan Creek crossing. The bear had no interest in the humans.
The Tarn below Panhandle Gap was stunning and well worth the visit. There were a ton of yellow jackets here. I arrived here at 9:58am and other than traffic on the Wonderland trail, no one stopped at the tarn.
Beautiful hike! Has some difficult sections if you're doing a backpacking trip but completely doable. Take your time doing the loop, lots of great people along the trail!
Just be sure to bring trekking poles on the hike, there are slippery sections and downhill sections that you will definitely feel on your knees.
Lots of sources for water, however, some of the camp sites are better than others! Enjoy the beautiful views at Indian bar!
