Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. Not to mention, you can also look down on Minaret Lake below. If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. Southeast Face 5.8+ YDS 5b French 16 Ewbanks VI- UIAA 15 ZA HVS 4c British Avg: 3.7 from 77 votes . The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. Visitorsto the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. 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. Toughest thing I have done. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. Most people hiking to Minaret Lake will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. 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! Its not hard to do, but it does require a little planning ahead. 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. Permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or through an online reservation system. For email, allow time for response during business hours. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! While the summer months of July and August make for great trail conditions, they also are the months when you will find the most mosquitoes. 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. The final mile to Minaret Lake was the hardest and the steepest. Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). . We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. Be prepared before you go. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area Due to its popularity, there is a very structured permit process, and this post covers everything you need to know about grabbing Mount Whitney permits so you can plan your hike up this epic California peak. And there are a few absolutely essential items I want to make sure you have ready to go when youre heading out on your Minaret Lake adventure. 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 Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. 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. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. Sunset . 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.. I recommend a 2-day itinerary for the Minaret Lake hike. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. While this hike is not extremely difficult, it is long, especially as a day hike, which could be too much for younger kids. If you want to instead start in the Lakes Basin, you will need a permit for Horseshoe Lake Ranger Guided Programs 2) Click the Explore Available Permits button. 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. Among the lakes featured in this section are Johnston Lake, Vivian Lake, Rosalie Lake, and Shadow Lake. We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. 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 difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? The best times to visit this trail are May through October. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. We took our time enjoying the morning light in the trees, and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn. 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. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit - The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. Journey to the Kel Suu lake; To the blooming valley of Karkara. Moderate to strenuous. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). The 231,005-acre wilderness is a spectacular setting of alpine meadows, lakes, and rugged peaks that encompass the headwaters of the San Joaquin River. 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. 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. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. 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. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! Monday August 21. No refund of reservation fee.. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. Its about nourishment and learning. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . . 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. ) or https:// means you've safely 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! He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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). This one week road trip heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon. From Cecile Lake. You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. 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. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. Day two. All rights reserved. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. 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! You purchase your $15 round-trip ticket and get on the shuttle at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (make sure to keep your ticket for the return trip!). I'd love to come back for some more technical routes up some of the nearby peaks - the view must be incredible from up there. Minaret lake to Nydiver Lakes going past Cecile lake, Iceberg Lake, and Ediza. In Minaret Creek you will fish for Brook Trout. Just north of Shadow Lake (where the PCT/JMT converge) the Minaret Lakes Loop heads west along Shadow Creek Trail. If you're hiking outside of when the shuttle runs, you can drive to the trailhead yourself. 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. connected to the .gov website. . Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. Near the beginning of this trail, you will come to a stream crossing near Johnston Lake. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. 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. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. 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. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. 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. Please Leave No Trace. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. 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. After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! Let us know in the comments! We want to return to the lake as well to explore more of the area! Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. 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. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. 5) At this point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the necessary information. Backpacking to Minaret Lake lets you savor the beauty of the area. 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. Our only significant water crossing of the trip came at Minaret Creek shortly after exiting Devils Postpile. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. Yes, there are creeks and lakes you can filter water from. Nydiver lakes over Whitebark Pass to Garnet then cross country to Thousand Island Lake. To finalize your permit reservations, youll need to pay a $6 permit fee plus an additional $5 non-refundable per person transaction fee. The craggy Minarets surround the region. This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! Minaret Vista is the highest lookout point in the Mammoth Lakes area that motorists can drive to during summer months. 2021Outdoor Project. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. 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. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. Minaret Lake Hike Map & GPX Files - I've created a map detailing the entire trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. (760)924-5500. Here Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the Minaret Lake trail, so you can make your plans accordingly. The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. 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 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. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. 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. Pro Tip: Its totally worth it to wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning! The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. 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 I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. I scaled the ridge on the eastern shore to get a better vantage point of the multi-lobed lake and enjoyed some peaceful moments watching a fly fisherman steadily cast his line back and forth. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. More details on the quota can be found on the National Forest Service site. An official website of the 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. After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. Other species in the East End area include barracuda, snapper and jacks. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, 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. From day hiking Mt. 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. Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Important Permit & Reservation Deadlines for Popular California Hiking Trails & Campsites | Don't miss out on hiking or camping at some of Californias most popular sites because you missed the reservation deadlines. on official, secure websites. 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 camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. Less than 10 miles roundtrip, the Duck Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra lakes and mountains. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. 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. Minaret Vista. 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. Mammoth Lakes offers many camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. 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). Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. 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. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. | 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. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. By their own admission things didn't start well. Recreation.gov! | 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. LockA locked padlock Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. Highway 203. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! Deadlines. During the summer you can also arrive before 7am to avoid having to take the shuttle (like we did for our Thousand Island Lake backpacking trip), and this allows you to have your car waiting for you when you return from your hike. Camping Near Minaret Lake Where to camp on and off the trail. 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!. Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. 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. No spots left? The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. '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. Our first view of the entire Minarets, part of the Ritter Range. Log onto your account at Recreation.gov to make changes or call the wilderness permit office for Inyo National Forest for reservation assistance (760) 873-2483. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. 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. 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.. The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. | 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. Crossing Minaret Creek Due to the high snow fall year and late melt, mosquitos were out in full force even in August. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. 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. Sitting directly below the summit of the towering 12,900ft. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. Map Information Activities camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. You should also set up your camp in a spot where people have clearly camped before, in order to minimize environmental impact. This means that for reservations in the summer months (July through October), you will be able to make reservations from January to April. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. Trails with zero space in winter are affected by road closure. Alerts and Closures for Inyo National Forest. Required fields are marked *. Although smokey conditions can be considered a drawback for many, there is a silver lining of having smoke in the air - sunsets are so much more unique and colorful. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. Get access to this trails GPX file PLUS my library of GPX files with tracks and waypoints for all the trails loaded onto the She Dreams of Alpine blog. 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. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. 351 Pacu Lane Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. Phone: (760) 924-5500. Twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) 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.
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