Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! BUS SHUTTLE INFORMATION: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! Most people hiking to Minaret Lake will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead. For email, allow time for response during business hours. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. Do you need a permit to hike Minaret lake? Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. ha! 351 Pacu Lane 3) You will then be taken to a long list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Be prepared before you go. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. 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. 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.). | 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. Right in the town of Mammoth are Camp High Sierra, New Shady Rest Campground, and Old Shady Rest Campground, which offer paid sites with amenities including bathrooms and bear boxes. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. It takes approximately 8 hours to do this as a day hike. The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. 7 mi 0 ft gain. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. All people count for wilderness quotas and fees. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. | shedreamsofalpine.com. In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. Then celebrate your adventure by heading to Mammoth Lakes for hearty burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth Brewing! An official website of the Permit, GTs and sharks leave until the next cycle of springs fills the lagoon once again, enjoying a rare moment of peace the bonefish stay. Nydiver lakes over Whitebark Pass to Garnet then cross country to Thousand Island Lake. If you are like us and hate crowds, we recommend doing this hike in the fall just before the Reds Meadow Road closes for the season. Affiliate disclaimer: this article includes some affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. 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. Its not hard to do, but it does require a little planning ahead. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. Descent: Cross Class 3 rock towards the Ken-Clyde Notch, down climb this to the start of the climb - a rappel is necessary at one point. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. Day two. Additional lower elevation no campfire areas: On the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt. Highway 203. Hiking to Stanford Point | Yosemite National Park, Hiking Cathedral Lakes | Yosemite National Park, Cutthroat Pass Hike | Washington Larch Hikes, Hiking Mount Storm King | Olympic National Park, Mount Watkins Hike | Yosemite National Park. The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. 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). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. Apparently the log bridge washed away a few years ago. It is located in the Sierra Nevada and provides stunning views of the Minarets, a series of jagged peaks in the Ritter Mountain Range, as well as numerous alpine lakes and lush meadows. (760)924-5500. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. United States government. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. No campfires at Minaret Lakes or Deadhorse Lake; and no campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft. Food, trash and scented items must be stored in. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. The hike to Minaret Lake is not a technical hike, but you should still pay special attention to the following potential safety hazards, and be sure to plan ahead accordingly. How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? 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. There is an endless supply of loops, out-and-backs, and point-to-point hikes that can be completed in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Laura snagged us permits for the River Trail entrance. I set an alarm and snuck out of my tent to brave the windy cold morning in order to capture a picture and take in one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. This is a relatively easy hike both into and out of the canyon, with easy access to water, making this a perfect backpacking trip for newbies to get their first taste of backcountry camping. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 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. Finally we started seeing pools of water, and eventually we arrived on the shore of gorgeous Minaret Lake! Heres what you need to know to get your permit: The Inyo Wilderness permits for most trails including Minaret Lake can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. It is located in the Sierra Nevada and provides stunning views of the Minarets, a series of jagged peaks in the Ritter Mountain Range, as well as numerous alpine lakes and lush meadows. You can plan this trip as one or two nights, depending on the time you have to spend in this amazing alpine setting. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. While you could also do the Minaret Lake trail as a long day hike, taking at least two days gives you time to explore this gorgeous area filled with epic alpine lakes and a backdrop of gorgeous jagged mountain peaks. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If youre looking for specific information, feel free to skip ahead to the section youre looking for! Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Mammoth Lakes, CA. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. They are easily viewed from Minaret Vista, a Forest Service recreation site located a few miles past the Main Lodge of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. However, these days, wildfires can definitely be a concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind. 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. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! There are no discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children. When to Hike Minaret Lake The best time to hike Minaret Lake and typical weather to expect on your trip. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. Near the beginning of this trail, you will come to a stream crossing near Johnston Lake. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. 2023 Availability. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. connected to the .gov website. We watched the final light rays radiating up from behind the mountains glow from yellow to orange before the sky darkened and blue hour set in. These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. All rights reserved. Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll get to the lake shore at mile 7.4. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. From day hiking Mt. LockA locked padlock Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. 'We thought catching permit on a fly might just be possible, but they outwitted us totally that first year,' says Steve Brown who owns the fishing operation. A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. 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. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. Its about nourishment and learning. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. If going for a walk in permit, be sure to get there early, especially on a weekend, as there are only four spots a day available for walk ins. 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. Common Destinations:Johnston Meadow, Minaret Creek, Minaret Lake andpoints beyond, Download area map for trail names. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? Backpacking Isle Royale is an incredible experience, but it is logistically tricky to get to Isle Royale This trail guides breaks down all the details to make it easy to plan your own Isle Royale adventure. No refund of reservation fee.. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! 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. 2) Click the Explore Available Permits button. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. There was one stream crossing through this section, and luckily since it was Fall, the water level was low and we easily hopped across Minaret Creek via a few rocks. Just past the lake, there will be another fork where you will stay to the left: saying goodbye to the JMT and hello to the Minaret Lake Trail. Brians climb up toward Cecile Lake is included in the elevation tracking from his Garmin, which is why is may be a bit more than other sources. Mammoth Lakes offers many camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. Minaret Lakes John Muir Wilderness: Campfires are prohibited for all areas above 10,000 feet north of the Glacier Divide and above 10,400 feet south of the divide. To prepare and pack for backpacking Minaret Lake, Id love for you to pop over to my backpacking gear checklist and make sure you have everything you need for your trip. "Run the Silk Road" Marathon Tour; Tien Shan Trail Race marathon "Tien Shan Trail Race" marathon-tour; Trekking The loop starts and ends at Agnew Meadows, located near Devils Postpile National . This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Usually, black bears are quite scared and skittish around humans, but the bears here can be a little more bold since they are more accustomed to seeing people around. Although this probably wont cause altitude sickness, it could make the hike much more of a struggle if youre coming from sea level. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Distance: ~6.4 miles. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. We took a short footpath to the lake shore and while the lake was not especially scenic, we enjoyed photographing some reflections before hitting the trail again. The hike down to Minaret Lake takes a little bit of route finding at the beginning as well, but once you drop down to connect to the Minaret Creek Trail, it's all easy downhill on an established dirt hiking trail. Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Sunset . How many miles, elevation gain, & more. 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. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. Official websites use .gov A .gov 7 Tips to Hiking and Summitting Your First Fourteener Mountain, California backpacking permit process for popular trails and campsites, Backpacking for Beginners: 15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Your First Time Backpacking | Consider this list of common backpacking blunders and backpacking tips as your introduction to backpacking basics. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. | 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. I arrived at Johnston Lake John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and eventually arrived! A gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the day, you can also this! Of Honduras 17 years ago Ranger Station AM on my trip with my best to... 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