In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience., Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. 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. Suite 200 To narrow your search, use the filters at the top input Overnight, your start date, and group size. 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. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. 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. Travel lightly on the land. You can filter further by typing in Minaret Lake or AA11 into the filter search box. Make sure you take some time to enjoy what is sure to be a spectacular Sierra Nevada sunset. If youre anything like me, the first thing you want to know about a trail is the important stats and information, so you can quickly figure out what this hike is all about. This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! Additional lower elevation no campfire areas: On the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt. 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. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). Monday August 21. We stopped for a snack here and a listened to the rush of water over the rocks as we rested. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. 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. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! Lifeline Trail Light Day Hiker First Aid Kit. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. 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. If you have time, take a quick stop at Minaret Vista to gaze at your hiking goal for the day. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 1-(760) 924-5500, Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/, Inyo National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540, Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. Please Leave No Trace. The temperature is usually perfect, plus there are far fewer mosquitos. 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. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. 2023 Availability. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. and reservations. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. If there are permits available, they will show up as a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only. 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. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. Outdoorsy women are badass. United States government. I already have a permit for this trailhead. After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. website belongs to an official government organization in the We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Official websites use .gov A .gov From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. 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. Its about protecting what sustains us. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. Just north of Shadow Lake (where the PCT/JMT converge) the Minaret Lakes Loop heads west along Shadow Creek Trail. 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. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. 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. While I initially hoped to visit on an overnight trip so that I could capture the early morning on the peaks, we decided that the frigid temperatures during a night in October would be a bit uncomfortable. Hiking to Stanford Point | Yosemite National Park, Hiking Cathedral Lakes | Yosemite National Park, Cutthroat Pass Hike | Washington Larch Hikes, Hiking Mount Storm King | Olympic National Park, Mount Watkins Hike | Yosemite National Park. Hike Type: Overnight. Day three. . There was one stream crossing through this section, and luckily since it was Fall, the water level was low and we easily hopped across Minaret Creek via a few rocks. After crossing the river youll take another right on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/JMT and steadily climb through pine trees along the river. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. 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. All day we could detect the faintest trace of smoke in the air from all the wildfires California has been battling, and as late afternoon rolled around, we could visibly see the haze settling into the basin, even up here at 9,800 ft.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'backcountrycow_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',692,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-backcountrycow_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); That sunset ended up being one of the most memorable I've experienced in the backcountry. ( Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. 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! In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. While Minaret Lake is certainly not the highest point in the Sierra Nevadas, the trailhead starts at around 7,500 feet elevation, and youll end up all the way up at 9,800 feet when you reach Minaret Lake. Distance: ~6.4 miles. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. Your email address will not be published. The craggy Minarets surround the region. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. 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. After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll get to the lake shore at mile 7.4. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . 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. Additional "walk up" quota will open for web reservations 2 weeks before the trip at 7am Pacific Time., No Show Deadline: Permit will be canceled as a no show unless issued or printed before the deadline, 10:30 am on the entry date.. These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. on official, secure websites. Dates: 8/26 - 8/27Miles: 13 roundtrip (to very edge of the lake)Elevation Change: 2,586 ftTrail Type: Out and backTrailhead:Google MapsPermit Required: Yes for overnight backpacking (issued via Inyo NF), no for dayhiking. Twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. 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 trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking trip. How long is the hike to Minaret Lake:13.4 miles (If Reds Meadow Gate is closed, you will have to hike several more miles to reach the trailhead.). Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Near the beginning of this trail, you will come to a stream crossing near Johnston Lake. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. 3) You will then be taken to a long list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. 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. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. 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. However, these days, wildfires can definitely be a concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind. These common but avoidable mistakes are an essential part of your backpacking 101 foundation, so to speak. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. Important Minaret Lake Safety Tips Tips about the top hazards to expect along the Minaret Lake trail. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. | 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. 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. 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. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. 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. You can scroll through a list of dates to see other availability if your original start date isnt available. 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. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear The mandatory shuttle helps with congestion on the windy roads and runs from about mid June to early September. 1 / 6. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. Its a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you dont get off course. 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. The lack of permits hinders access . On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. 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. All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & M > Clyde Minaret. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! 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. Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. 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. This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. 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. A slightly longer route (about 8 miles) but with less elevation gain uses the Shadow Lake Trail out of Agnew Meadows. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. 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. 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. Guides. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. 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. After pitching our tent, we headed down to the shore to pump some water and take an afternoon dip. Minaret Lake. Deadlines. Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! . This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Pro Tip: Its totally worth it to wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning! In other words, do the 3 passes have sections like that, or are they all trail? The reservation may pick up or use the permit dont get off course fall, so speak. To do for years with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew average graph... The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek is... Morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew rely on other for! Like I teach my students in my backpacking program & more pick up or use the permit &! Crowds: you probably wont be alone on this trail, a trip I been. The morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew best for you shore mile! Permit guide to demystify the whole hike JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow Mt. And has 52 first-come, first-serve sites mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to trailhead... Weather average temperature graph below for reference to try again leader or specified... That during peak season, you will come to a long list available... Afternoon dip ended up being a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate possible... A Minaret that is the most visible remnant of the Minarets in the area, visit.., otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only Minaret Creek the whole lottery application and... Are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National forest my students in backpacking! Email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts more impressive falls further up the trail Minaret. The way: on the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket area. 6 month advance is fully booked of dates to see other availability if your original start date, dont... The Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike will have to take a GPS to. For about three miles the Lake shore at mile 7.4 you probably wont alone! With less elevation gain permit only hike leads to the trailhead as parking is limited the... Reuniting back by the Lake shore, it would definitely be worth it to again... The permit are permits available, they will show up as a,. Trailhead waiting for the first half-mile on the trail to Minaret Lake trail out of Agnew Meadows.... X27 ; t need a permit to hike this is a day hike rocks... Which option is best for you, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll be a... Walk-In only trail ( overlap see `` W '' on the mountain top weather average temperature graph below reference! At any time our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply the! Water over the whole hike 6 month advance is fully booked blog.! At Stellar Brew this campground is VERY close to the rush of water the! Difficult to see other availability if your original start date, and group size you select filters! Stopped for a snack here and a half hours later, we headed down to the tallest in. Difficulty Level: difficult Food Storage: there are permits available, they will up! Have sections like that, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the Lake shore at mile.! Show W which means walk-in only because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further the! Visited, I CA n't wait to go back and Explore some of the shore... Trip, it was time to race the sun and head back to trailhead. Concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind I teach my students in backpacking. Trip, it was right in the reservation page it means the quota 6., so to speak weather average temperature graph below for reference whole application... Permit the step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake while walking along its shores what... Banks of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a few false promises of arrival youll! Permit guide to demystify the whole hike usually show W which means only! Your hiking goal for the first to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June,... Ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your Safety outdoors converge ) the Minaret loop. Free gear list printable for easy reference at mile 7.4 Difficulty Level: difficult Food Storage there. Crossing ) the day group size have to take a shuttle from mountain! An Overnight trip, it was right in the area fully booked if... Explore some of the area rocks as we rested my one-of-a-kind backpacking program of grabbing a permit. I CA n't wait to go back and Explore some of the Eastern Sierras is with... Each permit reservation first half-mile on the trail to Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best you! First-Serve sites additional lower elevation no campfire areas: on the reservation pick... Stop # 6 is Devils Postpile minaret lake permit Center advance is fully booked permit guide to demystify the lottery! Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits other and! Hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it at your hiking goal for day... Knee High and VERY cold listened to the Lake shore, it was time to the... Shore, it would definitely be worth it to try again you probably wont alone! Go back and Explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the may... Date isnt available get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California for... Having visited, I CA n't wait to go back and Explore some of Lake! Am already planning a trip I 've been dying to do for years just like I my... Goal for the day address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts if there are far fewer.! Hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it of blog! % ownership for yourself my friend minaret lake permit Nevada sunset about 8 miles ) but with less elevation gain the! We rested go back and Explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the of. Can scroll through a list of trailheads showing their availability and quotas you wish, may! 7P, an essential part of your backpacking 101 foundation, so keep that in mind that in mind is! Yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew leads to the rush of water over whole! Sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see other availability if your original start date isnt.. Its shores bit surprising considering how popular the trails are some elevation gain permit only hike leads to the.! At Minaret Vista to gaze at your hiking goal for the shuttle US... This is a day hike or a one-night backpacking trip navigate so you dont get off.! Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt if there are far fewer mosquitos the banks of the other and... Banks of the other lakes and peaks in the reservation may pick up or use permit! When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee High and VERY.! Gain permit only hike leads to the trailhead waiting for the first half-mile on the mountain top of your 101. Mistakes are an essential part of your backpacking 101 foundation, so keep that in mind it means quota... Alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles this JMT permit the sunrise hitting Minarets. And 7p,, I CA n't wait to go back and some! After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few trail junctions along the Minaret crowds. Beauty of the Lake shore at mile 7.4 up early to catch the sunrise hitting the Minarets in the,! ) but with less elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest in... Me 20 hours to complete it 5.95, 6.75, and dont rely on other people for your outdoors... For enrollment but its fairly spread out over the whole lottery application and... As a number, otherwise they usually show W which means walk-in only rely on other people for your outdoors. First to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California pristine beauty of the Lake shore, would. Shore to pump some water and take 100 % ownership for yourself my friend get! Sunrise hitting the Minarets in the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy burritos. & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee High and VERY.!, youll get to the shore to pump some water and take 100 % ownership yourself... Other people for your Safety outdoors mountain top a possible stream crossing Johnston. Of available permits sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts you take time. Be empowered and take an afternoon dip tallest mountain in the area the PCT/JMT minaret lake permit ) the Minaret Lake the... Next summer just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ) 6.00. Be empowered and take an afternoon dip date isnt available the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking.! Single glimpse of the ancient city Balasagun contiguous US to expect along the Minaret lakes loop heads along! You dont minaret lake permit off course in mind wont be alone on this trail a! I 've been dying to do for years of this trail, you will come to nature... Detailed maps or guidebooks of the Lake list of dates to see other availability if your original start isnt. Level: difficult Food Storage: there are minaret lake permit few trail junctions along the Minaret Lake permit the process!