Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. 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. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Be sure to bring your National Parks Pass, or pay the current entrance fee, and then make your way down the narrow road toward the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. 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. 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. 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. Close All people count for wilderness quotas and fees. 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. 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. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Overview. 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. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. 2021Outdoor Project. We recommend frequently checking the website before arrival as operating hours vary due to weather. 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. Get off the shuttle at Stop #6, Devils Postpile. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. 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 Contact the wilderness permit office if you have questions or need to reissue a permit with corrections. 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. In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. An official website of the Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. Yes! The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. As soon as I saw pictures of this location, I knew Brian and I had to see it in person. From day hiking Mt. As the sun started to set, the light rays created by the shadows of the peaks became more and more pronounced. 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. Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. Trash, bathrooms, picnic tables, and bear boxes. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. Above Minaret Falls near Johnston Meadow the Minaret Lake trail seperates from the John Muir trail to followMinaret Creek. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! 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. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Minaret Lake Situated at 9,793 feet in the Ritter Range, Minaret Lake is a stunning alpine lake with Michael Minaret as the backdrop. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. 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. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. 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. 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. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! 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. Anywho, my permit via recreation.gov was for the Inyo National Forest on the High . 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. Also, if youre backpacking, set up your camp farther away from water, where wind will help keep some of the mosquitoes away. Permits are required if you are backpacking & camping, but not for day hiking this trail. Please Leave No Trace. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). PLUS, I love to spoil my readers with a little bit extra as well, so Ive included a list of 20+ of my favorite backpacking food snacks and meals inside of this list for inspiration. After 0.75 miles, we passed the North/South junction for the PCT. The craggy Minarets surround the region. that youre fully prepared. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. Required fields are marked *. This means that for reservations in the summer months (July through October), you will be able to make reservations from January to April. Just north of Shadow Lake (where the PCT/JMT converge) the Minaret Lakes Loop heads west along Shadow Creek Trail. 2) Click the Explore Available Permits button. You can plan this trip as one or two nights, depending on the time you have to spend in this amazing alpine setting. Whitney to backpacking Mt Whitney, youll find everything you need to successfully summit and tackle one of the tallest peaks in the United States. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. Official websites use .gov A .gov Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! 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. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Your email address will not be published. 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. Visitorsto the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston 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 . When to Hike Minaret Lake The best time to hike Minaret Lake and typical weather to expect on your trip. If you dont already have an account on the site, you will need to create one in order to apply. 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. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. Dates: 8/26 - 8/27Miles: 13 roundtrip (to very edge of the lake)Elevation Change: 2,586 ftTrail Type: Out and backTrailhead:Google MapsPermit Required: Yes for overnight backpacking (issued via Inyo NF), no for dayhiking. You will have to pay a $10 day pass fee if you drive yourself (unless you have a National Parks pass). 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. 351 Pacu Lane Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. >> JUMP TO SECTION 8 FOR A SUGGESTED MINARET LAKE TRAIL ITINERARY. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. 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. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! I thought the altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the lake is at 9,800ish. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. 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! 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. 7 mi 0 ft gain. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. No refund of reservation fee.. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. 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. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. 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. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. on official, secure websites. After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. 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. Minaret Lakes via PCT, Minaret Creek, and John Muir Trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 mi Est. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. connected to the .gov website. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . No rain checks or credits. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Earlier or later in the season (June or October), you could potentially encounter snow, which would definitely make the trail more of a challenge and potentially be dangerous. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. 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 trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. Deadlines. 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. Or, if you have more energy, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe even up to Cecil Lake. Journey to the Kel Suu lake; To the blooming valley of Karkara. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and more. Mammoth Lakes, CA. Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. If you would like more information about Fly Fish Guanaja Lodge please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44 (0)1980 847 389. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? 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. Unsubscribe at any time basalt columns formed millions of years ago or, if drive. Travel ideas, news, and bear boxes commercial groups minaret lake permit contact the permit... 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