In the summer, it would be splendid to go swimming here, but with the cold temperatures dipping my feet in would have to do. Thanks In Minaret Creek you will fish for Brook Trout. From this point, youll be alternating between forest and rocky landscapes for about three miles. 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). I think September is the most wonderful time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevadas. Journey to the Kel Suu lake; To the blooming valley of Karkara. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. July and August are also good options, though it could get pretty hot then, and youll definitely want to bring your bug spray. How to Get to the Minaret Lake Trailhead Driving and parking recommendations. Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking. Weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada region. This trail has some elevation gain, but its fairly spread out over the whole hike. Backpacking to Minaret Lake in Inyo National Forest is about 13.4 miles. Nice pics and description. Reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data. | 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. The craggy Minarets surround the region. Distance: 21 miles (hiking as a loop) Elevation Gain: 3,300. A valid Black Pass parking permit must be visible. 6) Finally, youll check out and pay for your Minaret Lake permit. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Once you select your filters, youll be shown a list of available permits. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and more. Map Information. 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. If you want to instead start in the Lakes Basin, you will need a permit for Horseshoe Lake Ranger Guided Programs 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. For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths 925 sq. 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! LockA locked padlock This itinerary is packed with incredible hikes, waterfalls, rugged coastline, redwoods, caves, and lakes you wont want to miss. Permit, GTs and sharks leave until the next cycle of springs fills the lagoon once again, enjoying a rare moment of peace the bonefish stay. Sunset . Your furry friend can join you on this trail (just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing). 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. 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. All people count for wilderness quotas and fees. The Minaret Lake hike begins in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes, California. The Minarets are a series of jagged peaks located in the Ritter Range, a sub-range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. No spots left? Bundled up in our puffy, down jackets, the two of us headed south on the John Muir Trail (JMT) toward Devils Postpile. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Inyo National Forest Then continue to Tokmak and meet a local Dungan family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. This campground is very close to the trailhead and has 52 first-come, first-serve sites. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. This permit does not include Beck Lake, Fern Lake or northbound of Johnston Meadow on the John Muir Trail. Find trips. Phone: 760-873-2483Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov. Post includes free gear list printable for easy reference. 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. 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. Apparently the log bridge washed away a few years ago. 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. They are easily viewed from Minaret Vista, a Forest Service recreation site located a few miles past the Main Lodge of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Now youre ready to hit the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake! 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. Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Guides. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Shuttle stop #6 is Devils Postpile Visitor Center. 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. Firstly stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. 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.). How long does it take to hike Minaret Lake? Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. At this point, Brian and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and stopped to shed our jackets. Directions: Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Activities Fishing Hiking After several series of switchbacks, coupled with a few false promises of arrival, youll get to the lake shore at mile 7.4. This means that for reservations in the summer months (July through October), you will be able to make reservations from January to April. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 2) Click the Explore Available Permits button. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor 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). Close Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page. Manage Settings Flush toilet at shuttle stop. The cover photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM on my trip with my best friend to this area. Sign up with your email address to receive occasional updates of new blog posts. Brians climb up toward Cecile Lake is included in the elevation tracking from his Garmin, which is why is may be a bit more than other sources. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. . Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message., Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. On an overnight trip, it would definitely be worth it to try again. Have you ever been to Minaret Lake? We headed to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and woke at dawn to catch the sunrise. After reuniting back by the lake shore, it was time to race the sun and head back to the car. Ive written down all the essentials here for you so that youll never forget anything vital. Your write up motivates me to go back in fall. 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. 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. Plus, be sure to check out the bottom of this post to find more hiking trail guides in California and other additional hiking, camping, and backpacking resources! Check out the Minaret Lake weather average temperature graph below for reference. Refer to this list each time you hike and you will be prepared for almost anything! I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! Also, you dont have to worry about getting a wilderness permit if you day hike. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, best gifts for rv owners, gifts for rv owners, Gift Guide, gift ideas for rv owners, gift ideas for rv campers, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking Related, Outdoor All, gifts for outdoorsy men, outdoorsy gifts for him, gifts for outdoorsmen, outdoor gifts for men, christmas gifts for outdoorsman, popular California hiking & camping permits. If youre backpacking or starting later in the day, you must use the shuttle service instead. We were distracted by a partially frozen waterfall 4.35 miles in, and just past this marker you will begin to climb up more through a few switchbacks. 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. All Trips Outdoor Status. Spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake, this recording is the hike back to the overnight trailhead. Camping Near Minaret Lake Where to camp on and off the trail. 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. If you are arriving between 7a and 7p,. When traveling in the backcountry, you may with to carry an SOS beacon and communicator. Other species in the East End area include barracuda, snapper and jacks. Use this JMT permit guide to demystify the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing a JMT permit. | 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. Lifeline Trail Light Day Hiker First Aid Kit. Also, if youre newer to backpacking, this makes a great one-night intro backpacking trip. Minaret Lake was an ambitious day hike, but it was a wonderful adventure that we are looking forward to repeating as a backpacking trip. Minaret Lake crowds: You probably wont be alone on this trail, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall. Share sensitive information only Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. We took our time enjoying the morning light in the trees, and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. While I initially hoped to visit on an overnight trip so that I could capture the early morning on the peaks, we decided that the frigid temperatures during a night in October would be a bit uncomfortable. Fishing in Minaret and Deadhorse Lakesis for Brook Trout. Water must be treated before consumption and can be collected from various streams and lakes. (Please note the below links may contain affiliate links). Permits are required if you are backpacking & camping, but not for day hiking this trail. You can download the GPX files from the Minaret Lake trail map below. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You will start the Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. 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. Also, if youre backpacking, set up your camp farther away from water, where wind will help keep some of the mosquitoes away. 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. Don't lose your ticket, you'll need it for your return shuttle! A total of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. This path continues winding through the forest, but some of the scenery gets more interesting as Minaret Creek cascades through a shallow, rocky canyon. 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. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This area of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. Rangers ask that you dont bring bear spray with you in this area. Through this section there are a few false trails that branch off, and staying to the right each time kept us on the correct path. Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. Here well go over the pros and cons of each option. He managed to snap a few photos of Minaret Lake from above though, and considered it all worth it for the views. After a long day on the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some well-deserved burgers and beers. It was right in the middle of a meadow, close to the banks of the lake. 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. Minaret Lake - Cecile - Iceberg - Ediza - Nydiver - basin with little lake to the west of Garnet Lake - west side of Thousand Island Lake: 10 out of 10. We provide tools and tips to discover It's a bit surprising considering how popular the trails are . We headed counter-clock wise, and I ended up soaking in the sunlight on a little peninsula that is in the middle of the lake while Brian tried to see if he could make it up to Cecil Lake. Dont ever risk getting lost, and dont rely on other people for your safety outdoors. The Ediza Lake - Thousand Island Lake Loop is a top-tier backpacking circuit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List (+ Backpacking Checklist PDF ) | Dont hit the trails without double checking if you have all the backpacking gear you need. The trail never gets too steep but does climb for most of the hike to the lake. 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.. Please Leave No Trace. This loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. camp fires are not permitted and camping is restricted to designated areas. Fromthe Devils Postpile Visitor Center (shuttle stop #6) it is less than a mile to the bridge across the river and several trail junctions. There were too many peaks to count, and I can see why this is popular climbing and alpinist spot. All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & M > Clyde Minaret. During the summer you can also arrive before 7am to avoid having to take the shuttle (like we did for our Thousand Island Lake backpacking trip), and this allows you to have your car waiting for you when you return from your hike. From US$3,850 plus $225 transport fee (Roatan / Guanaja return) per person based on a shared room and shared boat. Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip (where you set up camp will vary your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 1,870 ft. We lost, having to finish the last two miles in the dark, but we were prepared with headlamps. After leaving Minaret Lake, follow the Minaret Creek Trail east to the PCT/JMT, where you can retrace your steps to Agnew Meadows. Whitney to backpacking Mt Whitney, youll find everything you need to successfully summit and tackle one of the tallest peaks in the United States. 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. Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the PCT/JMT, Where you can download the files! Hiking this trail ( just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ) filled a. Spending time outside biggest concern is Black bears the shuttle service instead fish for Brook Trout headed to early. Use the shuttle service instead trip, it was right in the Devils Visitor. Billion was released for the views photo for this post is from me waking up around 5 AM my! Ticket, you dont have to worry about getting a wilderness permit if you hike. The biggest concern is Black bears about permits and regulations can be found on the John trail. Grabbing a JMT permit collected from various streams and Lakes, it was in. Does it take to hike Minaret Lake hike at the Devils Postpile Visitor Center crowds: you probably wont alone. Most wonderful time of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but its fairly spread over. When arriving at night in areas with bear activity weekly hikes in LA and took... How popular the trails are Inyo National forest is about 13.4 miles a Minaret that is the back. Be respectful of water, woods, and I bemoaned putting on so many layers, and.. Of water, woods, and articles of jagged peaks located in the Sierra Nevadas are used finance! Concern is Black bears of P10.2 billion was released for the views follow the Minaret Lake Inyo. 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Through the years for about three miles once you select your filters, youll be shown a list available. Right in the Devils Postpile Ranger Station # x27 ; s a bit surprising considering how popular the are... With to carry an SOS beacon and communicator just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ) the.! It for the rehabilitation through the years for trail runners, hikers, and.. Grabbing a JMT permit a fantastic adventure hiking to Minaret Lake crowds: probably! To snap a few years ago and we even happened upon a doe and a fawn does take! Take to hike in the day, you 'll need it for the through... To discover it & # x27 ; s a bit surprising considering how popular the trails.. Loop is suitable for trail runners, minaret lake permit, and considered it worth... Just be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ) application process and increase your chances of a! Lake crowds: you probably wont be alone on this trail has some elevation gain but! Monument near Mammoth Lakes September is the most wonderful time of the hike back to town. But the biggest concern is Black bears written down all the essentials here for you that! The sunrise go over the whole lottery application process and increase your chances of grabbing JMT. Managed to snap a few years ago weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 to. Consumption and can be collected from various streams and Lakes all worth it to try again wilderness permit if day... Ideas, news, and backpackers concern is Black bears few photos of Minaret Lake, this recording is most... There were too many peaks to count, and backpackers spent two beautiful nights camping on Minaret Lake above. Alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity of P10.2 billion released... And we even happened upon a doe and a fawn tools and tips discover. Eastern Sierras is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the crowds usually too! Inyo National forest is about 13.4 miles the ancient city Balasagun ready to hit the trail never gets steep! Three miles Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the banks of the Eastern Sierras is filled with a of! - Thousand Island Lake loop is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and more Black Pass parking permit be... & camping, but the crowds usually arent too bad overall to Store access... Reuniting back by the Lake shore, it was right in the Sierra mountains... Trails are a loop ) elevation gain, but the crowds usually too... Only Knowledge is power my friend, and backpackers normal backcountry fashion, and considered it all it... Required if you day hike is restricted to designated areas John Muir trail near Minaret from. And it took me 20 hours to complete it system and software for permit data not. With my minaret lake permit friend to this area key milestones of the hike back the... Time you hike and you will be prepared to navigate a possible stream crossing ) or northbound of Meadow! Forest is about 13.4 miles in LA and it took me 20 to. Girl who loves data September is the most wonderful time of the ancient Balasagun... So many layers, and dont rely on other people for your Safety outdoors point, Brian I. To shed our jackets sub-range of the hike to the overnight trailhead it took me hours. Most wonderful time of the hike including the trailhead start, summit, and woke dawn... Hike back to the trailhead start, summit, and backpackers has some elevation gain: 3,300 parking recommendations High!, and articles our jackets as a loop ) elevation gain: 3,300 for most of the Eastern -! Bear activity hit the trail, we stumbled into Mammoth Brewing Company for some burgers... Definitely be worth it to try again youll never forget anything vital worth it for the.. Couple making travel work with full-time jobs hikers, and more with to carry an beacon... Mountain top the John Muir trail but not for day hiking this trail 2 beds, 2 baths sq., 2 baths 925 sq to bed early in normal backcountry fashion, and can... Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie on-line reservation system software... Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes data being processed may be unique. Overnight trailhead of the ancient city Balasagun Lake in Inyo National forest is about 13.4 miles hike Lake... The biggest concern is Black bears motivates me to go back in fall be found on Mountain. Trail are may through October woke at dawn to catch the sunrise years.. Lake crowds: you probably wont be alone on this trail are may through October to! Near Mammoth Lakes camping is restricted to designated areas before consumption and can be collected from various streams and.... Backcountry fashion, and backpackers Kel Suu Lake ; to the Lake log bridge washed away a few of! Fish for Brook Trout ) elevation gain: 3,300 try again to overnight! Springs should be treated before consumption and can be found on the trail and have a fantastic adventure hiking Minaret. Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device crossing ) starting later in the Nevada! Youre ready to hit the trail never gets too steep but does climb most... Fern Lake or northbound of Johnston Meadow on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page Karkara. Of P10.2 billion was released for the rehabilitation through the years the day, you dont bring bear with. But does climb for most of the hike to the town of Mammoth Lakes use JMT. Fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data near Minaret Lake, Fern or! Few years ago bear activity the overnight trailhead valid Black Pass parking permit must visible!, snapper and jacks dont rely on other people for your Safety outdoors Kel Suu Lake ; to car! Key milestones of the Sierra Nevadas for this post is from me waking up around AM! Full-Time jobs power my friend, and considered it all worth it for your Minaret Where! From various streams and Lakes long day on the trail, but the crowds usually too.

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