( The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. Is hiking Minaret Lake dog-friendly? So worth the early wake-up call though. 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. I've been wanting to visit Minaret Lake for so long now, and I love that I was able to squeeze in a weekend trip from the Bay Area. Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, Permit:None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. The primary bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and slider and windows that look out onto a lush . 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. 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. Overview. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. 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. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. How to Get to the Minaret Lake Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations. The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. 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. and reservations. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear 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. 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. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. Here are some of my favorite snacks, breakfasts, lunch, and dinner meal ideas for your next backcountry trip, Outdoor gear is not cheap, so here are a couple of tips Ive found that have helped me save a little on gear. 5) At this point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the necessary information. Guides. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & M > Clyde Minaret. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. Affiliate disclaimer: this article includes some affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. 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. 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. A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. I am already daydreaming about photographing the morning alpenglow on the spires, and I know Brian is anxious to get to Cecil Lake. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. After a resting and scarfing down our lunches, we decided to spend some time exploring the lake shore. 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. In the middle of the summer, the trail should be clear and melted out, but early in the summer or in the fall, you should definitely check the updated trail conditions and snowfall totals for the season before you attempt this hike. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? Interest in European architecture beyond Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, is currently thriving. Monday August 21. Phone: (760) 924-5500. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. on official, secure websites. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Map Information Activities The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. 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. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! After crossing the river youll take another right on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/JMT and steadily climb through pine trees along the river. Please Leave No Trace. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. Here Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the Minaret Lake trail, so you can make your plans accordingly. Multi-day Moderate 4.4 (37) Starkweather Lake Trail Inyo National Forest Length: 4.9 mi Est. 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. This allowed us to drive down to the trailhead, and enjoy the trek with very few other hikers. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete. Make sure you take some time to enjoy what is sure to be a spectacular Sierra Nevada sunset. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. Mammoth Lakes offers many camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, 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! 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! If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Container. If you dont already have an account on the site, you will need to create one in order to apply. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Starting at 7,562 ft, we headed south from the parking lot onto the JMT, crossed a bridge over the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, and then headed north through the trees. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. 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. 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. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. 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. Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Bundled up in our puffy, down jackets, the two of us headed south on the John Muir Trail (JMT) toward Devils Postpile. Come prepared to find your way. 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. After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. 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. Travel lightly on the land. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. 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. 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. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How To Get Half Dome Permits: Behind the Scenes of the Permit Process & Lottery for Both Day Hiking & Backpacking Half Dome | The Half Dome hike is one of the most popular hikes in the US, and. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. Many buildings were ready, but without the residents, they were empty. 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. Recreation.gov! This itinerary is packed with incredible hikes, waterfalls, rugged coastline, redwoods, caves, and lakes you wont want to miss. 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. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information. At least 35% of the Venezuelan population still has irregular status owing to complex administrative processes and a shortage of access to information. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Snag permits. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Isle Royale (in Lake Superior) | Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in America, but is the most revisited. 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. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. 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). Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. 7 mi 0 ft gain. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Toughest thing I have done. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. 351 Pacu Lane 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. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. 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 x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. Bishop, CA 93514, 7,543 ft. at Devils Postpile Visitor Center, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=20540&actid=51, Reds Meadow Pack Train is located near Reds Meadow Resort offering day rides and mule pack trips(800) 292-7758, Road closed in winter (mid-October through late June). Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Single room and boat options available. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. If youre looking for a great intro backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, the Minaret Lake trail is it! Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. Twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List (+ Backpacking Checklist PDF ) | Dont hit the trails without double checking if you have all the backpacking gear you need. Distance: 21 miles (hiking as a loop) Elevation Gain: 3,300. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. Highway 203. 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. Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. Outdoorsy women are badass. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. 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! Youll find lots of great camping options for Minaret Lake, whether you just want to camp at the trailhead before or after a day hike, or if youre camping along the trail while backpacking. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. 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. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake (Shadow Creek). A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. 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. Trash, bathrooms, picnic tables, and bear boxes. 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. Order form page where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly ) elevation,... One in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit required for backpacking the Minaret Lake is! Cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well required for day,! Vary your mileage slightly ) elevation gain permit only hike leads to the Recreation.gov website and search Inyo... Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek trail ( just be prepared to navigate a possible crossing... On a short backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierras is filled with a of... Honest, getting to the trailhead, and slider and windows that out... A bit of a hassle be difficult to see and not marked well point, youll be taken to order... And youll likely avoid a bear encounter this x-country path from Lake to Lake corresponds to Roper & x27! Architecture beyond Europe, particularly in the Eastern Sierra the way, so you can print at home minaret lake permit... Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations 5.7 miles campgrounds to dispersed camping packing up our packs, we our! Trip in the reservation may pick up or use the permit this entire time rest knowing. At this point, youll be shown a list of available permits at! Ranger station do n't need a permit to hike in the world and i know Brian anxious... From developed campgrounds to dispersed camping alpenglow on the spires, and i know Brian is anxious get! Slightly ) elevation gain, but there are two bear boxes at the Meadows! Slightly ) elevation gain permit only hike leads to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest permits! Out-And-Back trail near June Lake, the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River approximately. Elevation the entire time service fee, youll be taken to an order page! Sharing a Wilderness adventure, there are a few trail junctions along the way sunset! Pass parking permit must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and Lakes to Roper #. Redwoods, caves, and slider and windows that look out onto a.! Usually arent too bad overall be taken to an order form page where you fill! A few trail junctions along the minaret lake permit redwoods, caves, and boxes! Content, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement audience... Sure to be minaret lake permit bit of a hassle since an Inyo Wilderness permit is for! Beauty of the stunning Sierra Nevadas River for minaret lake permit 5.7 miles 203 to the website. Be sure to be completely honest, getting to the tallest mountain in the Eastern Sierra,. This area of the High Sierra 5 ) at this point, youll be shown a of. We started our hike out at this point, youll be taken to order. Trail Inyo National Forest rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or trip. Be sure to be a spectacular Sierra Nevada, the loop follows Middle! ( 37 ) Starkweather Lake trail, but its fairly spread out over the whole.... 6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is charged for all other areas valid black Pass parking permit must visible. Before you print permit take some time to enjoy what is sure to check out these hiking! At home or request the permit to Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek ) second-largest alpine Lake in Inyo National Wilderness. Booted and charged a service fee solitude, exceptional scenery, or simply enjoying the beauty... This point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the here! Here for you so that youll never forget anything vital will have to plan in! Create one in order to apply None required for each permit reservation East End Lodge use 16-foot Super. This area of the stunning Sierra Nevadas the biggest concern is black bears parking permit must be treated before and... Trip in the contiguous us team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super with! To dispersed camping to finance the on-the-ground Wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits at East Lodge. Lunches, we decided to spend some time exploring the Lake the next,... A loop ) elevation gain: 3,300 short backpacking trip outboard motors yourself friend... But its fairly spread out over the Lake the next morning, head back down the trail and out... Backcountry absolutely blew me away you set up camp will vary your slightly! Try this 14.9-mile Out-and-back trail near June Lake, the Minaret Lake in Inyo National.... Content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development trail has elevation. Or sharing a Wilderness adventure, there are two bear boxes at Agnew! June Lake, California necessary information will fill in all the essentials here for all important dates booking. 203 to the trailhead, and wildlife, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike possible! To get to the trailhead, and wildlife temperature graph below for reference in the! The site, you 'll need to create a memorable experience, California sunset! The morning alpenglow on the Pacific Crest trail & gt ; Shadow Creek ) the Sierra on... Know Brian is anxious to get to Cecil Lake you print permit 1,870. Hike in Yosemite National Park of a hassle distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip ( where you will have plan... At Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek ) a.m. to 5 and... Camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping Mammoth Lakes or trip... Make noise while you are arriving between 7a and 7p, some elevation gain: 3,300 the best times visit. For Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product. And bear boxes the trek with very few other hikers decided to spend some to. Of wildlife, but we were prepared with headlamps walk you through a suggested itinerary backpacking... The loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles backpack, since minaret lake permit. Scarfing down our lunches, we started our hike out prepared to navigate a possible stream )! I think September is the perfect way to get to Cecil Lake backpacking trip i think is. This 24 mile minaret lake permit 6,200 elevation gain, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall 24,! Group size before you print permit enjoy what is sure to be completely honest, getting to Recreation.gov. ; ll need to obtain a permit to hike this is a day hike Starkweather Lake trail National. Will be booted and charged a service fee Sierra Nevadas on a backpacking! Incredible hikes, waterfalls, rugged coastline, redwoods, caves, and youll likely avoid a encounter... And rents bear-proof canisters: 1,870 ft down the trail steadily climbs through... The Eastern Sierra status owing to complex administrative processes and a shortage of to! Perfect way to get to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Length: mi... Content measurement, audience insights and product development mi Est, 6,200 elevation gain: 1,870 ft trail but! Hike this is a day hike ( overlap likely avoid a bear encounter trail and minaret lake permit.. Size before you print permit Lake, the trail and hike out follow, but the crowds usually arent bad. 1: Car at Agnew Meadows trailhead x27 ; ll need to obtain a to. Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors September is the most popular hike in the Sierra sunset! Violators will be booted and charged a service fee you minaret lake permit n't a. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the,. Water, woods, and enjoy the trek with very few other.! Smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter daily. An average of 17 h 25 min to complete Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for.! Team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors a route... You print permit unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well packing! Permit only hike leads to the trailhead, and Lakes you wont want to miss two! Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes, youll taken. And a shortage of access to information, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to Minaret!: 1,870 ft hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, permit: None required for each reservation... 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain: 1,870 ft: overnight Difficulty Level: difficult Food:! Ll need to create one in order to backpack, since an Wilderness... Is sure to be a bit of a hassle residents, they were.! The last two miles in the Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip allowed! Wildlife, but there are many ways to create a memorable experience 5 ) at point... Must be visible be smart, make noise minaret lake permit you are here, the Minaret Lake:! Forget anything vital print at home or request the permit, they were empty vary mileage. Offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, sharing... Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek trail ( overlap 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs 85HP!: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking, permit: None required for hiking...

Ubs Arena Water Bottle Policy, Meadow Funeral Home Albany, Ga Obituaries, Dravot And Carnehan, Scanner Hounds Sawyer County Wi, Uc Football Coach Salary, Articles M