Minaret Lakes via PCT, Minaret Creek, and John Muir Trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 mi Est. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. . Then youll hit the trail and hike to Minaret Lake, which shouldnt take you more than 4-5 hours, since its a pretty chill gradual incline up to Minaret Lake. The Minaret Lake hike begins in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes, California. It would be a shame to come so far and only see one part of the basin. This starter kit is filled with 14 pages of my best hiking and backpacking tips to help you learn what it takes to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient outdoor backpacker! | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. After crossing the river youll take another right on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/JMT and steadily climb through pine trees along the river. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. Earlier or later in the season (June or October), you could potentially encounter snow, which would definitely make the trail more of a challenge and potentially be dangerous. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. I already have a permit for this trailhead. Day two. On neap tides the water inside the lagoon is scarcely deeper than shin height and the fish cruise in shallow water inches deep, tanning their backs in the bright sun. planning and preparing for a wilderness trip (PDF), rules for specific areas where food storage containers are required, 60% of spaces are released 6 months in advance, on the matching date (example entry date of July 4 opens on January 4), 40% of spaces are released 2 weeks in advance, on the same day of the week (example entry date of Tuesday July 4 opens on Tuesday June 20), Signed permit must be in group leaders possession, Everyone in group must start on entry date & location on permit, You cannot exceed group size stated on permit, Groups cannot combine to exceed 15 people, Permit is only valid for one continuous wilderness trip, For trips ending at Mt Whitney (Whitney Portal) the permit must specify exit point of, Print trip informatin to leave with a friend (recomended). To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. Permits required YEAR ROUND for overnight trips to Ansel Adams, John Muir, Hoover, & Golden Trout Wilderness areas, Group leader is responsible to ensure everyone in their group understands & obeys the conditions of the permit, All wilderness permits are reserved online. Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Our only significant water crossing of the trip came at Minaret Creek shortly after exiting Devils Postpile. Brian ended up going off the route and giving up on the adventure since we still had to hike back down and it was getting late in the day. Its about nourishment and learning. No rain checks or credits. Depending on the season you choose to hike Minaret Lake, you could encounter snow on the trail, which would make the hike more technical and potentially treacherous. Turn right on Minaret Road and go to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. But be sure to get up early to try to make it to the trailhead before 9am to grab parking. But specialists are aware that the field is not easy to document, should they wish to go beyond the usual material provided by architectural journals in European languages. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List (+ Backpacking Checklist PDF ) | Dont hit the trails without double checking if you have all the backpacking gear you need. The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. Or, if you have more energy, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe even up to Cecil Lake. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) It is a very fine peak made from, not granite, but a more ancient metamorphic rock, which gives it its characteristic, almost non-Sierra-like shape of a sharp needle (as seen from the ski slopes of Mammoth). If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! I always recommend downloading a GPX file onto a GPS device, that way you can check in from time to time to be sure youre on the right trail. While the summer months of July and August make for great trail conditions, they also are the months when you will find the most mosquitoes. 2023 Availability. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. Do you need a permit to hike Minaret lake? Youll find plenty of places to stake your tent, but be aware of Leave No Trace rules, and camp at least 200 feet from the water. Be sure to bring your National Parks Pass, or pay the current entrance fee, and then make your way down the narrow road toward the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. The mandatory shuttle helps with congestion on the windy roads and runs from about mid June to early September. Anywho, my permit via recreation.gov was for the Inyo National Forest on the High . Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. When backpacking to Minaret Lake, youll want to camp near the lake itself (especially on the east side) for the most breathtaking views. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. Minaret Lake - Cecile - Iceberg - Ediza - Nydiver - basin with little lake to the west of Garnet Lake - west side of Thousand Island Lake: 10 out of 10. A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. I've been wanting to visit Minaret Lake for so long now, and I love that I was able to squeeze in a weekend trip from the Bay Area. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. Join me (and your peers) on a transformational adventure, where you will learn how to confidently go on your first ever (or perhaps your first solo) outdoor backpacking trip without the constant fear of getting lost, the crippling worry of being unprepared, and the lurking feeling that you lack the "know-how" and skills required to stay safe on the trails. The trail eventually leads to Minaret Lake, situated at the base of the Minarets, a group of jagged peaks within the Ritter Mountain Range (a subrange of the Sierra Nevada). There is very limited parking at the ranger station, and you are only allowed to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead if you arrive before 7am and are day hiking. Only two miles in, we decided to have our Triscuits and tuna lunch (click here for my tried-and-true backpacking meals) on the edge of Johnston Lake, since this would be the only other lake we would pass before reaching Minaret Lake, our final destination. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. You can scroll through a list of dates to see other availability if your original start date isnt available. Put on your pack and hit the trail. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. ha! ft. 6201 Minaret Rd #2403, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 $1,095,000 MLS# 223000169 Welcome to The Village's exceptionally RARE TOP corner unit with high ceilin. Recreation.gov! BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Container. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Description. Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. On the more popular trails (Thousand Island Lake, Shadow Lake, Minaret Lake, etc.) The views open up for a bit just after four miles, and you can begin to see the minaret spires in the distance. The Minarets and mountains to the west High Trail goes between shaded areas of pines and exposed areas of sage brush for the next third of a mile to reach the first of three trails that branch off High Trail to ascend to the Clark Lakes. And definitely dont leave food in your car at the trailhead use a bear locker for anything you dont bring with you on the trail. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. This out and back trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra. After lunch we steadily climbed another ~600 feet over another two miles before turning a bend and seeing an enormous waterfall cascading down the side of the mountain! Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. Outdoorsy women are badass. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? Whitney Permit: Understanding the Permit & Lottery Process for Day Hiking and Backpacking the Whitney Area | Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, which makes it a very popular peak to hike and climb. While I initially hoped to visit on an overnight trip so that I could capture the early morning on the peaks, we decided that the frigid temperatures during a night in October would be a bit uncomfortable. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. >> JUMP TO SECTION 8 FOR A SUGGESTED MINARET LAKE TRAIL ITINERARY. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How To Get Half Dome Permits: Behind the Scenes of the Permit Process & Lottery for Both Day Hiking & Backpacking Half Dome | The Half Dome hike is one of the most popular hikes in the US, and. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. Toughest thing I have done. 351 Pacu Lane Minaret lake to Nydiver Lakes going past Cecile lake, Iceberg Lake, and Ediza. Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. How long is the hike to Minaret Lake:13.4 miles (If Reds Meadow Gate is closed, you will have to hike several more miles to reach the trailhead.). All day we could detect the faintest trace of smoke in the air from all the wildfires California has been battling, and as late afternoon rolled around, we could visibly see the haze settling into the basin, even up here at 9,800 ft.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'backcountrycow_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',692,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-backcountrycow_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); That sunset ended up being one of the most memorable I've experienced in the backcountry. Hey, I did a three day Agnew meadows-thousand island lake via the pct and then looped back to agnew meadows with a stop at Minaret Lake off the JMT. Link to full Permit Printing Instructions After printing you cannot make changes unless you contact the wilderness permit office or go into the visitor center during open hours. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. The craggy Minarets surround the region. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & M > Clyde Minaret. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. When you arrive at the alpine lake, you can scope out the best site to set up camp and spend your day relaxing at the lake. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. After rock hopping across Minaret Creek for the first time of the day, we reached our first lake of the day.. Johnston Lake (8,127')! You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 1-(760) 924-5500, Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/, Inyo National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. In this post I've outlined key deadlines to mark your calendars with for some of Californias most iconic locations such as Yosemite Wilderness Permits, Inyo National Forest Permits, Mount Whitney Permits, Half Dome Permits, JMT Permits, Joshua Tree camping reservations, Lost Coast backpacking permits and much, much more!. Download maps, and emergency information before starting on the trail., Plan to be self-sufficient, bring adequate supplies of food, water and clothing., Do not leave food or refuse in your car or tent. 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. Leader or alternate leader names cannot be changed or added., No refund if you cancel your reservation less than 12 days before the entry date. No spots left? 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. Waste water should be scattered at least 100 feet away from any water source., Dont cut switchbacks, shortcutting damages the trail and adds to erosion., No drones, they are prohibited in wilderness., No loud audio devices, let the sounds of nature be part of the wilderness experience., Campfires are restricted in many areas, wood growth is very slow at high elevation and what little wood exists helps sustain the natural soil, plant and animal community., Do not camp on vegetation, these fragile areas are easily damaged. Map Information. 1 / 6. If youre looking for specific information, feel free to skip ahead to the section youre looking for! Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! July and August are also good options, though it could get pretty hot then, and youll definitely want to bring your bug spray. Deadlines. 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