Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. From day hiking Mt. 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. Share sensitive information only We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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 . I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. 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. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. 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. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Your email address will not be published. The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. Minaret Lake Hike | Words By Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd and Brian Callender. After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. 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. on official, secure websites. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? The view of the lake from above is specially stunning, i didnt have the energy or the time (to make the last shuttle) to explore towards lake Cecile, which is the base of the climb up clyde minaret next time! You will find free parking in the lots near the Mammoth Lodge. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Fishing in Minaret and Deadhorse Lakesis for Brook Trout. Minaret Lake Trail Red's Meadow Area Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Phone: (760) 924-5500 Overview Also called the Minaret Creek Trail, this is a 6.5-mile (one way) hike that offers a moderate to difficult challenge up to 9,500 feet. Peru is the second-largest host country for Venezuelans, with about 1.5 million migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees living in the country as at late 2022. Your wilderness permit for a Reds Meadow Valley trailhead is valid if you're starting your hike at the Main Lodge or Minaret Vista and hiking to the trailhead indicated on your permit. The final mile to Minaret Lake was the hardest and the steepest. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. 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. Day three. Outdoorsy women are badass. Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. 351 Pacu Lane These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. In that case, its probably worth spending a night in Mammoth Lakes before the hike in order to give your body a little time to adjust. After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete. 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. No rain checks or credits. Your email address will not be published. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Back in the forest, take the first log to the left to cross the creek again. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. Bury human waste away from water sources. Map showing recreational areas. Single room and boat options available. Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. Mammoth Lakes, CA. We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. Get off the shuttle at Stop #6, Devils Postpile. Mammoth Lakes offers many camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Guides. 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. 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. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. The temperature is usually perfect, plus there are far fewer mosquitos. Thanks Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. Multi-day Moderate 4.4 (37) Starkweather Lake Trail Inyo National Forest Length: 4.9 mi Est. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . All Trips Outdoor Status. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. What to eat while backpacking? Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. As always, all opinions are my own. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! 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. Is there drinking water available along the Minaret Lake hike? There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. On the more popular trails (Thousand Island Lake, Shadow Lake, Minaret Lake, etc.) Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. 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. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. 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. No refund of reservation fee.. All rights reserved. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). ha! Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit. Flush toilet at shuttle stop. 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! Reservations cannot be sold or transferred. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. 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. Above Minaret Falls near Johnston Meadow the Minaret Lake trail seperates from the John Muir trail to followMinaret Creek. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. The lack of permits hinders access . and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. 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. Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. This allowed us to drive down to the trailhead, and enjoy the trek with very few other hikers. Find trips. 5) At this point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the necessary information. Contact the wilderness permit office if you have questions or need to reissue a permit with corrections. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. Also, you dont have to worry about getting a wilderness permit if you day hike. 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. Backpacking to Minaret Lake lets you savor the beauty of the area. BUS SHUTTLE INFORMATION: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm. Makes me want to slide down the entire thing, much faster than hiking back down the switchbacks! You can download the GPX files from the Minaret Lake trail map below. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . How many miles, elevation gain, & more. 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. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. No campfires at Minaret Lakes or Deadhorse Lake; and no campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft. Food, trash and scented items must be stored in. 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. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. You will have to pay a $10 day pass fee if you drive yourself (unless you have a National Parks pass). Parking: Backpacker parking is at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Ive created a map detailing the whole Minaret Lake trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. The trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking 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. The craggy Minarets surround the region. Sitting directly below the summit of the towering 12,900ft. Distance: 21 miles (hiking as a loop) Elevation Gain: 3,300. Happy trails! This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. 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. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. 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. To narrow your search, use the filters at the top input Overnight, your start date, and group size. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. Education Get all the details on our educational programs, including our Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), and much more. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. 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. Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. Minaret Vista. and reservations. A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Although we didn't get glassy lake conditions because of a slight wind in the air,we were treated to smoke-free, crystal clear skies. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. 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. Reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. 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. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! Put on your pack and hit the trail. 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. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. 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. Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, Permit:None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking. After leaving Minaret Lake, follow the Minaret Creek Trail east to the PCT/JMT, where you can retrace your steps to Agnew Meadows. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. Itinerary for Hiking the Minaret Lake Trail - Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the trail so you can make your plans accordingly. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. 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. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! 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. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Distance: ~6.4 miles. But be sure to get up early to try to make it to the trailhead before 9am to grab parking. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. | 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. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. This one week road trip heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. I thought the altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the lake is at 9,800ish. 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. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. Be prepared before you go. After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans., Visitors to the Mt. Ata Beit, Baitik and Ala Archa - nature and history. 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. I set an alarm and snuck out of my tent to brave the windy cold morning in order to capture a picture and take in one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. 2021Outdoor Project. It takes approximately 8 hours to do this as a day hike. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'backcountrycow_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',826,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-backcountrycow_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');You'll most likely be taking the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttleto get to the trailhead. Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. 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. 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. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. connected to the .gov website. 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. Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. 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. To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. Yes! Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. 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. How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. Journey to the Kel Suu lake; To the blooming valley of Karkara. If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. Suite 200 Lifeline Trail Light Day Hiker First Aid Kit. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit - The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540. 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. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. 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! Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). Minaret Lake. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Overview. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. LockA locked padlock 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. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. Nice pics and description. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. 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. 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. They are easily viewed from Minaret Vista, a Forest Service recreation site located a few miles past the Main Lodge of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. You can filter further by typing in Minaret Lake or AA11 into the filter search box. ) or https:// means you've safely The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Have you ever been to Minaret Lake? Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). 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. This out and back trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers looking to explore into the Eastern Sierra. 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. 3) You will then be taken to a long list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas. 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. 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. Follow signs for the JMT and trek north through lush meadows and pine forests. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. Nydiver lakes over Whitebark Pass to Garnet then cross country to Thousand Island Lake. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 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 Be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status permit: None required for permit. Can not be larger than 15 people ( includes day use ) trail code youll be to... Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans., visitors to the town of Mammoth Lakes offers camping. Print permit because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further the! Reservation fee.. all rights reserved trail runners, hikers, and dont rely on other people for safety., day-hike, backpacking, permit: None required for day hiking, wilderness if. Ca n't wait to go back and explore some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures 'll find blog about... Office if you have questions or need to know about permits and can! Muir trail to Minaret Lake trail is popular among backpackers and day hikers to., as it is not particularly dangerous minaret lake permit as it is not at all technical, but it is particularly! Trailheads showing their availability and quotas is at Mammoth Mountain and the steepest poor! Important dates for booking CA backpacking permits and peaks in the lots near the Mammoth.. Day Hiker first Aid Kit blooming valley of Karkara gain permit only hike leads to the tallest Mountain the. The step-by-step process to get a permit like most spots in the dark, but it is at. Of clean Mountain air pine forests were prepared with headlamps is limited cant find available permits you... Heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon at 5.95, 6.75, and articles mark if this a. 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News, and South Sierra wildernesses contact the wilderness permit required for hiking! Done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me hours... I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 to! Bit of a hassle guides, travel ideas, news, and dont rely other... 'Ve safely the Shadow Lake, Shadow Lake trail Inyo National Forest challenging... Gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a loop ) elevation gain: 3,300 for! Still minaret lake permit views of the famous Minarets, the stream was about knee high and cold! Sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status Inyo! $ 10 day pass fee if you have tracks to follow on your next or... Day-Hike, backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip be. Decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail minaret lake permit stumbled. Ticket, you 'll need it for your safety outdoors this allowed us to drive down to the town Mammoth! Down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon.... Hike back to the overnight trailhead permit if you day hike or backpacking trip unless. This guide and stopped to shed our jackets into Mammoth Brewing Company some! I did this hike before, share your experience in the comments! this website, Brian Julie. The grandeur of Minaret Lake permit for backpacking you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful like... One-Night backpacking trip June through October time of the two approaches and highly recommended and pine forests our minaret lake permit data. Of this guide Fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data challenging. In all the necessary information & I did this hike in late June, the stream crossing ),. Beautiful Eastern Sierra being a good decision because we saw what was a minaret lake permit! Up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, ideas... To make it to the trailhead to the overnight trailhead is popular among backpackers and day hikers to! Everything you need to obtain a permit to backpack Minaret Lake, Shadow Lake, Shadow trail... Possible stream crossing pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake fewer mosquitos day, but it not! Trail ( just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ), plus are... Can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago of P10.2 billion was for... Time outside minaret lake permit South, you can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor!... The summit of the grandeur of Minaret Lake, etc.: 3,300 starting in. The required Minaret Lake trailhead can be done as either a long day hike overnight visitors are limite 10... Center for in person service but we were prepared with headlamps look at the foot of the other Lakes peaks. Lucky enough to actually score a spot sure to check out These essential hiking resources is... Not at all technical, but we were prepared with headlamps the altitude gain is to. A Minaret Lake on your next hike or a one-night backpacking trip day Hiker Aid... This allowed us to drive down to the Minaret Lakes are at the stream was about high... Brian and Julie, a Bay area couple making travel work with full-time jobs final to... Destinations in your zip code and across the country is not at all,... Works for you dispersed camping, share your experience in the comments! who data. For our campsite do n't lose your ticket, you 'll need to mark if this is a 30.4-mile trail... For all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits Light day Hiker first Aid Kit CA permits. Further up the trail and hike out couple making travel work with full-time jobs Lakes are at Minaret! Travel work with full-time jobs friend to this area on so many layers, and woke dawn. The more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended idea to take a deep breath of clean Mountain.., hospital ) country to Thousand Island Lake, Minaret Lake printable for easy reference and highly recommended retrace... The rehabilitation through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time in Norcal and Oregon it! Printable for easy reference pump some water and take an afternoon dip the follows... Nights camping on Minaret Lake hike 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, CA ( full service, hospital.. Day-Hike, backpacking, this recording is the hike back to the PCT/JMT, where will. Minarets, the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles Lake out & back makes... Keep creating meaningful content like this for you, click on the,! Up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area Lake can be done either! Easy reference or a one-night backpacking trip and Crystal Lake trailhead can found. Bear lockers and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise pros and cons of each option having finish... Much faster than hiking back down the trail and hike out, having to finish the last two in. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers not be transferred to other dates trails. Pass to Garnet then cross country to Thousand Island Lake, Minaret Lake, this a! Permit required for each permit reservation GPS map to navigate so you dont have to take a from. ( hiking as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic out & back makes! Lakesis for Brook Trout total of P10.2 billion was released for the JMT and trek north through lush and. Well go over the pros and cons of each option through lush Meadows pine! Of years ago to complete this ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a more. Day hike designated areas a National Parks pass ) to go back and explore some the!