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. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. Above Minaret Falls near Johnston Meadow the Minaret Lake trail seperates from the John Muir trail to followMinaret Creek. Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. On popular summer weekends the quota for permits may run out, so . Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. 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. Out of all the places I've backpacked in the Eastern Sierra, the Minarets have to be the most jagged and dramatic section of mountain range in the Sierra. Bury human waste away from water sources. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! I already have a permit for this trailhead. Youll find lots of great camping options for Minaret Lake, whether you just want to camp at the trailhead before or after a day hike, or if youre camping along the trail while backpacking. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. Do not rely on cell phone for communication or navigation, most of the forest has no cell service. I am already daydreaming about photographing the morning alpenglow on the spires, and I know Brian is anxious to get to Cecil Lake. An official website of the The craggy Minarets surround the region. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Again, this is not all the gear you need, so be sure to check out my backpacking gear checklist for my entire list of gear recommendations! Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) 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. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows. 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. Anywho, my permit via recreation.gov was for the Inyo National Forest on the High . Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. 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. Bundled up in our puffy, down jackets, the two of us headed south on the John Muir Trail (JMT) toward Devils Postpile. Thanks Map showing recreational areas. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Tagged: backpacking, trip report, CA, Sierras, lakes, Eastern Sierra, NorCal, Mammoth, I'm Alice, a weekend hiker and outdoor adventurer based out of the Bay Area in California. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. And be aware that youll be camping by a lake, which means you could have to deal with some serious mosquitoes, especially during the summer season. This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. 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. 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. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? 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. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. Minaret Lake. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Fishing in Minaret and Deadhorse Lakesis for Brook Trout. Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. 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. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. 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. 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! 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. Our first view of the entire Minarets, part of the Ritter Range. 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. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. You should also set up your camp in a spot where people have clearly camped before, in order to minimize environmental impact. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. 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. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. The one-way hike to Minaret Lake wont take the whole day, so this trip will still give you time to relax and explore the area further if you want. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. 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. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! Dates: 8/26 - 8/27Miles: 13 roundtrip (to very edge of the lake)Elevation Change: 2,586 ftTrail Type: Out and backTrailhead:Google MapsPermit Required: Yes for overnight backpacking (issued via Inyo NF), no for dayhiking. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. You'll hike along the Minaret Creek past meadows, an enormous waterfall, and eventually you'll see the entire range of the Minarets above you. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Minaret Lake Trail 5.1 mi Overview Map The Minaret Lake Trail is accessed via the overlapping Pacific Crest and John Muir trails from the Devils Postpile Trailhead in the Devils Postpile National Monument. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. | shedreamsofalpine.com. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. 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. Yes! Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! As with all bears, you should practice standard bear safety principles including (but not limited to) the following: Make noise while you hike so wildlife is never startled by your presence. Day three. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. This out and back trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra. 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. 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. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. 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. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and more. We were distracted by a partially frozen waterfall 4.35 miles in, and just past this marker you will begin to climb up more through a few switchbacks. Peru is the second-largest host country for Venezuelans, with about 1.5 million migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees living in the country as at late 2022. 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. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. Distance: 21 miles (hiking as a loop) Elevation Gain: 3,300. 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. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. Difficulty Level: Strenuous. Walk-in permits are free of charge. Mistakes are certainly how we learn, and we should never be so afraid of failure and mistakes that it prevents us from taking action toward our backpacking goals, but this list might just help you avoid a few rookie (often too common) mistakes beginner backpackers tend to make their first time backpacking. 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.). Finally we started seeing pools of water, and eventually we arrived on the shore of gorgeous Minaret Lake! If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. We headed counter-clock wise, and I ended up soaking in the sunlight on a little peninsula that is in the middle of the lake while Brian tried to see if he could make it up to Cecil Lake. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. 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.. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. From day hiking Mt. The trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking trip. 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. In this post I've created a comprehensive hiking packing list for essential hiking gear. ) or https:// means you've safely If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. Let us know in the comments! 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. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. We provide tools and tips to discover We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. 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). 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. 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. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! We recommend frequently checking the website before arrival as operating hours vary due to weather. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. We skipped seeing the monument since we visited it the year before when we hiked to Rainbow Falls, but if you have never made the trip, it is worth the half-mile detour to the base of the rock formation. 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. We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. Highway 203. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest 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. Minaret Lake Hike | Words By Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd and Brian Callender. Southeast Face 5.8+ YDS 5b French 16 Ewbanks VI- UIAA 15 ZA HVS 4c British Avg: 3.7 from 77 votes . As always, all opinions are my own. Back in the forest, take the first log to the left to cross the creek again. If youre looking for a great intro backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, the Minaret Lake trail is it! Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. Whitney to backpacking Mt Whitney, youll find everything you need to successfully summit and tackle one of the tallest peaks in the United States. Its not hard to do, but it does require a little planning ahead. Single room and boat options available. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. 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. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. 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. 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. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). 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). 2) Click the Explore Available Permits button. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. Recreation.gov! Familiarize yourself with the seven principles of Leave No Trace and review wilderness rules with all members of your group.. Is there drinking water available along the Minaret Lake hike? Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. If you have time, take a quick stop at Minaret Vista to gaze at your hiking goal for the day. When backpacking to Minaret Lake, youll want to camp near the lake itself (especially on the east side) for the most breathtaking views. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. Map Information Activities Ata Beit, Baitik and Ala Archa - nature and history. 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. and reservations. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 925 sq. If you dont already have an account on the site, you will need to create one in order to apply. 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. Pools of water, and eventually we arrived on the High Sierra a number, they... Over the pros and cons of each option via recreation.gov was for the Inyo National forest is 13.4. Your return shuttle service, hospital ) our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel,. Date ( ) ) ; Hello of minaret lake permit - Issyk-Kul Lake, the Minaret Lake, this recording the... Our campsite newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and eventually we on! 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