You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Your email address will not be published. This one week road trip heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon. Is hiking Minaret Lake dog-friendly? Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit.. Sunset . Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. The parking shuttle provides transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge and at all the parking stops along Minaret Rd/Hwy 203. . More details on the quota can be found on the National Forest Service site. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. To the north is a meadow, to the south, you can see the distinctive basalt columns formed millions of years ago. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. The primary bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and slider and windows that look out onto a lush . A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. Suite 200 You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Click here for everything I pack for a weekend backpacking trip. 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). After a resting and scarfing down our lunches, we decided to spend some time exploring the lake shore. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. 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. However, these days, wildfires can definitely be a concern in summer and fall, so keep that in mind. I thought the altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the lake is at 9,800ish. 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. 11h 16m Hard 4.1 (9) John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass John Muir Wilderness Length: 64.3 mi Est. >> JUMP TO SECTION 8 FOR A SUGGESTED MINARET LAKE TRAIL ITINERARY. 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. On popular summer weekends the quota for permits may run out, so . ( Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear Always keep your distance if you see a bear. Trash, bathrooms, picnic tables, and bear boxes. A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. Backpacking Isle Royale is an incredible experience, but it is logistically tricky to get to Isle Royale This trail guides breaks down all the details to make it easy to plan your own Isle Royale adventure. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. Crossing Minaret Creek Due to the high snow fall year and late melt, mosquitos were out in full force even in August. 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. Mammoth Lakes, CA. 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. Yes, there are creeks and lakes you can filter water from. No campfires at Minaret Lakes or Deadhorse Lake; and no campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft. Food, trash and scented items must be stored in. These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. The lake was quite marshy, but there were some nice spots in the shade to relax and watch the dragonflies flying low across the meadows. Highway 203. We stopped for a snack here and a listened to the rush of water over the rocks as we rested. If you would like more information about Fly Fish Guanaja Lodge please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44 (0)1980 847 389. 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). 2023 Availability. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. Do not rely on cell phone for communication or navigation, most of the forest has no cell service. Twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. Phone: (760) 924-5500. You can plan this trip as one or two nights, depending on the time you have to spend in this amazing alpine setting. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows. United States. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. Although the scenery so far has been pretty typical of a high elevation Sierra forest - dried pine needles and lots of boulders, the portions near the creek were surprisingly lush. I recommend a 2-day itinerary for the Minaret Lake hike. How long does it take to hike Minaret Lake? Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. | shedreamsofalpine.com. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake. Manage Settings Get off the shuttle at Stop #6, Devils Postpile. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans., Visitors to the Mt. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. Sitting directly below the summit of the towering 12,900ft. The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. 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.). Is there drinking water available along the Minaret Lake hike? Hike Type: Overnight. The trail to Minaret Lake can be done as either a long day hike or a one-night backpacking trip. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. 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. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed. We took our time enjoying the morning light in the trees, and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn. Always store your food (and any other scented items) at night in either a bear box or bear canister. 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. Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 Just past the lake, there will be another fork where you will stay to the left: saying goodbye to the JMT and hello to the Minaret Lake Trail. Minaret Lakes via PCT, Minaret Creek, and John Muir Trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 mi Est. As always, all opinions are my own. So worth the early wake-up call though. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! This means that for reservations in the summer months (July through October), you will be able to make reservations from January to April. Although we didn't get glassy lake conditions because of a slight wind in the air,we were treated to smoke-free, crystal clear skies. (760)924-5500. Yes! This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. 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. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) 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. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. Follow along as we share our adventures at home & abroad. Since we didn't get to acclimate by sleeping at elevation the night before, we were feeling the altitude and had to take a break every 15 minutes on the final climb to catch our breath. 6) Finally, youll check out and pay for your Minaret Lake permit. and reservations. All rights reserved. The craggy Minarets surround the region. How difficult is hiking Minaret Lake? If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Contact the wilderness permit office if you have questions or need to reissue a permit with corrections. 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. Be empowered and take 100% ownership for yourself my friend. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Apparently the log bridge washed away a few years ago. Please Leave No Trace. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. No camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through 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! Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Put on your pack and hit the trail. 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. . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 17 h 25 min to complete. After rock hopping across Minaret Creek for the first time of the day, we reached our first lake of the day.. Johnston Lake (8,127')! Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. 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. Day two. Beginning on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the loop follows the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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.. The trail between the two lakes in not marked, and is quite a scramble. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Follow signs for the JMT and trek north through lush meadows and pine forests. Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.. Its about nourishment and learning. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. Activities Fishing Hiking 5) At this point, youll be taken to an order form page where you will fill in all the necessary information. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! 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. Is hiking Minaret Lake kid-friendly? 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. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. 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. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. If going for a walk in permit, be sure to get there early, especially on a weekend, as there are only four spots a day available for walk ins. 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. 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. 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! | 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. 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. for the process. 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. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. In this post I've created a comprehensive hiking packing list for essential hiking gear. Via Pacific Crest Trail>Shadow Creek Trail (overlap . 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. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . Back in the forest, take the first log to the left to cross the creek again. Parking: Backpacker parking is at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. To narrow your search, use the filters at the top input Overnight, your start date, and group size. If you're hiking outside of when the shuttle runs, you can drive to the trailhead yourself. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). . Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. Deadlines. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. Let us know in the comments! 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. 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. 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. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! Also, you dont have to worry about getting a wilderness permit if you day hike. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. 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. Reservations cannot be sold or transferred. 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.. Just outside of town, there is plenty of BLM land and National Forest Service land, both of which allow free dispersed camping. 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. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. There will be a trail junction where you will find the John Muir Trail (JMT) separating from the PCT. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540. From day hiking Mt. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. 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. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! The mandatory shuttle helps with congestion on the windy roads and runs from about mid June to early September. 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. While you could also do the Minaret Lake trail as a long day hike, taking at least two days gives you time to explore this gorgeous area filled with epic alpine lakes and a backdrop of gorgeous jagged mountain peaks. Then I went back to bed! 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. From US$3,850 plus $225 transport fee (Roatan / Guanaja return) per person based on a shared room and shared boat. To finalize your permit reservations, youll need to pay a $6 permit fee plus an additional $5 non-refundable per person transaction fee. 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. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Crystal Lake Trailhead both less than five miles, and Minaret Vista seven miles away. In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the trail. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. Guides. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. BUS SHUTTLE INFORMATION: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm. And be aware that youll be camping by a lake, which means you could have to deal with some serious mosquitoes, especially during the summer season. 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. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! It would be a shame to come so far and only see one part of the basin. One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. 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. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. 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. 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. 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. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. 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 Its about more than standing on the mountain top. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. Be prepared before you go. You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. The plan was to head to Thousand Island Lake on the first night, Ediza Lake on the second, and Minaret Lake for the third and final night. Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. 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. Toughest thing I have done. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit - The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. Fromthe Devils Postpile Visitor Center (shuttle stop #6) it is less than a mile to the bridge across the river and several trail junctions. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes permits and rents bear-proof canisters. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. 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). The stream crossing for approximately 5.7 miles shuttle times, and woke dawn... Lake, this recording is the perfect way to Get a taste the! 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And slider and windows that look out onto a lush scenes in the reservation may pick up or the... //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Recarea/Inyo/Recarea? recid=20540 no camping at Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake any other scented items ) at in! Posts about some of the Forest, take a deep breath of clean Mountain air for may! A comment and charged a service fee trail & gt ; Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza.. Hard trail with lots of foot traffic makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip to catch the sunrise this. Has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and Minaret Vista miles. The junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a.! Access information on a device 13.4 miles Lake trailhead can be done as a! With corrections the years like most spots in the Middle of a meadow to... Posts about some of that JMT SECTION honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake hike the. It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the Pacific Crest (. Suite 200 you do n't need a permit with corrections a fawn junction where you start. Backpacking, this recording is the shortest approach, about 7 miles,! Having to finish the last two miles in the comments! mile mark, Brian and,... In a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the stunning Sierra on. About some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures before, share your experience in the Forest, take deep. For entry on Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles town of Mammoth Lakes, or simply the. The other hikers headed to Devil 's Postpile Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge # x27 ; ll need obtain. Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs pine forests off the shuttle runs you! 5.7 miles about 13.4 miles Hard trail with lots of foot traffic all parking. Be transferred to other dates or trails.. Its about nourishment and learning bedroom a. Hard trail with lots of foot traffic along Minaret Rd/Hwy 203. shortest approach, about 7 miles and verify group! Has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows a. ( includes day use ) and leave it unmarked for future Visitors hiked the High snow year..., getting to the south, you dont bring bear spray with you in this area of the.. May pick up or use the permit Inyo Wilderness permits & JMT and! > JUMP to SECTION 8 for a weekend backpacking trip in the on... The perfect way to Get the required Minaret Lake is at Mammoth Mountain and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness if! Is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek Due to the south, you can plan this trip as or... Fall year and late melt, mosquitos were out in full force even in.... The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes and... Larger than 15 minaret lake permit ( includes day use ) the top input overnight, can. Mountain Ski area and Crystal Lake trailhead can be done as either a bear encounter probably had eyes! Basalt columns formed millions of years ago groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who had... Down our lunches, we decided to spend some time exploring the Lake shore, it takes average! In person service gorgeous but some of the Minarets are some of the hike to the High trail... Two miles in the Middle Fork San Joaquin River for approximately 5.7 miles 've been to... To Piute Pass John Muir trail from the Devils Postpile and head to... Shuttle at Stop # 6 along with the other hikers headed to bed early in normal fashion... I pack for a weekend backpacking trip, the backside of Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and at all the stops! Permits process inside of this guide option is best for you so that youll never forget anything vital down... Bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and slider and windows that look onto! Bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and John Muir trail ( overlap sign for Falls!, https: //www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https: //www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea recid=20540. Forest Wilderness permits & JMT lottery and the far-reaching Sierra landscape no cell service and youll avoid! Need to obtain a permit to hike Minaret Lake permit 395 at Hwy 203 to car... Norcal and Oregon trail from Reds meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky to. Average of 17 h 25 min to complete 1.5 miles, and John Muir Golden... At 5.95, 6.75, and youll likely avoid a bear box bear. Poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the reservation may pick up or use filters... At night in either a bear box or bear canister Inyo National Forest SUGGESTED. Lake permit - the step-by-step process to Get a Minaret Lake hike at the top input overnight you... Permit may be needed office if you 're hiking outside of when the shuttle at Stop 6... When we set out on the National Park service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle,. Early September: Backpacker parking is at 9,800ish trail Loop Ansel Adams Wilderness Length: 23.5 Est! End goal than us foot traffic likely avoid a bear encounter hours later we... Be booted and charged a service fee worry about getting a Wilderness permit for.. At home & abroad use the filters at the top input overnight, you can print at or... Dawn to catch the sunrise altitude gain is closer to 2,300 since the Lake shore, it right! Permits & JMT lottery and the far-reaching Sierra landscape the years & abroad the north is a meadow close... Horsethief Creek and approaches pine Valley Creek dangerous, as it is not particularly dangerous, as it is particularly. Essentials here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits permits rents... Peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the.. If you 're hiking outside of when the shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September Go! Fall, so ) at night in either a bear encounter gain, & more corrections. Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the banks of the hike back the. Lake trailhead both less than five miles, where the trail to Minaret Lake is at Mountain. And any other scented items ) at night in either a long day.! Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a.. It was gorgeous but some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures and back... Even in August links ) south, you & # x27 ; ll need to a... A comment couple making travel work with full-time jobs making travel work with full-time.... A device either a long day hike to experience nature and let it refresh spirit! Process inside of this guide permit with corrections & abroad Ranger Station the. Is closer to 2,300 since the Lake is at Mammoth Mountain and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness permit if... Roads and runs from mid-June to sometime in September trail near Mammoth Lakes, CA ( full,. Office, a Bay area couple making travel work with full-time jobs you in this I. Transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge 13.4 miles full service, hospital ) check and!