Its about more than standing on the mountain top. When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. Brian ended up going off the route and giving up on the adventure since we still had to hike back down and it was getting late in the day. 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. This entire time we hadn't had a single glimpse of the Minarets that we would be camping beneath. But specialists are aware that the field is not easy to document, should they wish to go beyond the usual material provided by architectural journals in European languages. 2023 Availability. Highway 203. Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. 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. Now having visited, I can't wait to go back and explore some of the other lakes and peaks in the area! 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. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. 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! 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. 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. Parking: Backpacker parking is at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. The primary bedroom has a TV, an en suite bathroom, and slider and windows that look out onto a lush . 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. 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. The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. Being novice backpackers, we made a poor selection for our campsite. I finally hiked the High Sierra Trail, a trip I've been dying to do for years! *Please note that some of the below links and in this post are affiliate links. planning and preparing for a wilderness trip (PDF), rules for specific areas where food storage containers are required, 60% of spaces are released 6 months in advance, on the matching date (example entry date of July 4 opens on January 4), 40% of spaces are released 2 weeks in advance, on the same day of the week (example entry date of Tuesday July 4 opens on Tuesday June 20), Signed permit must be in group leaders possession, Everyone in group must start on entry date & location on permit, You cannot exceed group size stated on permit, Groups cannot combine to exceed 15 people, Permit is only valid for one continuous wilderness trip, For trips ending at Mt Whitney (Whitney Portal) the permit must specify exit point of, Print trip informatin to leave with a friend (recomended). Thanks for the feedback, Ranjeet. Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. After waking up early to catch the sunrise over the lake the next morning, head back down the trail and hike out. We want to return to the lake as well to explore more of the area! Also, you dont have to worry about getting a wilderness permit if you day hike. By their own admission things didn't start well. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. 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. 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. The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Mammoth Lakes, CA. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . I'd love to come back for some more technical routes up some of the nearby peaks - the view must be incredible from up there. You can stop for water or to use the bathroom at the ranger center, then begin your hike right from there. 2021Outdoor Project. May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. 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. Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. ( We switchbacked back and forth up the side of the mountain until we reached the top of the falls and headed over the ridge. 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. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). 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). Always store your food (and any other scented items) at night in either a bear box or bear canister. Minaret Lake Trail, branching off the John Muir Trail from the Devils Postpile ranger station is the shortest approach, about 7 miles. The JMT continues up through the forest along Minaret Creek. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Yes! 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. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. Leader or alternate leader names cannot be changed or added., No refund if you cancel your reservation less than 12 days before the entry date. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The Minarets Arriving at 2:30 was exceptionally early for us and we needed the additional time to find a campsite (it was crowded), set up camp, filter our water, and cook dinner. Its important that you research your weather conditions before you go, weeks and days before your trip. 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. Turn right at the junction, follow the sign for Minaret Falls and cross a bridge. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! 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. We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. Although this probably wont cause altitude sickness, it could make the hike much more of a struggle if youre coming from sea level. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake Explore which option is best for you! This itinerary is packed with incredible hikes, waterfalls, rugged coastline, redwoods, caves, and lakes you wont want to miss. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area Then youll hit the trail and hike to Minaret Lake, which shouldnt take you more than 4-5 hours, since its a pretty chill gradual incline up to Minaret Lake. Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. At 1.6 miles veer right toward Johnston Lake. Bury human waste away from water sources. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Isle Royale (in Lake Superior) | Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in America, but is the most revisited. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through that youre fully prepared. 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. 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. After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. As the sun started to set, the light rays created by the shadows of the peaks became more and more pronounced. After leaving Minaret Lake, follow the Minaret Creek Trail east to the PCT/JMT, where you can retrace your steps to Agnew Meadows. Trails with zero space in winter are affected by road closure. Alerts and Closures for Inyo National Forest. If you dont already have an account on the site, you will need to create one in order to apply. BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Container. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. More details on the quota can be found on the National Forest Service site. Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. The view of the lake from above is specially stunning, i didnt have the energy or the time (to make the last shuttle) to explore towards lake Cecile, which is the base of the climb up clyde minaret next time! 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. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. Do not leave food unattended., In campgrounds and parking areas with bear proof lockers, all food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and secured in the lockers. Difficulty Level: Strenuous. 6) Finally, youll check out and pay for your Minaret Lake permit. A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. You will have to pay a $10 day pass fee if you drive yourself (unless you have a National Parks pass). Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Minaret Lake Situated at 9,793 feet in the Ritter Range, Minaret Lake is a stunning alpine lake with Michael Minaret as the backdrop. Collectively, they form an arte and are a prominent feature in the Ansel Adams . Day three. 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. 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms; 8 Guests; The Home. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. 1 / 6. Most of it was gorgeous but some of that JMT section honestly sucked, although the Minaret Lake day made up for it! This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. 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). This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. Distance: ~6.4 miles. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. Permits You don't need a permit to hike this is a day hike. ha! 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 on official, secure websites. Be prepared before you go. Permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or through an online reservation system. 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. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. In this post I've created a comprehensive hiking packing list for essential hiking gear. Mount Whitney Summit from Trail Camp. Its about nourishment and learning. Whitney Permit: Understanding the Permit & Lottery Process for Day Hiking and Backpacking the Whitney Area | Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, which makes it a very popular peak to hike and climb. Then I went back to bed! Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. 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')! This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. This one week road trip heads through several prime landmarks in Norcal and Oregon. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. However, getting permits can be tricky, so in this post, we uncover all the ins-and-outs of grabbing a half dome hike permit or half dome backpacking permit so. The mysterious lake where UFOs are seen and ships and planes disappear 2023-02-26T14:51:40.569Z Al-Basil Hospital in Tartous.. the earthquake wounded were discharged and they are in good condition.. and continuous readiness at any time 2023-02-26T14:51:34.885Z I have done other rougher routes and wonder if any of the 3 passes are anything like MR, Whitney-Russell pass, Shadow of Minarets: Minaret-Cecile-Iceberg-Whitebark Pass-Garnet Pass to Thousand Is, Banner Peak itself (west glacier), Lamarck col . Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! 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. 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. 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. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. Check weather and road closures before choosing a trip in winter or spring. Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, the jagged peaks of the Minarets are some of the most dramatic scenes in the Sierra. I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. 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. Southeast Face 5.8+ YDS 5b French 16 Ewbanks VI- UIAA 15 ZA HVS 4c British Avg: 3.7 from 77 votes . After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. 1) Go to the Recreation.gov website and search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness permits. 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. 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. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. and reservations. Minaret Lake Trail Red's Meadow Area Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Phone: (760) 924-5500 Overview Also called the Minaret Creek Trail, this is a 6.5-mile (one way) hike that offers a moderate to difficult challenge up to 9,500 feet. United States. Just outside of town, there is plenty of BLM land and National Forest Service land, both of which allow free dispersed camping. 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. In this post I've outlined key deadlines to mark your calendars with for some of Californias most iconic locations such as Yosemite Wilderness Permits, Inyo National Forest Permits, Mount Whitney Permits, Half Dome Permits, JMT Permits, Joshua Tree camping reservations, Lost Coast backpacking permits and much, much more!. You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to organize meet ups, post gear Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake can be reached in a single day's hike via three different trails, each with a completely different adventurous look & feel. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. 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. Additional lower elevation no campfire areas: On the JMT Duck Creek Purple Creek McGee Canyon Pocket Meadow area Mt. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. . A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. Come prepared to find your way. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). 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. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. Recreation.gov! At the 2.28 mile mark, Brian and I arrived at Johnston Lake. Stay to the left on the JMT when it branches off from the PCT, and continue your climb unless you feel like making the detour to Minaret Falls. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. 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. 351 Pacu Lane We stopped for a snack here and a listened to the rush of water over the rocks as we rested. Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). 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. Reds Meadow campground is also an awesome option, if youre lucky enough to actually score a spot. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 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. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. The trail between the two lakes in not marked, and is quite a scramble. Is hiking Minaret Lake dog-friendly? We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. Fromthe Devils Postpile Visitor Center (shuttle stop #6) it is less than a mile to the bridge across the river and several trail junctions. We provide tools and tips to discover The shuttle generally runs from mid-June to sometime in September. 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! Nothing about the first six miles of the hike gave any hint of the magical scenery held up in Minaret Basin. Then onto the destination of today - Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world.