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. Minaret Lake features gorgeous views everywhere you turn. 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. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). 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. The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. 2h 40m Easy 4.6 (412) 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. 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.. (760)924-5500. This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. Be sure to bring your National Parks Pass, or pay the current entrance fee, and then make your way down the narrow road toward the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Just north of Shadow Lake (where the PCT/JMT converge) the Minaret Lakes Loop heads west along Shadow Creek Trail. Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). 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. Join me (and your peers) on a transformational adventure, where you will learn how to confidently go on your first ever (or perhaps your first solo) outdoor backpacking trip without the constant fear of getting lost, the crippling worry of being unprepared, and the lurking feeling that you lack the "know-how" and skills required to stay safe on the trails. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. How many miles, elevation gain, & more. Itinerary for Hiking the Minaret Lake Trail - Ill walk you through a suggested itinerary for backpacking the trail so you can make your plans accordingly. Snag permits. After having breakfast and packing up our packs, we started our hike out. Permits are required if you are backpacking & camping, but not for day hiking this trail. Join the Backpacking Badass Program Waitlist. Manage Settings This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. The views open up for a bit just after four miles, and you can begin to see the minaret spires in the distance. Covering about 25 miles with 2,110 feet of elevation change, the loop is usually done in three days of hiking (not including any additional layover days). BUS SHUTTLE INFORMATION: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm. In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. You purchase your $15 round-trip ticket and get on the shuttle at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (make sure to keep your ticket for the return trip!). 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. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. Your email address will not be published. Reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data. Several of our trails give entry to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail with the opportunity to trek in the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. 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. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. There are no discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. Hiking to Minaret Lake is not particularly dangerous, as it is not at all technical, but be careful at the stream crossing. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). On the more popular trails (Thousand Island Lake, Shadow Lake, Minaret Lake, etc.) Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee high and VERY cold. Description. By their own admission things didn't start well. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Our only significant water crossing of the trip came at Minaret Creek shortly after exiting Devils Postpile. 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. 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). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. Common Destinations:Johnston Meadow, Minaret Creek, Minaret Lake andpoints beyond, Download area map for trail names. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Trails with zero space in winter are affected by road closure. Alerts and Closures for Inyo National Forest. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. Your email address will not be published. Minaret Lake Situated at 9,793 feet in the Ritter Range, Minaret Lake is a stunning alpine lake with Michael Minaret as the backdrop. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! The Minaret Lake hike begins in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes, California. Get to know this 34.1-mile loop trail near June Lake, California. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure, Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California. The Minaret Lake hike is the perfect way to get a taste of the stunning Sierra Nevadas on a short backpacking trip. Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Stress-Free Guide to Getting John Muir Trail Permits: 5 Simple Steps to Rocking the JMT Permit Process & All of Its Quirks | This post will guide you through the step-by-step process to getting permits for the John Muir Trail. I am already daydreaming about photographing the morning alpenglow on the spires, and I know Brian is anxious to get to Cecil Lake. It was a chilly, fall morning when we set out on the trail. The trail eventually leads to Minaret Lake, situated at the base of the Minarets, a group of jagged peaks within the Ritter Mountain Range (a subrange of the Sierra Nevada). Its about nourishment and learning. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Moderate to strenuous. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. An official website of the Fly Fish Guanaja began fishing around the Bay Islands of Honduras 17 years ago. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. 48.3k members in the socalhiking community. 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. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. If youre looking for a great intro backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada, the Minaret Lake trail is it! Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! As soon as I saw pictures of this location, I knew Brian and I had to see it in person. A slightly longer route (about 8 miles) but with less elevation gain uses the Shadow Lake Trail out of Agnew Meadows. All Trips Outdoor Status. 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. Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. 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. You'll hike along the Minaret Creek past meadows, an enormous waterfall, and eventually you'll see the entire range of the Minarets above you. 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Glacier-fed Minaret Lakes are at the foot of the Minaret Pinnacles in the Ritter Range. Share sensitive information only A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. 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.). Follow signs for the JMT and trek north through lush meadows and pine forests. Now youre ready to hit the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake! How to Get to the Minaret Lake Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. 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