"Good hike. Note that the fastest way back to the trailhead would be Prospector's Gap->Middle Trail->Meridian Ridge->Donner Canyon. You didn't list that possibility, bit it's way more direct than back creek. Another possibility you didn't mention is the all-fire-road return, which goes prospector's gap->meridian ridge->donner canyon. For those who didn't bring trekking poles."
Visited on Aug 11, 2012