Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Then celebrate your adventure by heading to Mammoth Lakes for hearty burgers and excellent beers from Mammoth Brewing! ( Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. If youre looking for a great intro backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, the Minaret Lake trail is it! How long does it take to hike Minaret Lake? Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Its not hard to do, but it does require a little planning ahead. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. The ranger station is located at 2510 Main Street (Route 203) on the road into Mammoth Lakes. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. Other species in the East End area include barracuda, snapper and jacks. But be sure to get up early to try to make it to the trailhead before 9am to grab parking. Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. 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. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. that youre fully prepared. 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. Not to mention, you can also look down on Minaret Lake below. Happy trails! 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. 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. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. 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! 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. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. 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. We provide tools and tips to discover Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. 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. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. | shedreamsofalpine.com. Thousand Island Lake: Hike Details. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. 4) If you find an available date that works for you, click on the date, then Book Now.. It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the trail. Common Destinations:Johnston Meadow, Minaret Creek, Minaret Lake andpoints beyond, Download area map for trail names. 5) At this point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the necessary information. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. 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. Map Information Activities 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. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. Continue along the east side of Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Cecile Lake. Additional lower elevation no campfire areas: On the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. Now youre ready to hit the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake! 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. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Link to full Permit Printing Instructions After printing you cannot make changes unless you contact the wilderness permit office or go into the visitor center during open hours. *Please note that some of the below links and in this post are affiliate links. The one-way hike to Minaret Lake wont take the whole day, so this trip will still give you time to relax and explore the area further if you want. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. 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. Description. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. In this area, mosquitoes can be a massive nuisance and make your hike pretty miserable, so be sure to bring bug spray and potentially even insect-repellent clothing if youre hiking in the height of summer. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). Minaret Lake Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. No refund of reservation fee.. 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. Flush toilet at shuttle stop. We didnt because it would have been an extra mile or so tacked-on to an already long hike, and our research showed us that it was just a small cascade. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). 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. There is a 10 person (6 reservation and 4 walk-in) daily permit quota for the Minaret Lake Trail from June to mid-September. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. 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. Just look for the stream flowing out of Cecile Lake to point you in the right direction. Monday August 21. 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. For email, allow time for response during business hours. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Trash, bathrooms, picnic tables, and bear boxes. 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. During the summer you can also arrive before 7am to avoid having to take the shuttle (like we did for our Thousand Island Lake backpacking trip), and this allows you to have your car waiting for you when you return from your hike. It is a very fine peak made from, not granite, but a more ancient metamorphic rock, which gives it its characteristic, almost non-Sierra-like shape of a sharp needle (as seen from the ski slopes of Mammoth). Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. The loop starts and ends at Agnew Meadows, located near Devils Postpile National . Reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data. All people count for wilderness quotas and fees. Always store your food (and any other scented items) at night in either a bear box or bear canister. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. 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. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. From day hiking Mt. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear If you're hiking outside of when the shuttle runs, you can drive to the trailhead yourself. Close Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. 2023 Availability. We want to return to the lake as well to explore more of the area! Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. Bundled up in our puffy, down jackets, the two of us headed south on the John Muir Trail (JMT) toward Devils Postpile. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans., Visitors to the Mt. Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. 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! Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. Minaret Lake Hike Details Starting Elevation: 7,549 Distance: 16 miles Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet Hike Type: Out-and-back, day-hike, backpacking Difficulty Level: Strenuous Permit: None required for day hiking, Wilderness Permit required for backpacking Date Hiked: October 12, 2019 How to get to the Minaret Lake Trail A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. 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. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. Just outside of town, there is plenty of BLM land and National Forest Service land, both of which allow free dispersed camping. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake (Shadow Creek). Sunset . Its about protecting what sustains us. 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. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! I thought the altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the lake is at 9,800ish. ft. 6201 Minaret Rd #2403, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 $1,095,000 MLS# 223000169 Welcome to The Village's exceptionally RARE TOP corner unit with high ceilin. 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. 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. Just north of Shadow Lake (where the PCT/JMT converge) the Minaret Lakes Loop heads west along Shadow Creek Trail. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. 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. 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. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. Whitney area are expected to pack-out their solid human waste., In other areas poop should be buried six to eight inches deep and at least 100 feet or more from water sources, trails, or campsites., Pack out all your trash, help keep our wilderness areas pristine., Protect water quality, dont use soap in natural waterways, even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. 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. We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! 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! 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. 1 / 6. If you have more than one car in your group, leave one of your cars up at Minaret Vista and carpool to the trailhead to have a better chance of getting a spot. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. 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. 351 Pacu Lane Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Official websites use .gov A .gov After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. Phone: (760) 924-5500. Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.. | 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. 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. 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. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. Moderate to strenuous. Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. on official, secure websites. If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. 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). While this hike is not extremely difficult, it is long, especially as a day hike, which could be too much for younger kids. I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! International flights not included. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest . 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. Minaret Vista. 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. Minaret Lakes via PCT, Minaret Creek, and John Muir Trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 mi Est. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Brian and I were both in awe of the grandeur of Minaret Lake. For approximately 5.7 miles not to mention, you will find the John Muir trail ( JMT separating... Well go over the pros and cons of each option, since an Wilderness. 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