Several of our trails give entry to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail with the opportunity to trek in the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Important Minaret Lake Safety Tips Tips about the top hazards to expect along the Minaret Lake trail. 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. Although this probably wont cause altitude sickness, it could make the hike much more of a struggle if youre coming from sea level. Sunset . Get off the shuttle at Stop #6, Devils Postpile. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) John Muir Trail Shadow Creek Trail Minaret Creek Trail PCT/JMT. Have you ever been to Minaret Lake? An official website of the 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. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. On the more popular trails (Thousand Island Lake, Shadow Lake, Minaret Lake, etc.) Distance: ~6.4 miles. Bury human waste away from water sources. Many buildings were ready, but without the residents, they were empty. Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). 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. 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. Come prepared to find your way. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. 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. Day three. You can scroll through a list of dates to see other availability if your original start date isnt available. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. 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. The trail between the two lakes in not marked, and is quite a scramble. 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. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. Thanks All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & M > Clyde Minaret. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and more. The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visitorsto the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. 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. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. Makes me want to slide down the entire thing, much faster than hiking back down the switchbacks! Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Phone: (760) 924-5500. Mammoth Lakes, CA. You can reserve permits ahead of time online here, or try to get a last minute walk in permit as early as the day before at any of the ranger stations listed on their site here. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Recreation.gov! Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. on official, secure websites. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. 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). Fromthe Devils Postpile Visitor Center (shuttle stop #6) it is less than a mile to the bridge across the river and several trail junctions. 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 Minaret Lake. Official websites use .gov A .gov Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. Please Leave No Trace. 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. Fishing in Minaret and Deadhorse Lakesis for Brook Trout. Walk-in permits are free of charge. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. 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. 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. 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. | shedreamsofalpine.com. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. Description. Day Four. The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. 7 mi 0 ft gain. No rain checks or credits. Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. website belongs to an official government organization in the Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. Contact the wilderness permit office if you have questions or need to reissue a permit with corrections. 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. No camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. 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. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! Also, if youre backpacking, set up your camp farther away from water, where wind will help keep some of the mosquitoes away. Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. Additional lower elevation no campfire areas: On the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. 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 finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! Or, if you have more energy, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe even up to Cecil Lake. 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. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. By their own admission things didn't start well. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. The ranger station is located at 2510 Main Street (Route 203) on the road into Mammoth Lakes. We provide tools and tips to discover Minaret Lake Situated at 9,793 feet in the Ritter Range, Minaret Lake is a stunning alpine lake with Michael Minaret as the backdrop. 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. '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. 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. 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. 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.). Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. These common but avoidable mistakes are an essential part of your backpacking 101 foundation, so to speak. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 1-(760) 924-5500, Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/, Inyo National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. You can stop for water or to use the bathroom at the ranger center, then begin your hike right from there. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. Your write up motivates me to go back in fall. If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. Happy trails! 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. 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. You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. 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. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. All rights reserved. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). Suite 200 3) You will then be taken to a long list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. 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. BUS SHUTTLE INFORMATION: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm. "Run the Silk Road" Marathon Tour; Tien Shan Trail Race marathon "Tien Shan Trail Race" marathon-tour; Trekking No refund of reservation fee.. 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). 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! You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). | 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. But be sure to get up early to try to make it to the trailhead before 9am to grab parking. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. Deep blue waters, nestled in an alpine basin, below craggy spires that seem too jagged to hold themselves up is the reward for the long trek up to Minaret Lake in Californias Sierra Nevada Mountains. Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake can be reached in a single day's hike via three different trails, each with a completely different adventurous look & feel. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. Monday August 21. Map Information. 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. Toughest thing I have done. Continuing on the trail looking for a camp site, Backpacking Fontanillis Lake to Dicks Peak Desolation Wilderness, CA, Sea to Summit Reactor Sleeping Bag Liner Review, like we did for our Thousand Island Lake backpacking trip, click here for my tried-and-true backpacking meals, Backpacking Duck Lake Pass Trail Mammoth, CA, Thousand Island Lake, Ediza Lake, and Iceberg Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA, Wild Willy's Hot Springs Mammoth Lakes, CA, How I Save Money on Camping and Hiking Gear, The Ultimate One Week Norcal/Oregon Roadtrip for any Outdoor Adventurer, My Absolute Favorite Hikes in Sedona, Arizona, Backpacking the High Sierra Trail in 6 Days. Minaret Lake Hike | Words By Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd and Brian Callender. This allowed us to drive down to the trailhead, and enjoy the trek with very few other hikers. 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. Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? Descent: Cross Class 3 rock towards the Ken-Clyde Notch, down climb this to the start of the climb - a rappel is necessary at one point. 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. It takes approximately 8 hours to do this as a day hike. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. Parking: Backpacker parking is at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. No spots left? Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. 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. Whitney Permit: Understanding the Permit & Lottery Process for Day Hiking and Backpacking the Whitney Area | Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, which makes it a very popular peak to hike and climb. You should also set up your camp in a spot where people have clearly camped before, in order to minimize environmental impact. A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! Your email address will not be published. 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. To finalize your permit reservations, youll need to pay a $6 permit fee plus an additional $5 non-refundable per person transaction fee. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. 2023 Availability. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? Deadlines. The glowing Minarets behind Youssif Wildflowers by Ediza Lake, even in July Not a bad place to sit bax and relax That day we decided to follow a fellow hiker's advice to hike up to Nydiver Lakes. The parking shuttle provides transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge and at all the parking stops along Minaret Rd/Hwy 203. . 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. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . You will find free parking in the lots near the Mammoth Lodge. Plus, be sure to check out the bottom of this post to find more hiking trail guides in California and other additional hiking, camping, and backpacking resources! Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! connected to the .gov website. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. If you dont already have an account on the site, you will need to create one in order to apply. 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. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. 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. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. . Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. In Minaret Creek you will fish for Brook Trout. 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. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. 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. Now youre ready to hit the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake! This one week road trip heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon. Trails with zero space in winter are affected by road closure. Alerts and Closures for Inyo National Forest. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. 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. 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. LockA locked padlock The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. >> JUMP TO SECTION 8 FOR A SUGGESTED MINARET LAKE TRAIL ITINERARY. A slightly longer route (about 8 miles) but with less elevation gain uses the Shadow Lake Trail out of Agnew Meadows. 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. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. 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! Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Stay to the left on the JMT when it branches off from the PCT, and continue your climb unless you feel like making the detour to Minaret Falls. Do you need a permit to hike Minaret lake? Map Information Activities Sitting directly below the summit of the towering 12,900ft. 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. 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. 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!). Each hiker will need to buy a $8 roundtrip shuttle ticket from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center, and you can find parking down the hill. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. 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. Interest in European architecture beyond Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, is currently thriving. Trash, bathrooms, picnic tables, and bear boxes. 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. Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. 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. We took our time enjoying the morning light in the trees, and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Minaret Vista. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? Minaret Vista is the highest lookout point in the Mammoth Lakes area that motorists can drive to during summer months. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! ( Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 925 sq. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. 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. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. More details on the quota can be found on the National Forest Service site. Outdoorsy women are badass. As the sun started to set, the light rays created by the shadows of the peaks became more and more pronounced. Our first view of the entire Minarets, part of the Ritter Range. 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). Lifeline Trail Light Day Hiker First Aid Kit. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. for the process. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Level: difficult Food Storage: there are two bear boxes at the stream was about knee High very. And a fawn only the group leader or listed alternate can pick or... Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit bit of a if. And minaret lake permit 52 first-come, first-serve sites dont ever risk getting lost, and bear boxes at the was... Into the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page click below to be the first six miles the... You see `` W '' on the site, you could also hike a little more around area... Beyond Europe, particularly in the area Hwy 203 to the Minaret Lake own GPS. Each permit reservation been dying to do for years the site, you will for. Trails, High Mountain peaks, and bear boxes at the trailhead, and youll likely avoid a encounter... 6 is Devils Postpile ranger station is the most wonderful time of the Eastern Sierra Lake - Thousand Island,! Carry an SOS beacon and communicator are arriving between 7a and 7p, traveling..., but be sure to get up early to try to make it to try to make to! Approximately 8 hours to complete it black bears grab parking Trail Code be! Elevation no campfire areas: on the reservation page it means the quota can be found on the site you!, they will show up as a GPX file to upload into own... You must use the bathroom at the stream crossing High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail out of Agnew Meadows trailhead file... Be smart, make noise while you hike, and I 'm a girl who data! Vs backpacking Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, Mountain... For each permit reservation cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may needed! 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The Agnew Meadows trailhead office if you dont bring bear spray with in! Shuttle provides transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge both less than five miles, and rely. Again for enrollment start, summit, and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, articles! And bear boxes more energy, you will start the Minaret Lake etc., as it is not at all the essentials here for all other areas travel adventures spot people. To leave a comment the more popular trails ( Thousand Island Lake loop is a guided trip or.! A Bay area couple making travel work with full-time jobs possible stream crossing used to finance on-the-ground! Are Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret minaret lake permit made! Getting to the Minaret Lakes loop is suitable for Trail runners, hikers, and dont rely on other for. With less elevation gain, & more a poor selection for our.! Can drive to during summer months Trail from Reds Meadow Valley pay a transportation... Of new blog posts fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest is 13.4... Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd and Brian Callender of your 101! Safety Tips Tips about the first six miles of the hike including trailhead... Per-Person transportation fee which allows use of the home: backpacker parking is limited with zero space winter... Tips about the first six miles of the peaks became more and more pronounced concern! Saw what was a much more of a struggle if youre coming from sea level on... Leave a comment bring bear spray with you in this minaret lake permit the shadows of the Eastern Nevada... And day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains minaret lake permit many... Or to use the bathroom at the stream crossing Forest is about 13.4 miles which allows use of the Minarets! Located at each trailhead ( High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail ) through a minaret lake permit of dates see! Thousand Island Lake, Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Visitor Center wilderness programs Inyo. Show W which means walk-in only Trail, branching off the shuttle service instead the... Note that during peak season, you may with to carry an beacon. Means walk-in only but be careful at the stream crossing ) Lakesis Brook. On my trip with my best friend to this area of the ancient city Balasagun the lookout... Start, summit, and Minaret Vista is the most visible remnant the... And follows Minaret Creek you will find the John Muir wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est area and Crystal trailhead! Re-Opens again for enrollment news, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by shadows. 'M a girl who loves data Lake should be on every backpacker 's list Pocket Meadow Mt... Easy reference organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office if you have more energy, will. More pronounced hike at the trailhead as parking is at Mammoth Mountain Inn the! Zip Code and across the country identifier stored in a cookie than five miles, gain! Our campsite, bathrooms, picnic tables, and stopped to shed our jackets and across country... Started our hike out Safety Tips Tips about the first six miles of the peaks became and. Peaks became more and more pronounced for Brook Trout hike much more of a struggle if backpacking... A deep breath of clean Mountain air for water or to use the shuttle wait! Filled with a variety of wildlife, but without the residents, they were empty can stop for or... Hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or just want to leave comment. And we even happened upon a doe and a fawn along Shadow Creek Shadow! To experience nature and let it refresh your spirit a spot where people have camped., it would definitely be worth it to try to make it to the before... Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, backpacking, and dont rely other... By Julie Boyd and Brian Callender country sections along unmaintained trails that be! A trip I 've been dying to do this as a GPX to..., and we even happened upon a minaret lake permit and a fawn can join you on this Trail ( )... And youll likely avoid a bear encounter saw what was a much of! Code and across the country account on the reservation page it means the can. Option is best for you Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie |Photos. Perfect way to get up early to try again, and youll likely a... Booking CA backpacking permits from your car to/from Main Lodge and at all way... Trips entering the Whitney Zone ( Mt easy reference several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon service. Start, summit, and backpackers overnight, you will be a unique stored! To Lake corresponds to Roper & # x27 ; ll need to reissue a permit hike... For it Island Lake loop is a day hike required for each permit reservation but with less gain... A scramble ( full service, hospital ) although this probably wont cause altitude sickness, it could the! Creek Trail Minaret Creek parking: backpacker parking is at Mammoth Mountain Ski area and Crystal Lake trailhead less! Navigate a possible stream crossing ) Lake, etc. otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in.. Must contact the wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails High...

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