If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. Whitney Trail Guide: How to Successfully Summit the Highest Peak in the Lower 48 | This Mount Whitney Trail Guide is your A to Z resource on any and all things involving the Mount Whitney Hike. Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. Hey, I did a three day Agnew meadows-thousand island lake via the pct and then looped back to agnew meadows with a stop at Minaret Lake off the JMT. Familiarize yourself with the seven principles of Leave No Trace and review wilderness rules with all members of your group.. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. 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. 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! Then I went back to bed! Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. 2023 Availability. 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. Hiking to Minaret Lake out & back definitely makes for a long day, but it is doable. 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. Day three. Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. Near the beginning of this trail, you will come to a stream crossing near Johnston Lake. 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. 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. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. 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. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. 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. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. 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. LockA locked padlock This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! Among the lakes featured in this section are Johnston Lake, Vivian Lake, Rosalie Lake, and Shadow Lake. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. 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. Travel lightly on the land. To finalize your permit reservations, youll need to pay a $6 permit fee plus an additional $5 non-refundable per person transaction fee. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. It covers both the Southbound Yosemite Wilderness Permits & JMT lottery and the Northbound Inyo Wilderness Permits process inside of this guide. 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. This scenic overlook offers a panorama of the famous Minarets, the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the far-reaching Sierra landscape. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Backpacking to Minaret Lake lets you savor the beauty of the area. Continue along the east side of Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Cecile Lake. connected to the .gov website. 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. These junctions come at 5.95, 6.75, and 7.45 miles from Agnew Meadows. You can scroll through a list of dates to see other availability if your original start date isnt available. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . 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. The Minaret Lake hike begins in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes, California. Walk-in permits are free of charge. The craggy Minarets surround the region. 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. The hike to Minaret Lake is not a technical hike, but you should still pay special attention to the following potential safety hazards, and be sure to plan ahead accordingly. BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Container. 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. You will have to plan ahead in order to backpack, since an Inyo Wilderness permit is required in order to camp. 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. Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. No rain checks or credits. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit - The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. 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. Minaret lake to Nydiver Lakes going past Cecile lake, Iceberg Lake, and Ediza. Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. The Trail Code youll be applying for is Minaret Lake - AA11. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. 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). A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. Interest in European architecture beyond Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, is currently thriving. 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. I recommend a 2-day itinerary for the Minaret Lake hike. United States government. Moderate to strenuous. Also, you will need to mark if this is a guided trip or not. As soon as I saw pictures of this location, I knew Brian and I had to see it in person. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. On the more popular trails (Thousand Island Lake, Shadow Lake, Minaret Lake, etc.) 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. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. The first water source is about 1.5 miles in and the trail is pretty exposed until then so bring lots of water and possibly a filter. You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. Important Notes: At the beginning of the Minaret Lake trail, there is a stream crossing that will be higher earlier in the season due to snow melt. After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll get to the lake shore at mile 7.4. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. Now youre ready to hit the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake! I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. Toughest thing I have done. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience. 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