Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). The trail between the two lakes in not marked, and is quite a scramble. Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear At the junction head right toward Minaret Falls (or continue straight to see Devils Postpile, then backtrack to this point), and take the bridge across the San Joaquin River. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 The temperature is usually perfect, plus there are far fewer mosquitos. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. However, getting permits can be tricky, so in this post, we uncover all the ins-and-outs of grabbing a half dome hike permit or half dome backpacking permit so. Its about nourishment and learning. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. This backpacking 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! Put on your pack and hit the trail. *Please note that some of the below links and in this post are affiliate links. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. Bear resistant food storage containers are recommended for all wilderness travelers., There are no restrooms in the wilderness., Respect other visitors desire for quiet and solitude. Your write up motivates me to go back in fall. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! Hike Type: Overnight. I am already daydreaming about photographing the morning alpenglow on the spires, and I know Brian is anxious to get to Cecil Lake. Pro Tip: Its totally worth it to wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning! 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. Back in the forest, take the first log to the left to cross the creek again. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. Here are some of my favorite snacks, breakfasts, lunch, and dinner meal ideas for your next backcountry trip, Outdoor gear is not cheap, so here are a couple of tips Ive found that have helped me save a little on gear. Toughest thing I have done. Description. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. HIKE TO: THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE, GARNET LAKE, EDIZA LAKE, SHADOW LAKE TRAIL: AGNEW MEADOWS > RIVER TRAIL/ SHADOW CREEK > JMT > HIGH TRAIL/PCT (THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE LOOP) MILES: 23.73 miles TIME: 3 days / 2 nights DATE I WENT: 7/21/18 - 7/23/18 DIFFICULTY: moderate backpacking trip HIKE PERMIT: yes for overnight camping, no for day hike LOCATION: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Eastern Sierra This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Multi-day Moderate 4.4 (37) Starkweather Lake Trail Inyo National Forest Length: 4.9 mi Est. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. Fromthe Devils Postpile Visitor Center (shuttle stop #6) it is less than a mile to the bridge across the river and several trail junctions. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake can be reached in a single day's hike via three different trails, each with a completely different adventurous look & feel. PLUS, I love to spoil my readers with a little bit extra as well, so Ive included a list of 20+ of my favorite backpacking food snacks and meals inside of this list for inspiration. Most people hiking to Minaret Lake will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead. What to eat while backpacking? Summary - A wildly popular and challenging hike straight into the heart of the jaw-dropping Ritter Mountain Rangewhat many people argue is Mammoth's most beautiful landscape. best gifts for rv owners, gifts for rv owners, Gift Guide, gift ideas for rv owners, gift ideas for rv campers, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking Related, Outdoor All, gifts for outdoorsy men, outdoorsy gifts for him, gifts for outdoorsmen, outdoor gifts for men, christmas gifts for outdoorsman, popular California hiking & camping permits. By their own admission things didn't start well. Continue along the east side of Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Cecile Lake. There are permit here too and these tend to range from 15 to 25lb, although in favourable conditions there's a chance of a fish weighing 30lb or more. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. '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. 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). Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. Come prepared to find your way. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. 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!. It wasn't until we turned a bend late in afternoon that we finally saw the tips of the jagged peaks in the distance above the nearby trees. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! 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! Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Although the scenery so far has been pretty typical of a high elevation Sierra forest - dried pine needles and lots of boulders, the portions near the creek were surprisingly lush. After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. Fishing in Minaret and Deadhorse Lakesis for Brook Trout. 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. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . Flush toilet at shuttle stop. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. 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 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. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Guides. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. Trips beginning on Inyo National Forest may continue into the wilderness areas of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks., As you plan your trip, remember that we must take care of this amazing place. Wilderness permits can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest for trips originating out of trailheads within Reds Meadow Valley. The plan was to head to Thousand Island Lake on the first night, Ediza Lake on the second, and Minaret Lake for the third and final night. 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. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. On popular summer weekends the quota for permits may run out, so . When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. This backpacking checklist goes over everything you might need on a 3-5 day backpacking trip (with a printable checklist), plus my personal recommendations on the best gear for each of the different items. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. The Minarets Arriving at 2:30 was exceptionally early for us and we needed the additional time to find a campsite (it was crowded), set up camp, filter our water, and cook dinner. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. The first water source is about 1.5 miles in and the trail is pretty exposed until then so bring lots of water and possibly a filter. 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. Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. 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. 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. Never leave any crucial items behind before you head out on a backpacking trip! How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. From the Main St/Minaret Road (CA-203) intersection in Mammoth Lakes, follow the Minaret Road northwest for ~4.1 miles to the Mammoth Mountain Village. I thought the altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the lake is at 9,800ish. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. Sunset . "Run the Silk Road" Marathon Tour; Tien Shan Trail Race marathon "Tien Shan Trail Race" marathon-tour; Trekking 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. Remember to leave this place undamaged so it will continue to be what we seek of wilderness., Learn more about planning and preparing for a wilderness trip (PDF) in Inyo National Forest., Wilderness permit is required year round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. Do not leave food unattended., In campgrounds and parking areas with bear proof lockers, all food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and secured in the lockers. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. Day 1 - Agnew Meadows to Rosalie Lake (12 miles), Day 2 - Rosalie Lake to Minaret Lake (7 miles), Day 3 - Minaret Lake to Agnew Meadows (11.4 miles). Or, if you have more energy, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe even up to Cecil Lake. Minaret Lake Trail Red's Meadow Area Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Phone: (760) 924-5500 Overview Also called the Minaret Creek Trail, this is a 6.5-mile (one way) hike that offers a moderate to difficult challenge up to 9,500 feet. Yes! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. Since the road to this area is closed approximately Mid-October through Mid-June, it is a hike best done during the summer or early fall. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. Whitney area are expected to pack-out their solid human waste., In other areas poop should be buried six to eight inches deep and at least 100 feet or more from water sources, trails, or campsites., Pack out all your trash, help keep our wilderness areas pristine., Protect water quality, dont use soap in natural waterways, even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. Itinerary for Hiking the Minaret Lake Trail - Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the trail so you can make your plans accordingly. . 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. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. Walk-in permits are free of charge. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. How long does it take to hike Minaret Lake? Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. Contact me here and say hi :). Backpacking to Minaret Lake lets you savor the beauty of the area. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. Among the lakes featured in this section are Johnston Lake, Vivian Lake, Rosalie Lake, and Shadow Lake. As the sun started to set, the light rays created by the shadows of the peaks became more and more pronounced. The primary bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and slider and windows that look out onto a lush . by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. Once at the top, you are standing at nearly 10,500 feet and will have impressive panoramic views of the Minarets, Mount Ritter, and Banner Peak. You can check the weather conditions here: Mountain Forecast One of my favorite resources for mountain weather forecasts when checking a few days before a trip. If youre anything like me, the first thing you want to know about a trail is the important stats and information, so you can quickly figure out what this hike is all about. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. Monday August 21. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest 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. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Minaret Vista. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. . Always store your food (and any other scented items) at night in either a bear box or bear canister.