The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 925 sq. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. Finally we started seeing pools of water, and eventually we arrived on the shore of gorgeous Minaret Lake! Nydiver lakes over Whitebark Pass to Garnet then cross country to Thousand Island Lake. No camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. Minaret Vista is the highest lookout point in the Mammoth Lakes area that motorists can drive to during summer months. Activities Fishing Hiking Hey, I did a three day Agnew meadows-thousand island lake via the pct and then looped back to agnew meadows with a stop at Minaret Lake off the JMT. Guides. 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. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). However, these days, wildfires can definitely be a concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind. All rights reserved. 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. Permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or through an online reservation system. 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. From Cecile Lake. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Sunset . This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. It takes approximately 8 hours to do this as a day hike. 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. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. No spots left? Thanks We took a short footpath to the lake shore and while the lake was not especially scenic, we enjoyed photographing some reflections before hitting the trail again. By their own admission things didn't start well. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. 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. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . | 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. 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. 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. While Minaret Lake is certainly not the highest point in the Sierra Nevadas, the trailhead starts at around 7,500 feet elevation, and youll end up all the way up at 9,800 feet when you reach Minaret Lake. We recommend frequently checking the website before arrival as operating hours vary due to weather. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. This permit does not include Beck Lake, Fern Lake or northbound of Johnston Meadow on the John Muir Trail. Minaret Lakes via PCT, Minaret Creek, and John Muir Trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 mi Est. 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. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) 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. Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. 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). Take in the view while you are on the bridge. ft. 6201 Minaret Rd #2403, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 $1,095,000 MLS# 223000169 Welcome to The Village's exceptionally RARE TOP corner unit with high ceilin. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. Since the road to this area is closed approximately Mid-October through Mid-June, it is a hike best done during the summer or early fall. 6) Finally, youll check out and pay for your Minaret Lake permit. 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. This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! Whitney Trail Guide: How to Successfully Summit the Highest Peak in the Lower 48 | This Mount Whitney Trail Guide is your A to Z resource on any and all things involving the Mount Whitney Hike. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Also, if youre backpacking, set up your camp farther away from water, where wind will help keep some of the mosquitoes away. 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. Yes! Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Starting at 7,562 ft, we headed south from the parking lot onto the JMT, crossed a bridge over the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, and then headed north through the trees. Wilderness permits can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest for trips originating out of trailheads within Reds Meadow Valley. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. Makes me want to slide down the entire thing, much faster than hiking back down the switchbacks! Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. Mammoth Lakes, CA. An official website of the This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 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). 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I already have a permit for this trailhead. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I would imagine in summer it might be a bit more of an ordeal, especially in the early months, or after a season of heavy snowfall. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and more. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. In other words, do the 3 passes have sections like that, or are they all trail? 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. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. Minaret Lake. 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! 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. You can scroll through a list of dates to see other availability if your original start date isnt available. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. 7 mi 0 ft gain. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. 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. 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. Highway 203. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. 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. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. . But be sure to get up early to try to make it to the trailhead before 9am to grab parking. Its about protecting what sustains us. The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Follow along as we share our adventures at home & abroad. 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. . After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, Permit:None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Put on your pack and hit the trail. 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. As always, all opinions are my own. Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Stress-Free Guide to Getting John Muir Trail Permits: 5 Simple Steps to Rocking the JMT Permit Process & All of Its Quirks | This post will guide you through the step-by-step process to getting permits for the John Muir Trail. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. 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. Among the lakes featured in this section are Johnston Lake, Vivian Lake, Rosalie Lake, and Shadow Lake. The parking shuttle provides transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge and at all the parking stops along Minaret Rd/Hwy 203. . Always store your food (and any other scented items) at night in either a bear box or bear canister. 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. 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. 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. 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. 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. The trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking trip. Visitorsto the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. The first water source is about 1.5 miles in and the trail is pretty exposed until then so bring lots of water and possibly a filter. and reservations. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. Then I went back to bed! 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. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). What to eat while backpacking? The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. 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 . new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Then celebrate your adventure by heading to Mammoth Lakes for hearty burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth Brewing! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. Pro Tip: Its totally worth it to wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning! 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. Ata Beit, Baitik and Ala Archa - nature and history. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. 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. A permit is required year-round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey Lakes and Kaiser Wildernesses, and Inyo National Forest, as well Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? Nice pics and description. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Trips beginning on Inyo National Forest may continue into the wilderness areas of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks., As you plan your trip, remember that we must take care of this amazing place. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. 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. 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. No rain checks or credits. . So worth the early wake-up call though. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! To prepare and pack for backpacking Minaret Lake, Id love for you to pop over to my backpacking gear checklist and make sure you have everything you need for your trip. Minaret lake to Nydiver Lakes going past Cecile lake, Iceberg Lake, and Ediza. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Day Four. Come prepared to find your way. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! 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