2021Outdoor Project. Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. Official websites use .gov A .gov Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. 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. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. There were too many peaks to count, and I can see why this is popular climbing and alpinist spot. Required fields are marked *. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs 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. If youre looking for specific information, feel free to skip ahead to the section youre looking for! 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. 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. 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! It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the trail. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). 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. Sunset . Tagged: backpacking, trip report, CA, Sierras, lakes, Eastern Sierra, NorCal, Mammoth, I'm Alice, a weekend hiker and outdoor adventurer based out of the Bay Area in California. A slightly longer route (about 8 miles) but with less elevation gain uses the Shadow Lake Trail out of Agnew Meadows. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Then I went back to bed! Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Minaret Lake Hike | Words By Julie Boyd |Photos by Julie Boyd and Brian Callender. In this post, we will cover the following topics to help you plan and prepare for your very own successful Minaret Lakes backpacking adventure: Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. After crossing the river youll take another right on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/JMT and steadily climb through pine trees along the river. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To narrow your search, use the filters at the top input Overnight, your start date, and group size. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Bear resistant food storage containers are recommended for all wilderness travelers., There are no restrooms in the wilderness., Respect other visitors desire for quiet and solitude. 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. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. ) or https:// means you've safely Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Take in the view while you are on the bridge. You can filter further by typing in Minaret Lake or AA11 into the filter search box. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! On popular summer weekends the quota for permits may run out, so . It was much larger than we imagined, and of course the craggy spires that surround the sapphire blue waters are breathtaking. Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. 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. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. 7 Tips to Hiking and Summitting Your First Fourteener Mountain, California backpacking permit process for popular trails and campsites, Backpacking for Beginners: 15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Your First Time Backpacking | Consider this list of common backpacking blunders and backpacking tips as your introduction to backpacking basics. At the junction head right toward Minaret Falls (or continue straight to see Devils Postpile, then backtrack to this point), and take the bridge across the San Joaquin River. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Its about nourishment and learning. I scaled the ridge on the eastern shore to get a better vantage point of the multi-lobed lake and enjoyed some peaceful moments watching a fly fisherman steadily cast his line back and forth. 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. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. 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. We watched the final light rays radiating up from behind the mountains glow from yellow to orange before the sky darkened and blue hour set in. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. Overview. 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. Deadlines. 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. 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. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. Pro Tip: Its totally worth it to wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning! 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). 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. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. We were distracted by a partially frozen waterfall 4.35 miles in, and just past this marker you will begin to climb up more through a few switchbacks. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. Join me (and your peers) on a transformational adventure, where you will learn how to confidently go on your first ever (or perhaps your first solo) outdoor backpacking trip without the constant fear of getting lost, the crippling worry of being unprepared, and the lurking feeling that you lack the "know-how" and skills required to stay safe on the trails. 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. A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. Journey to the Kel Suu lake; To the blooming valley of Karkara. 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! To finalize your permit reservations, youll need to pay a $6 permit fee plus an additional $5 non-refundable per person transaction fee. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. 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. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. The trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking trip. Follow signs for the JMT and trek north through lush meadows and pine forests. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. Contact me here and say hi :). 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. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The temperature is usually perfect, plus there are far fewer mosquitos. Makes me want to slide down the entire thing, much faster than hiking back down the switchbacks! When to Hike Minaret Lake The best time to hike Minaret Lake and typical weather to expect on your trip. Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. 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. Common Destinations:Johnston Meadow, Minaret Creek, Minaret Lake andpoints beyond, Download area map for trail names. Just look for the stream flowing out of Cecile Lake to point you in the right direction. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. United States. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking 101 - The Essential Hiking Gear List (PLUS Hiking Packing List Printable) | Hiking doesnt need to be overwhelming, but I am a big fan of being prepared for the worst case scenario. Monday August 21. Less than 10 miles roundtrip, the Duck Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra lakes and mountains. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. 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. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. 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. After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. (760)924-5500. 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. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Get off the shuttle at Stop #6, Devils Postpile. We stopped for a snack here and a listened to the rush of water over the rocks as we rested. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 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. You will have to pay a $10 day pass fee if you drive yourself (unless you have a National Parks pass). All rights reserved. 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. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) 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!). The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. Walk-in permits are free of charge. From day hiking Mt. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! 1 / 6. Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. 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. If you're hiking outside of when the shuttle runs, you can drive to the trailhead yourself. Here Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the Minaret Lake trail, so you can make your plans accordingly. The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Phone: (760) 924-5500. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. International flights not included. Map Information Activities July and August are also good options, though it could get pretty hot then, and youll definitely want to bring your bug spray. 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. 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. 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. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. 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). Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. These common but avoidable mistakes are an essential part of your backpacking 101 foundation, so to speak. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. 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. As always, all opinions are my own. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. that youre fully prepared. Yes! on official, secure websites. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! I recommend a 2-day itinerary for the Minaret Lake hike. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. 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. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Minaret Lake. No spots left? This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. . 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. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. Most people hiking to Minaret Lake will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to access the trailhead. The big-ticket infrastructure projects could be seen past the rows of derelict homes, where modern public infrastructure was built by the banks of scenic Lake Lanao. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Continue with Recommended Cookies. After leaving Minaret Lake, follow the Minaret Creek Trail east to the PCT/JMT, where you can retrace your steps to Agnew Meadows. Continue along the east side of Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Cecile Lake. This means that for reservations in the summer months (July through October), you will be able to make reservations from January to April. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! 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. 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. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. From the Main St/Minaret Road (CA-203) intersection in Mammoth Lakes, follow the Minaret Road northwest for ~4.1 miles to the Mammoth Mountain Village. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Wilderness permits can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest for trips originating out of trailheads within Reds Meadow Valley. This allowed us to drive down to the trailhead, and enjoy the trek with very few other hikers. Whitney to backpacking Mt Whitney, youll find everything you need to successfully summit and tackle one of the tallest peaks in the United States. 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. Later in this season, the water level should be low, and the crossing shouldnt be an issue at all, but early in the season, you will want to be careful making this crossing. Day 1 - Agnew Meadows to Rosalie Lake (12 miles), Day 2 - Rosalie Lake to Minaret Lake (7 miles), Day 3 - Minaret Lake to Agnew Meadows (11.4 miles). 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? 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. When backpacking to Minaret Lake, youll want to camp near the lake itself (especially on the east side) for the most breathtaking views. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. 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. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. 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 lack of permits hinders access . After lunch we steadily climbed another ~600 feet over another two miles before turning a bend and seeing an enormous waterfall cascading down the side of the mountain! Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. Map showing recreational areas. Permit, GTs and sharks leave until the next cycle of springs fills the lagoon once again, enjoying a rare moment of peace the bonefish stay. You will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permit through Recreation.gov. More details on the quota can be found on the National Forest Service site. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, Permit:None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking. Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. Happy trails! On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. | shedreamsofalpine.com. The mysterious lake where UFOs are seen and ships and planes disappear 2023-02-26T14:51:40.569Z Al-Basil Hospital in Tartous.. the earthquake wounded were discharged and they are in good condition.. and continuous readiness at any time 2023-02-26T14:51:34.885Z Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. 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. A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . In Minaret Creek you will fish for Brook Trout. 3) You will then be taken to a long list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas. This permit does not include Beck Lake, Fern Lake or northbound of Johnston Meadow on the John Muir Trail. In this post I've outlined key deadlines to mark your calendars with for some of Californias most iconic locations such as Yosemite Wilderness Permits, Inyo National Forest Permits, Mount Whitney Permits, Half Dome Permits, JMT Permits, Joshua Tree camping reservations, Lost Coast backpacking permits and much, much more!.

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