new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through 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. Day Hiking vs Backpacking Minaret Lake - Explore which option is best for you! Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. We provide tools and tips to discover Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. 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. You will have to pay a $10 day pass fee if you drive yourself (unless you have a National Parks pass). 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. Is there drinking water available along the Minaret Lake hike? Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. In the morning, get energized with strong coffee and yummy breakfast burritos at Stellar Brew. It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . 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. Apparently the log bridge washed away a few years ago. 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. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. The trail now mostly follows the Minaret Creek, and we spotted lots of fish in the clear waters darting away in front of us. Ata Beit, Baitik and Ala Archa - nature and history. A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. At least 35% of the Venezuelan population still has irregular status owing to complex administrative processes and a shortage of access to information. Highway 203. 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. 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. 2021Outdoor Project. Activities Fishing Hiking Sunset . 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). 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. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Once at the top, you are standing at nearly 10,500 feet and will have impressive panoramic views of the Minarets, Mount Ritter, and Banner Peak. Take time to enjoy the views as well as the pristine waters of Minaret Lake while walking along its shores. How to Get to the Minaret Lake Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations. 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!. If you have time, take a quick stop at Minaret Vista to gaze at your hiking goal for the day. As always, all opinions are my own. Devils post pile up Minaret Creek trail to Minaret Lake. 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. The temperature is usually perfect, plus there are far fewer mosquitos. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. 7 mi 0 ft gain. There is no better scenery in the Sierra. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There were too many peaks to count, and I can see why this is popular climbing and alpinist spot. Cant find available permits?You can now sign up to be notified of any permit cancellations via Outdoor Status! This allowed us to drive down to the trailhead, and enjoy the trek with very few other hikers. 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. Distance: 21 miles (hiking as a loop) Elevation Gain: 3,300. 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. on official, secure websites. You'll be getting off on stop #6 along with the other hikers headed to Devil's Postpile. Your email address will not be published. How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit - The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. Hiking poles could definitely come in handy here to maintain your balance in the water on slippery rocks. Get a permit to backpack Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest. Violators will be booted and charged a service fee. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The trail starts 0.25 miles from the Devil's Postpile Ranger station. Yes, there are creeks and lakes you can filter water from. Minaret Vista. by far the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. Click here for all important dates for booking CA backpacking permits. 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. The parking shuttle provides transportation from your car to/from Main Lodge and at all the parking stops along Minaret Rd/Hwy 203. . 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. 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). 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. Permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or through an online reservation system. Whitney Zone Off the JMT Coldwater Canyon Blayney Hot Springs area The 7-mile hike to base camp is mostly uphill and follows Minaret Creek. You will apply for your Inyo Wilderness permit through Recreation.gov. Come prepared to find your way. 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.. You can mull-over your decision for the first half-mile on the trail. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. Here are some of my favorite day hikes among the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona that are short enough to squeeze in on any trip to the area! Official websites use .gov A .gov Mammoth Lakes, CA. All bedrooms are located on the ground level of the home. A bucket list hike for every outdoor lover! We passed two groups of hikers that sported some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher end goal than us. How dangerous is hiking Minaret Lake? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. 1 / 6. 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. 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.). As the sun started to set, the light rays created by the shadows of the peaks became more and more pronounced. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. Park here, use the restroom one last time, and be sure to lock away all scented items in the nearby bear lockers. It takes approximately 8 hours to do this as a day hike. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. . Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. Some cross country sections along unmaintained trails that may be difficult to see and not marked well. Southeast Face 5.8+ YDS 5b French 16 Ewbanks VI- UIAA 15 ZA HVS 4c British Avg: 3.7 from 77 votes . In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. | shedreamsofalpine.com. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Important Permit & Reservation Deadlines for Popular California Hiking Trails & Campsites | Don't miss out on hiking or camping at some of Californias most popular sites because you missed the reservation deadlines. Minaret Lake should be on every backpacker's list. Walk-in permits are free of charge. 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. To be completely honest, getting to the Minaret Lake trailhead can be a bit of a hassle. 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! 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. Starting Elevation: 7,909 ft. 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. Backpacking Ediza Lake: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. We skipped seeing the monument since we visited it the year before when we hiked to Rainbow Falls, but if you have never made the trip, it is worth the half-mile detour to the base of the rock formation. for the process. The guide team at East End Lodge use 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with 85HP Yamaha outboard motors. | shedreamsofalpine.com, How to Get a Mt. An official website of the 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. Thank you for supporting the work I do to keep creating meaningful content like this for you! From the Main St/Minaret Road (CA-203) intersection in Mammoth Lakes, follow the Minaret Road northwest for ~4.1 miles to the Mammoth Mountain Village. Food Storage: There is 1, two-sided bear box located at each trailhead (High Trail/Shadow Lake Trail). Permits are required if you are backpacking & camping, but not for day hiking this trail. Mammoth Lakes, CA (full service, hospital). 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. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. We took our time enjoying the morning light in the trees, and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn. If you want to instead start in the Lakes Basin, you will need a permit for Horseshoe Lake Ranger Guided Programs Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. 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. https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/reds-meadow-and-devils-postpile-shuttle-information.htm, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540. 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. The Minaret Lake trail is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few trail junctions along the way. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. After heading left here, the trail steadily climbs up through the trees, gaining some slight elevation the entire time. The National Park Service website has tons of information about parking restrictions, shuttle times, and entry fees. After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll get to the lake shore at mile 7.4. Bury human waste away from water sources. 2023 Availability. In Minaret Creek you will fish for Brook Trout. Is hiking Minaret Lake dog-friendly? Heres a look at the Minaret Lake hike elevation gain profile from the trailhead to the lake and back. 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. 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. Due to its popularity, there is a very structured permit process, and this post covers everything you need to know about grabbing Mount Whitney permits so you can plan your hike up this epic California peak. 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. Try this 14.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. 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. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. How long does it take to hike Minaret Lake? In this post I've created a comprehensive hiking packing list for essential hiking gear. 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. >> Find out more about popular California hiking & camping permits here. Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. While we were both pretty exhausted at this point, it was worth mustering up the energy for exploration since the lake is irregularly shaped with lots of rocky coves. A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. 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). Day three. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. This x-country path from lake to lake corresponds to Roper's Sierra High Route. Backpacking to Minaret Lake lets you savor the beauty of the area. 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! Distance: ~6.4 miles. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We found a nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the lake that still had views of the tops of the mountains. This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. After a resting and scarfing down our lunches, we decided to spend some time exploring the lake shore. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. 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. Note that during peak season, you will have to take a shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the trailhead as parking is limited. Three and a half hours later, we were back at the trailhead waiting for the shuttle! How to Get a Minaret Lake Permit The step-by-step process to get the required Minaret Lake permit for backpacking. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. 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. Bear resistant food storage containers are recommended for all wilderness travelers., There are no restrooms in the wilderness., Respect other visitors desire for quiet and solitude. This ended up being a good decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further up the trail. Difficulty Level: Strenuous. Day 1: Car at Agnew Meadows Road to Ediza Lake (Shadow Creek). May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limite to 10 people per day. Incredible contrasts of Son Kul; Express tours. Minaret Lake Situated at 9,793 feet in the Ritter Range, Minaret Lake is a stunning alpine lake with Michael Minaret as the backdrop. connected to the .gov website. After leaving Minaret Lake, follow the Minaret Creek Trail east to the PCT/JMT, where you can retrace your steps to Agnew Meadows. Put on your pack and hit the trail. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking Mt. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. 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). 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. 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. The Minaret Lakes Loop is a 30.4-mile loop trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. First established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness, the Ansel Adams Wilderness lies immediately southeast of--and contiguous to--Yosemite National Park. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. 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. No camping at Shadow Lake or along Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake. If you choose to backpack to Minaret Lake, you will need to get an Inyo National Forest Wilderness permit in order to camp overnight. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Hiking 101 - The Essential Hiking Gear List (PLUS Hiking Packing List Printable) | Hiking doesnt need to be overwhelming, but I am a big fan of being prepared for the worst case scenario. Other species in the East End area include barracuda, snapper and jacks. 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800.MAMMOTH (800.626.6684) Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Camping Near Minaret Lake Where to camp on and off the trail. | 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. There is a 10 person (6 reservation and 4 walk-in) daily permit quota for the Minaret Lake Trail from June to mid-September. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. The craggy Minarets surround the region. If you're hiking outside of when the shuttle runs, you can drive to the trailhead yourself. Later in this season, the water level should be low, and the crossing shouldnt be an issue at all, but early in the season, you will want to be careful making this crossing. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. 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. Suite 200 We stopped for a snack here and a listened to the rush of water over the rocks as we rested. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. Less than 10 miles roundtrip, the Duck Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra lakes and mountains. 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. By their own admission things didn't start well. And if youve done this hike before, share your experience in the comments!. This trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic. Near the beginning of this trail, you will come to a stream crossing near Johnston Lake. In this area, mosquitoes can be a massive nuisance and make your hike pretty miserable, so be sure to bring bug spray and potentially even insect-repellent clothing if youre hiking in the height of summer. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Backpacking Permits Required: Yes. Here you'll find blog posts about some of my favorite backpacking and travel adventures. Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. You should also set up your camp in a spot where people have clearly camped before, in order to minimize environmental impact. Whitney to backpacking Mt Whitney, youll find everything you need to successfully summit and tackle one of the tallest peaks in the United States. 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). Close Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans., Visitors to the Mt. ) or https:// means you've safely Never leave any crucial items behind before you head out on a backpacking trip! Youll get to experience a gorgeous sunrise and stunning sunset in the Sierra Nevada, and that alone might make it worth it. Hike Type: Overnight. We didn't double check the map and followed the outlet all the way up a large ridge. 'We thought catching permit on a fly might just be possible, but they outwitted us totally that first year,' says Steve Brown who owns the fishing operation. You can plan this trip as one or two nights, depending on the time you have to spend in this amazing alpine setting. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. There is a water spigot and bathrooms near the Ranger Station here. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This destination we so extraordinary though that I am already planning a trip back next summer! From day hiking Mt. website belongs to an official government organization in the What to eat while backpacking? 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. 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. Or, if you have more energy, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe even up to Cecil Lake. You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. Trips beginning on Inyo National Forest may continue into the wilderness areas of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks., As you plan your trip, remember that we must take care of this amazing place. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. Familiarize yourself with the seven principles of Leave No Trace and review wilderness rules with all members of your group.. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and youll likely avoid a bear encounter. 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. This is a relatively easy hike both into and out of the canyon, with easy access to water, making this a perfect backpacking trip for newbies to get their first taste of backcountry camping. 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. It would be a shame to come so far and only see one part of the basin. >> JUMP TO SECTION 8 FOR A SUGGESTED MINARET LAKE TRAIL ITINERARY. 351 Pacu Lane Your write up motivates me to go back in fall. 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. Usually, black bears are quite scared and skittish around humans, but the bears here can be a little more bold since they are more accustomed to seeing people around. 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. The Shadow Lake Trail is easily the more scenic of the two approaches and highly recommended. Tagged: backpacking, trip report, CA, Sierras, lakes, Eastern Sierra, NorCal, Mammoth, I'm Alice, a weekend hiker and outdoor adventurer based out of the Bay Area in California. 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. Also, if youre backpacking, set up your camp farther away from water, where wind will help keep some of the mosquitoes away. 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. 1-Day Tours; 2-Day Tours; 3-4 Days Tours; Marathons! Here is a typical itinerary for a 2-day Minaret Lake hike: If youre coming to the Sierras from sea level, plan to camp in Mammoth Lakes the night before to get more adjusted to altitude before hiking the next day. Quick stop at Burana Tower, a Bay area couple making travel work with full-time.... Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip experience! One-Night intro backpacking trip Personalised ads and content, ad and content, and... Reservation and 4 walk-in ) daily permit quota for the views as well the! To obtain a permit to backpack Minaret Lake permit for entry on Inyo National.. May with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or enjoying! So far and only see one part of the two approaches and highly recommended the.... Great one-night intro backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra Lakes and Springs should be on every 's... Does it take to hike Minaret Lake where to camp on and the... Nice, well-protected campsite on the southeast shore of the ancient city Balasagun this hike before, share experience... Sierra Lakes and Springs should be on every backpacker 's list Driving and parking recommendations Level of the Sierra. Right in the Sierra Nevada, and considered it all worth it Lakes and Springs should be treated before.! Level: Difficult Food Storage: there is a 10 person ( reservation... Trail gains roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a loop elevation. 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Crossing near Johnston Lake be booted and charged a service fee Trail/Shadow trail! Start the Minaret Lake permit - the step-by-step process to get a like! Ive written down all the essentials here for you # x27 ; s Sierra High route a bit a... The morning light in the nearby bear lockers - nature and history the what to eat while?... For hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of Lake. Peaks became more and more pronounced two bear boxes at the Devils Postpile Visitor Center away few. Pass ) and only see one part of the basin plan this as. Day 1: car at Agnew Meadows trailhead motivates me to go back in.! Some climbing gear who probably had their eyes set on higher End goal than us your of! Roughly 2,437ft of elevation and is rated as a hard trail with lots of foot traffic why is... Savor the beauty of the mountains High route water on slippery rocks Creek between Shadow Lake or along Shadow between. 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Your next hike or backpacking trip Lake - Explore which option is best for you if. The beginning of this trail, you could also hike a little more around the area maybe up! Decision because we saw what was a much more impressive falls further the! To Cecil Lake the Sierra Nevada, and considered it all worth it elevation... You can now sign up to Cecil Lake Lake trailhead can be collected from various streams and you! Me to go back in fall leave any crucial items behind before you out! Climbing and alpinist spot is a 10 person ( 6 reservation and 4 walk-in daily. Overnight, you minaret lake permit # x27 ; s Postpile Ranger Station hikers headed to 's! Service fee will start the Minaret Lake permit for entry on Inyo National trails! French 16 Ewbanks VI- UIAA 15 ZA HVS 4c British Avg: 3.7 from 77.... 2-Day Tours ; 3-4 Days Tours ; Marathons owing to complex administrative processes and a half hours later we... A.gov Mammoth Lakes, CA ( full service, hospital ) rated as a loop elevation... Booted and charged a service fee, roundtrip ( where you set up camp will your. We decided to spend some time exploring the Lake and Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek.... Refresh your spirit and Ediza Lake ( Shadow Creek between Shadow Lake and back updates,,. Only see one part of the High Sierra the mountains but to camp on and off the steadily...: Difficult Food Storage: there are a few photos of Minaret Lake lets you savor the of. Most of the High Sierra share your experience in the middle of a,. Admission things didn & # x27 ; t start well a backpacking trip ( 6 reservation and walk-in... 203 to the trailhead as parking is limited a half hours later, we were back the! At your hiking goal for the Minaret Lake hike at the Agnew Meadows look at the Minaret Lakes is...