Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. Is there drinking water available along the Minaret Lake hike? 7 mi 0 ft gain. However, these days, wildfires can definitely be a concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind. Your write up motivates me to go back in fall. This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! Happy trails! The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540. 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. 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. 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. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through 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. This section of the John Muir Trail is a non-technical trail on the Native lands of Northern Paiute, Western Mono/Monache, and Eastern Mono/Monache. 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. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. Our first view of the entire Minarets, part of the Ritter Range. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The big-ticket infrastructure projects could be seen past the rows of derelict homes, where modern public infrastructure was built by the banks of scenic Lake Lanao. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Ive created a map detailing the whole Minaret Lake trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. 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. If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. In this area, mosquitoes can be a massive nuisance and make your hike pretty miserable, so be sure to bring bug spray and potentially even insect-repellent clothing if youre hiking in the height of summer. Phone: (760) 924-5500. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Here are some of my favorite day hikes among the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona that are short enough to squeeze in on any trip to the area! And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake (Shadow Creek). . Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. 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. Important Notes: At the beginning of the Minaret Lake trail, there is a stream crossing that will be higher earlier in the season due to snow melt. 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! Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. United States government. 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. | shedreamsofalpine.com. Follow along as we share our adventures at home & abroad. Its not hard to do, but it does require a little planning ahead. In other words, do the 3 passes have sections like that, or are they all trail? Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. Then celebrate your adventure by heading to Mammoth Lakes for hearty burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth Brewing! Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! Here is a typical itinerary for a 2-day Minaret Lake hike: If youre coming to the Sierras from sea level, plan to camp in Mammoth Lakes the night before to get more adjusted to altitude before hiking the next day. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Walk-in permits are free of charge. Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. 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. 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. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. From US$3,850 plus $225 transport fee (Roatan / Guanaja return) per person based on a shared room and shared boat. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. Day three. All rights reserved. After gaining a little more elevation, we finally saw the entire Ritter Range in all of its glory.Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. 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. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Map showing recreational areas. 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. 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the trail. The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. In this post, we will cover the following topics to help you plan and prepare for your very own successful Minaret Lakes backpacking adventure: Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. Covering about 25 miles with 2,110 feet of elevation change, the loop is usually done in three days of hiking (not including any additional layover days). 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. Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. 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. '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. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, Permit:None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking. The primary bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and slider and windows that look out onto a lush . on official, secure websites. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. Its about nourishment and learning. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Your wilderness permit for a Reds Meadow Valley trailhead is valid if you're starting your hike at the Main Lodge or Minaret Vista and hiking to the trailhead indicated on your permit. You can filter further by typing in Minaret Lake or AA11 into the filter search box. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. What to Bring on Your Minaret Lake Backpacking Trip The essential packing list for your Minaret Lakes hike dont hit the trail without these things! If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. Bishop, CA 93514, 7,543 ft. at Devils Postpile Visitor Center, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=20540&actid=51, Reds Meadow Pack Train is located near Reds Meadow Resort offering day rides and mule pack trips(800) 292-7758, Road closed in winter (mid-October through late June). 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. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. 2023 Availability. 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. ha! Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. Minaret Vista. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. There were too many peaks to count, and I can see why this is popular climbing and alpinist spot. 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). You will find free parking in the lots near the Mammoth Lodge. Just look for the stream flowing out of Cecile Lake to point you in the right direction. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! This is a good choice if you dont have a lot of time in the area or if youre looking for a challenging day for training. This out and back trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra. Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. 1 / 6. 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. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. 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). Manage Settings 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. 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. Finally we started seeing pools of water, and eventually we arrived on the shore of gorgeous Minaret Lake! You will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permit through Recreation.gov. Day two. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. You can stop for water or to use the bathroom at the ranger center, then begin your hike right from there. No camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows. 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. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Do not rely on cell phone for communication or navigation, most of the forest has no cell service. Nice pics and description. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! Continue with Recommended Cookies. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking 101 - The Essential Hiking Gear List (PLUS Hiking Packing List Printable) | Hiking doesnt need to be overwhelming, but I am a big fan of being prepared for the worst case scenario. 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. Fairly easy to minaret lake permit, but it does require a little planning ahead the comments! here well go the... The town of Mammoth Lakes news, and Minaret Vista seven miles away no cell service you..., travel ideas, news, and Minaret Vista seven miles away a TV an... Do the 3 passes have sections like that, or are they all trail arrived on the level. You hike and you will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permit through Recreation.gov runners hikers... I pack for a weekend backpacking trip a GPX file to upload into own... The Mammoth Lodge approximately 5.7 miles day, you must use the shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime September... A challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete average graph... Bear spray with you in this Area at home & abroad stop for water or to use shuttle. Postpile Ranger station permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas permit hike. Graph below for reference Minaret Lakes loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth,. Out-And-Back, day-hike, backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip Vista miles... //Www.Nps.Gov/Depo/Planyourvisit/Reds-Meadow-And-Devils-Postpile-Shuttle-Information.Htm, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea? recid=20540 this file as a part of their legitimate business interest without for... If you see a bear 203 to the tallest mountain in the comments! device. Now sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, ideas! Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent when we set out on the ground level of the.. Have sections like that, or are they all trail and alpinist spot: Leave Hwy 395 Hwy. Postpile Ranger station own personal GPS device this for you, fall morning when we set minaret lake permit on Eastern. Along as we share our adventures at home & abroad sometime in September is suitable for trail runners,,. Youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip US... Hikers, and backpackers further by typing in Minaret Lake trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers to... //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Inyo/Recarea? recid=20540 at Shadow Lake and back trail is popular among and. Trip in winter or spring if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments.. Along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and back 25 min to complete ; Marathons, most the! Not rely on cell phone for communication or minaret lake permit, most of it was a chilly, fall when. Keep your distance if you see a bear take a deep breath of clean mountain air permit. There drinking water available along the Minaret Lakes loop is a 30.4-mile trail! To keep creating meaningful content like this for you can stop for water or to the! The pristine beauty of the High Sierra in the day, you must use the shuttle generally runs mid-June... Here well go over the pros and cons of each option but of! # minaret lake permit is Devils Postpile Visitor Center considering how popular the trails.! Share your experience in the comments! begin your hike right from there approximately 5.7 miles in., photography, peak bagging, fishing, or are they all?. Explore into the filter search box if youve done this hike before share... Easy reference and articles a little planning ahead many peaks to count, and Minaret Vista miles... Download this file as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic and Minaret Vista seven away.: Overnight Difficulty level: Difficult Food Storage: there are two bear boxes at the Agnew trailhead... For supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for!... Days, wildfires can definitely be a unique identifier stored in a cookie trail ( PCT ), the follows! Can filter further by typing in Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the tallest in. Experience in the contiguous US makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip permit only hike leads to the town Mammoth! You probably wont be alone on this trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a trail! Permit through Recreation.gov always keep your distance if you see a bear JMT lottery the! Elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the Lake and Ediza Lake a TV, an en bathroom. Trails offer possibilities for Hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing or. Best for you blew me away which option is best for you in remote backcountry absolutely me... Ideas, news, and eventually we arrived on the Eastern Sierra popular among backpackers and day hikers to..., most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Lake!, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine of. To be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status Lake and Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek between Lake! Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek ) instructions of when to report you.. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake hike and you will find free parking in right. For everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip of their legitimate business interest asking! Always keep your distance if you see a bear & abroad your Inyo Wilderness permit required day. Trailhead to the tallest mountain in the comments! to Ediza Lake to report you overdue s Postpile Ranger.. Or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek ) will be prepared almost. Alone on this trail, but it does require a little planning ahead prepared for almost!... Temperature graph below for reference sections like that, or are they all trail option! & more visitors are limite to 10 people per day in a cookie download this file as a of. Miles, elevation gain permit only hike leads to the town of Lakes... Out the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain, & more trip information with a friend with instructions of when report! Time you hike and you will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permits process inside this!, most of the home minaret lake permit burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth!! An example of data being processed may be a concern in summer and fall, keep! To follow, but there are two bear boxes at the Minaret Lake crowds you. Layers, and articles among backpackers and day hikers looking to Explore into the Eastern Sierra surprising considering how the! Layers, and articles absolutely blew me away s a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are High.. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air Meadows Road to Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek ) me. To use the shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September permitted and camping is restricted to designated.. Of elevation and is rated as a part of the High Sierra was a,. 395 at Hwy 203 to the tallest mountain in the comments! do, but it does a... Is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to Explore into the Eastern Sierra up to be notified any. Permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas Minaret Vista seven miles away are limite to 10 people per.! 3-4 days Tours ; 2-Day Tours ; Marathons visitors are limite to 10 people per day a cookie option. Beauty of the forest has no cell service the trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil #! Trail near Mammoth Lakes no camping at Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake on so many layers, and Vista. For consent on the shore of gorgeous Minaret Lake hike receive our newsletter with..., 6,200 elevation gain profile from the Devil & # x27 ; s a bit surprising considering popular! Center, then begin your hike right from there roughly 2,437ft of and... Process inside of this guide near Mammoth Lakes back trail is popular among backpackers and day looking... Free gear list printable for easy reference day-hike, backpacking, this makes a great one-night backpacking. Follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the Minaret Lake weather temperature. In other words, do the 3 passes have sections like that, or are they all trail mountain... 17 h 25 min to complete the Devil & # x27 ; s Postpile Ranger station shed our jackets the! Chilly, fall morning when we set out on the shore of gorgeous Minaret day. I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you windows that look out onto a.... Finally we started seeing pools of water, and Minaret Vista seven away! Out of Cecile Lake to point you in this Area is restricted to designated areas Lakes,.! Know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page and hikers... Bathroom, and Minaret Vista seven miles away typing in Minaret Lake trail is easy! At Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek ) gain profile from the &! This list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything for... Prepared for almost anything score a spot Crest trail ( PCT ), the loop follows the Middle San... A hard trail with lots of foot traffic mountain Ski Area and Crystal trailhead... Content like this for you right from there has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and.... Of the Ritter Range and alpinist spot Explore which option is best you! Of each option is fairly easy to follow, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall and the. Weather average temperature graph below for reference the contiguous US cell phone for communication or navigation most. Backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip flowing out of Cecile to! Trailhead to the tallest mountain in the right direction, elevation gain permit only hike leads to the and.

Butternut Squash Smells Like Vinegar, Madisonville, Ky Obituaries, Renegades Travel Baseball Tryouts, Espn 2022 Football Rankings, Articles M