August climbs of Banner
Agnew Meadow to west end Thous Island (base cam) - 7to 8 hrs
Banner Peak via Lake Catherine and west glacier- RT 10 hrs.
Have done it with and without crampons. Microspikes would work.
Mostly for west glacier. From Banner -Ritter col the last 900 ft up is straightforward rock hopping
base camp back to Agnew Meadow 6 hrs
Thanks Harvey. If I plan this trip, I may contact you for more info
The Gem Lakes from Mosquito Flats (up Rock Creek) is also high ROI if you don't mind a short (in relative terms) drive.
I agree - it's one of my favorite trails (not sure why I didn't think of it):
Little Lakes Valley Trip Report, August 16 2013