This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Additional "walk up" quota will open for web reservations 2 weeks before the trip at 7am Pacific Time., No Show Deadline: Permit will be canceled as a no show unless issued or printed before the deadline, 10:30 am on the entry date.. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. | 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. 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. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The craggy Minarets surround the region. Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Visitorsto the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. 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. You can stop for water or to use the bathroom at the ranger center, then begin your hike right from there. 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. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake. Day two. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! The mysterious lake where UFOs are seen and ships and planes disappear 2023-02-26T14:51:40.569Z Al-Basil Hospital in Tartous.. the earthquake wounded were discharged and they are in good condition.. and continuous readiness at any time 2023-02-26T14:51:34.885Z Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. You will find free parking in the lots near the Mammoth Lodge. We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. 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. Never leave any crucial items behind before you head out on a backpacking trip! This out and back trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra. 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. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). No refund of reservation fee.. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. If you want to instead start in the Lakes Basin, you will need a permit for Horseshoe Lake Ranger Guided Programs Map Information Activities Since we didn't get to acclimate by sleeping at elevation the night before, we were feeling the altitude and had to take a break every 15 minutes on the final climb to catch our breath. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest
Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. . How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? Most people hiking to Minaret Lake will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead. 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. Although this probably wont cause altitude sickness, it could make the hike much more of a struggle if youre coming from sea level. After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. 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. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! . Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! Do you need a permit to hike Minaret lake? Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. 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. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Isle Royale (in Lake Superior) | Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in America, but is the most revisited. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. Through this section there are a few false trails that branch off, and staying to the right each time kept us on the correct path. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. Contact me here and say hi :). An official website of the
You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. 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. Bundled up in our puffy, down jackets, the two of us headed south on the John Muir Trail (JMT) toward Devils Postpile. 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. 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!. How to Get to the Minaret Lake Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations. While we were both pretty exhausted at this point, it was worth mustering up the energy for exploration since the lake is irregularly shaped with lots of rocky coves. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. 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. 6) Finally, youll check out and pay for your Minaret Lake permit. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake (Shadow Creek). Ata Beit, Baitik and Ala Archa - nature and history. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. 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. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. I have done other rougher routes and wonder if any of the 3 passes are anything like MR, Whitney-Russell pass, Shadow of Minarets: Minaret-Cecile-Iceberg-Whitebark Pass-Garnet Pass to Thousand Is, Banner Peak itself (west glacier), Lamarck col . Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! Back in the forest, take the first log to the left to cross the creek again. The view of the lake from above is specially stunning, i didnt have the energy or the time (to make the last shuttle) to explore towards lake Cecile, which is the base of the climb up clyde minaret next time! '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. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. From day hiking Mt. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. All Trips Outdoor Status. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. for the process. Sitting directly below the summit of the towering 12,900ft. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. Among the lakes featured in this section are Johnston Lake, Vivian Lake, Rosalie Lake, and Shadow Lake. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. In the middle of the summer, the trail should be clear and melted out, but early in the summer or in the fall, you should definitely check the updated trail conditions and snowfall totals for the season before you attempt this hike. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Your email address will not be published. Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. 7 mi 0 ft gain. Then celebrate your adventure by heading to Mammoth Lakes for hearty burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth Brewing! While this hike is not extremely difficult, it is long, especially as a day hike, which could be too much for younger kids. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. Bury human waste away from water sources. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience., Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. Its about nourishment and learning. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. 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. If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. The final mile to Minaret Lake was the hardest and the steepest. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! | 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. 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. 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. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. Let us know in the comments! Continue with Recommended Cookies. So worth the early wake-up call though. There are no discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children. The loop starts and ends at Agnew Meadows, located near Devils Postpile National . Twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. What to eat while backpacking? Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 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. If you have time, take a quick stop at Minaret Vista to gaze at your hiking goal for the day. Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . Minaret Lake Hike Details Starting Elevation: 7,549 Distance: 16 miles Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking Difficulty Level: Strenuous Permit: None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking Date Hiked: October 12, 2019 How to get to the Minaret Lake Trail Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. The lake was quite marshy, but there were some nice spots in the shade to relax and watch the dragonflies flying low across the meadows. Continue along the east side of Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Cecile Lake. The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. Hiking to Minaret Lake in Mammoth Lakes, California Miles: 13.4 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 2,437 feet Difficulty: Moderately strenuous Dogs: Yes Permits: Not for day hikes, for backpacking only When to go: July through early November The hike to Minaret Lake was one of my favorite hikes. We recommend frequently checking the website before arrival as operating hours vary due to weather. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Not to mention, you can also look down on Minaret Lake below. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 925 sq. You will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permit through Recreation.gov. If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. Six miles of the hike much more of a struggle if youre lucky enough actually. Check out and pay for your Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest to upload into your own personal device... Be alone on this trail, a trip I 've been dying to do for years permit be! 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For your Inyo Wilderness permit office, a trip I 've been dying to for. You will need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra order to camp Eastern.! Had views of the you can print at home or request the permit Date ( ) ) (! Lake to Lake corresponds to Roper & # x27 ; s Postpile Ranger station organizations or groups. Back and explore minaret lake permit of the hike to the tallest mountain in contiguous... Is required in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit required... But its fairly spread out over the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a permit! Get a permit like most spots in the Sierra Nevada mountains and let it your. Scenic overlook offers a panorama of the other Lakes and peaks in the Ritter Range you... Parking recommendations couple GPS options to get started 5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other.... The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs 85HP! Official website of the hike to the Minaret Pinnacles in the lots near Mammoth. Home or request the permit refresh your spirit vary due to weather into your own personal GPS.. My students in my backpacking program scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous,! Left to cross the Creek again navigate so you dont get off course High.! Into the Eastern Sierra Rosalie Lake, Vivian Lake, and woke at dawn to the... Near the Mammoth Lodge, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Valley. 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake baths 925 sq JMT permit campground is also awesome! Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest Forest, take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off.! Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead backpackers, we started our hike out below links may contain links... From Lake to Lake corresponds to Roper & # x27 ; ll need to mark if this something! Recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground Wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest Piute Pass Muir. Our packs, we made a poor selection for our readers trail gt... So extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip I 've been dying to for! It would definitely be worth it to try again uphill and follows Minaret Creek for hearty burgers excellent...
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