And Shadow Lake was about as pretty as lakes in the Sierras come. There are trees, but they are noticeably fewer and farther between. First view of Ediza Lake and the Minarets: 13,149' Mt. This sketchy footbridge is harder than it looks. Day One: Starting from Agnew Meadows, take the Shadow Creek Trail to Ediza Lake. Day Two: Hike back down the Shadow Creek Trail and take a left onto the John Muir Trail to reach Garnet Lake. As an expert in the art of "travel, points, and miles", he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and traveled to over 40 countries - mostly for free. Check in with the rangers to see the latest camping restrictions before you start your hike. Consider an extension to Iceberg Lake. Will be back! This trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Camp overnight at Ediza Lake. Duration: 7 to 8 hours, though 2 days is preferable. A bridge crosses Shadow Creek at 2.6 miles before the trail begins to climb. Yes, it’s crowded. We recommend hiking this loop over 4 days - this will give you enough time to explore each lake, relax and smell the flowers. The one challenge here is exposure. Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. We started from Agnew Meadows. We went a step further and camped at the wonderful Ruby Lake. Looking down snowfield below north side of Whitebark Pass--- The jagged spires of the Minarets and two 14ers, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, form the dramatic backdrop for Ediza Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Ritter Range. This is the biggest gain in elevation for the day. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake via Shadow Creek and John Muir Trail [CLOSED] is a 19 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mammoth Lakes, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Banner Peak is arguably the most picturesque peak in the Sierra Nevada. There are bear-proof storage lockers at the parking area for Agnew Meadows. He also considered Ediza Lake to be the most beautiful of all the multitudes of lakes in the Sierra. The Minarets Traverse: Minaret, Ediza, Garnet and Thousand Island Lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness August 2007. The right continues the River Trail to Thousand Island Lake. Ritter and Banner Peak. In Aug of 2018 this footbridge was out. There are frequent water sources along most of the High Trail (PCT). Camp overnight at Garnet Lake. You can obtain a permit online at Recreation.gov or attempt to get a walk-in permit at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (Inyo National Forest Ranger Station). This was a moderately difficult 21 mile, 4 Day Trip, Hiking out of Agnew Meadows down to the River Trail and then up the Shadow Creek Trail to Iceberg Lake. Thousand Island Lake is quite scenic and certainly worth a visit. Day Four: Starting from the east side of Thousand Island Lake, take the Pacific Crest Trail aka the High Trail, back down to Agnew Meadows. This is the biggest gain in elevation for the day. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set up camp, nap, then have dinner. These cookies do not store any personal information. Reaching 1000 Island Lake, there is a trail junction with the John Muir Trail (JMT) where both trails combine heading north toward Yosemite or the JMT turns south. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. For the most part, this section climbs gently, but steadily, to the overlook. September 14, 2019 Chris Comments 0 Comment. The next stretch of trail levels out even more, making for a long, straight, easy hike. The trailhead follows the Shadow Creek drainage, up to Shadow Lake. Sep 1, 2019 Stewart Smith. The hike begins with a 230-foot descent followed by a 1,250-foot ascent to Ediza Lake, so on the trek back you will finish with a climb to Agnew Meadows. It proved to be a big day of long climbs and spectacular views. After we crossed the inlet of Garnet, the JMT followed the opposite edge of the lake before climbing up some switchbacks. Whether you are an old pro at backpacking, a newbie looking for an amazing first trail, or simply just somebody who wants an awesome backpacking experience but only has 3 days to do it, the Thousand Island Loop Trail is for you. Lets face it, it is a budget class hotel, the service, the comfort and the food are very average indeed. Ediza Lake is one such gem. We decided to start at Agnew Meadows. Be sure to check out the map and get creative when planning your backpacking trip. Returning to Lake Ediza: Lake Ediza to Thousand Islands Lake Underway by around 8:30, we head up the same wooded slope that Andrea and I had climbed the day before on the way to Ritter. Olaine Lake. The Thousand Island Loop Trail really is a perfect little sampler for backpacking the Sierras. Season: Late June through mid-October. Several months ago, Chris secured a permit to one of the locations that had been on his bucket list for a long time: the Ritter Range, specifically Ediza, Garnet, and Thousand Island Lakes … Preparation for your Thousand Island Lake Trip. 9285), then traverse up the JMT 5.1 miles (total of 7.4 miles) to Thousand Island Lake (elev. For Climbing Mt Ritter, I would recommend the Shadow Lake Trail to Ediza Lake. On August 7-12, 2007 Jon Ball, Patty Kert Dailey, Lynda Daniels, Bill Edwards, Jay Helms, Katy Travaille and Ann Waters back packed from Devil's Postpile National Monument, traversing the Ritter Range from south to north, and exiting at Agnew Meadows. At the time of this writing, there were camping restrictions for portions of each of the lakes to restore areas that have been heavily used over the years. Ediza Lake offers great views of the Minarets, and close proximity to Mt. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Counter-clockwise loop, 1st night Thousand Island Lake, 2nd night Ediza Lake. You’ll see the trail heading further up the mountain on the northeast side of Garnet Lake. Ediza Lake to Thousand Island Lake. We're hiking the High Trail from Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lakes (Day 1), then down to Ediza Lake (day 2), and back to Agnew via the Shadow Creek Trail (Day 3). But if you want to get in some great fishing on a remote lake, Ruby and Emerald Lake just may be your ticket. As you pass the junction with the River Trail, you’ll encounter the day’s steepest section of trail as you climb up toward the Thousand Island Lake area. View of Thousand Island Lake from saddle. Fed from Lake Ediza and glacier melt the stream always flows well and creates numerous picturesque settings along the way - have your camera read! Season: Late June through mid-October. The junction for Shadow or Thousand Island Lakes comes at 2.4 miles into the hike and we veered left here towards Shadow Lake. Ediza Lake to Thousand Islands Lake: 7.8 ; Thousand Islands Lake back to the Parking Area: 8.8 ; Totaling about a 23.3 mile loop and of course numerous side exploration opportunities and other lakes to stop and enjoy!) Thoroughly relaxed from the Hot Spring, we headed straight for the [mandatory] stop at Erick Schat’s Bakery along CA HWY 395. Banner Peak becomes visible in the distance. Camp fires are not allowed along most trails in this area, and camping location may be restricted (around Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, Ediza Lake, etc.) How about waking up to lake front and mountain peak views everyday and the potential to see a total of 7 lakes. Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of the prettest hikes I’ve done by Mammoth Lakes, California. After a delightful camp at Ruby Lake, we left the continued along the JMT until we reached Garnet Lake (and it’s amazing views!). Thousand Island Lake is very big alpine lake. Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! This guide provides some general travel tips, details on permits and parking, and our recommended itinerary. Final Thoughts On Hiking The Thousand Island Loop Trail. We visited Thousand Island Lake during a week-long backpacking trip in Ansel Adams Wilderness in late July. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. The first section of trail climbs quickly out of Agnew Meadows before settling in on the aptly named “High Trail”. The lake was still and the sky clear, and even though it was early, I could already tell it was going to be a hot day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Always good to run into friends on the trail. 9285), then traverse up the JMT 5.1 miles (total of 7.4 miles) to Thousand Island Lake (elev. Show 2 More Check-Ins Oct 1, 2015 Doug Jones. Why would you want to hike and carry your gear for 24 miles? The hiking at this juncture is peaceful, undulating, and simply epic. We decided to head out early in an effort to hike as much as we can before the sun tires us down. The sunrises, sunsets and mirror-like reflections at each of these lakes along with the stars at night will provide you with a huge playground to explore. Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. From Garnet Lake, we trekked past Ruby and Emerald Lakes towards Thousand Island Lake with its famed view of Banner Peak. After reaching Shadow Lake, it’s another … The JMT will soon run into the Shadow Creek Trail, which leads directly to Ediza Lake. The trail starts in Agnew Meadows campground in Mammoth Lakes, where you can park your car. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. Most people hang around Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, or Thousand Island Lake, and do not visit Ruby Lake (photos to the left and right) or Emerald Lake (below left image). Once on the Shadow Lake trail, you begin to climb up switchbacks to Shadow Lake. 2 reviews of Ediza Lake "Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Mammoth Lakes Length: 13 total miles Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: An overall elevation gain of about 1,700 feet makes this a challenging hike. After sunrise we headed back down towards Ediza Lake, where we had planned to camp, but we heard from nearly everyone we passed on the trail that the bugs were absolutely awful at Ediza. The left climbs up to Shadow Lake. Lake Ediza and Thousand Island Lake: Like Old Times Posted on February 6, 2013 by calitrails After a 20 year hiatus, my dad and I finally got back into the … Be sure to start early so you'll have plenty of time to take photos with the amazing canyon views. Before Garnet Lake, the trail is quite exposed. After completing our 3-day trek on the Thousand Island Loop Trail, we decided to reward ourselves with a visit to one of California’s many free hot springs, Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. Note that there is no sign for this trail. Take an upper section of Shadow Creek Trail up to Ediza Lake. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A more picturesque (and easier) route to Banner Peak is via Thousand Island Lake. Looking at the easy Thousand Island—Garnet Lakes pass from Whitebark Pass (Thousand Island Lake in the distance). Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! From the campground, the relaxing hike down to Shadow Lake was a beautiful and well-shaded stroll. Camping is only allowed at the far (western) side of Lake Ediza… It is the second highest peak in the Ritter Range, very close to its bigger neighbor Mount Ritter, 200 feet taller. What trail am I talking about? Ritter and Banner Peak. We started from Agnew Meadows. We continue past the beginning of the gully until the … It’s been called by many, “the very best trail in the Sierras”. You'll find the trailhead on the west side of Ediza Lake (look for the Iceberg Lake sign). You’ll first have to make a moderate ascent up to Ediza Lake, which will require a notable amount of stairs and [bridged] water-crossings. The left climbs up to Shadow Lake. permits required for overnight. Ediza Lake to Thousand Island Lake. If you're heading down Minaret Road (SR 203) to get to the Angnew Meadows trailhead during the summer, it's closed to passenger vehicles beyond Minaret Summit from 7am to 7:30pm. One way to do it (difficult) is to follow the same route as for Mt Ritter up to the Ritter-Banner saddle via Ediza Lake. Camp overnight at Thousand Island Lake. After an hour or two at the lake, you’ll eventually have to make your way back down toward the Shadow Lake area. Compared to our normal routes, there were plenty of people on these trails. It proved to be a big day of long climbs and spectacular views. Day Four: Starting from the east side of Thousand Island Lake, take the Pacific Crest Trail aka the High Trail, back down to Agnew Meadows. Subscribe now if you want to recieve updates and news via email. Ediza Lake is Z's favorite Sierran lake that we have visited and John Muir would agree with him, calling it "the most beautiful lake" in the Sierra Nevada Range. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This trail treks along choice portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the John Muir Trail (JMT), and the Shadow Creek/River Trails in the Ansel Adams Wilderness – somewhere between Yosemite National Park and Devils Postpile National Monument – in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. Over 7.3 miles with 1,250 feet of elevation changeSet out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. As there are multiple trails that lead to and/or connect each of the lakes, we've provided a brief summary for you to follow. After capturing some sunrise shots and having breakfast we bid goodbye to Ediza Lake and started our hike down to John Muir Trail. After reaching Shadow Lake, it’s another … We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. But if you want to get in some great fishing on a remote lake, Ruby and Emerald Lake just may be your ticket. 9833) and overnight there. Make sure you do not take the trail directly next to the bridge on the east side of the lake. Once we got to the western end of Thousand Island Lake there was no reason to continue any further. Sierra (Mount Ritter / Lake Ediza) Date: 1924 deals, bargains, sales on Bargain Bro Philippines Ritter and Banner Peak, we were required to acquire wilderness permits from the Inyo National Forest site. The descent from Shadow Lake to the River Trail appeared challenging at first, but it turned out to be a mild and extremely well-engineered section of trail. The Thousand Island Loop Trail really is a perfect little sampler for backpacking the Sierras. The struggle is real (on only one cup of coffee). This is one of the most photographed areas in the Sierra National Forest due to the evocative images taken by Ansel Adams in the 1930’s. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. September 2, 2019 – Ediza Lake to Garnet Lake September 2, 2019 – Ediza Lake to Garnet Lake. Before long, you’ll arrive at Ediza Lake. We visited Thousand Island Lake during a week-long backpacking trip in Ansel Adams Wilderness in late July. There is plenty of shade and water sources. The end of the loop will also reward you with great views of the peaks you saw while camping at each of the lakes, giving you a beautiful conclusion to your multiday backpacking trip. This is one of the most photographed areas in the Sierra National Forest due to the evocative images taken by Ansel Adams in the 1930’s. The Thousand Island Loop Trail of course. Thousand Island Lake is very big alpine lake. We will camp overnight at Ediza Lake. Backpackers may wish to spend an extra day at Ediza Lake to explore the scenic surroundings. The night had been fairly warm and I had slept on top of my sleeping bag for most of the night. After spending a night at Thousand Island Lake and another night at Ediza Lake, wilderness withdrawals immediately came over as soon as I got home. Elevation change 1130ft. However, the further up the trail you go, the more forested it will get. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The lake is known for its … 40th Birthday trip with Mira, Kelly, Mary, and Kathy. We were near the base of Banner Peak and the shores of one of the most popular lakes in the Sierra, yet there was nobody else around. Trek with Judy Home Blog Gallery About Contact Blog Gallery About Contact Ediza Lake Hiking Detail, hiking trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. I’d characterize it as perhaps the very best 3 day/2 night backpacking trip in the Sierras. To make it to the lake, you must first trek along a rocky, but stunningly picturesque area. Taking the River Trail to Thousand Island Lake is the fastest way to get there, but it is more difficult to climb Mt Ritter from Thousand Island Lake. They are truly a couple of jewels in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Taking the NB PCT or High Trail is an incredible shortcut to see the stunning crags, peaks and snow covered Minarets just w-3 miles in and lots of ridgeline/bluff tent sites. Day Three: Catch the John Muir Trail again and pass Ruby and Emerald Lakes to get to Thousand Island Lake. The chute to this saddle is steep and icy. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. DAY 2: Total Miles – 7.7 miles. Beautiful, cold, diverse 23mi Sep 20, 2019 Sam Tran. We started at Agnew Meadows and hiked up the River Trail to stay at Thousand Island Lake the first night. In addition, there is a long descent on a section of trail comprised almost entirely of scree. The trail was beautiful the whole way and opens up to a stunning alpine lake and granite peaks surrounding it. We ended up finding a terrific campsite for night 2 just past the junction with the JMT, on the right hand side of the Shadow Creek Trail, in a section below the trail. Be sure to start early so you'll have plenty of time to take photos with the amazing canyon views. Hiked through Olaine Lake, Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, Garnet Lake, Ruby Lake and Emerald Lake to get to Thousand Island Lake. Although there is camping everywhere here, I’d recommend making it to at least Emerald Lake if possible. This is the very best part of the JMT, and it just got better as we descended to Thousand Island Lake. As the trail nears the junction with Ediza Lake, the rivers and trees will again appear to provide much needed shade and running water. Along excellent use trail above Lake Ediza, ascending into valley leading to Mt. Loop returning on River Trail. Returning to Lake Ediza: Lake Ediza to Thousand Islands Lake Underway by around 8:30, we head up the same wooded slope that Andrea and I had climbed the day before on the way to Ritter. Thousand Island Lake, Ediza Lake, and Iceberg Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA Tagged: backpacking , trip report , CA , Sierras , lakes , Eastern Sierra , NorCal , Mammoth Newer Post Backpacking Fontanillis Lake to Dicks Peak — Desolation Wilderness, CA Contour around to Thousand Island Lake at 7.8 miles and find unobstructed views of 12,945-foot Banner Peak (pictured), with crevasses riddling the remnant glaciers on its north face. Gorgeous 8.3mi Jul 18, 2015 Lisa Roach. You’ll be standing in lush green meadows in no time! Go to the southwest side of the lake for the best campsites. Ritter (L) & 12,942' Banner Peak (R) tower above Ediza Lake: Lively waterfall SW above Ediza Lake: View north to the entry from the western shore, the only place camping is allowed: High on the western ridge, the cross-country route to Iceberg & Cecile lakes in the center The price is usually US$ 40 per night, but can be double during weekends. It was 2.6 miles from the Thousand Lake junction to Garnet Lake up at 9680'. I then hiked down into a canyon to Olaine Lake and up to Shadow Lake and the John Muir Trail. Be sure to check the weather before you go as conditions at this location can rapidly change. The descent from Shadow Lake to the River Trail, The River Trail meanders through that valley below. Camp near the west side of the lake (per national forest restrictions). Do not leave anything with a scent in your car - bears can and will break into your car. Be sure to print the U.S. Forest Service map for Agnew Meadows Area Trails and bring it with you as a reference. Just posted a photo @ Hyatt Place SLC / Lehi t.co/eaklo9qmtV, Just posted a photo @ Grand Teton National Park t.co/3SUpkRBKGe, Just posted a photo @ Yellowstone Lake t.co/eAg2HFKff5, Just posted a photo @ West Entrance To Yellowstone In Montana t.co/sHRdq9HmKY, Just posted a photo @ Fountain Paint Pot t.co/wOq9KaAE1L, COPYRIGHT © 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY FLYINGHIGHONPOINTS.COM. It can get very hot very quick. Returning to Lake Ediza: Thousand Islands Lake to Agnew Meadows Banner Peak reflections in Thousand Island Lake: Another day-out hike... We have a somewhat leisurely start and are underway shortly after 8:30. Hiked through Olaine Lake, Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, Garnet Lake, Ruby Lake and Emerald Lake to get to Thousand Island Lake. This trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. We're following a use trail around the lake, so it's easy going. Depending on who you ask, the Thousand Island Loop Trail actually goes by several names like, “The Ediza Lake Trail”, “The Ansel Adams Trail”, “Banner Peak Loop”, but they are all the same thing. The next day we hiked up to the John Muir Trail and then over Island Pass. Follow the road past the ski lifts at Mammoth Resort towards Devils Postpile. You’ll know you made it to Thousand Island Lake once you run into the all the traffic. Photos: Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake; Photos: Sunrise over Thousand Island Lake; Photos: John Muir Trail and Shadow Creek Trail; Photos: Reflections over Ediza Lake; Panorama: Ediza Lake; Summer vacation: Cape Cod; Europe 2015: Alps; Panorama: Karwendel mountain in the Alps; Europe 2015: Monastery brewery; Europe 2015: Munich August (1) The jagged spires of the Minarets and two 14ers, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, form the dramatic backdrop for Ediza Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Ritter Range. Duration: 7 to 8 hours, though 2 days is preferable. On Sunday, we will leave Ediza Lake, and join the JMT 2.3 miles away (elev. I set out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. I spent two nights here, taking a day to explore Cecil Lake and rest. From there, hikers can choose to head towards Ediza Lake, Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake. The Gem Lake route you describe involves about 1,200ft more gain and significantly more miles (about 12 vs. 8 ). From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. This time, we'll be east of the park for our first ever backpacking trip. Pass the signed junction for the JMT that heads to Thousand Island Lake on your right, and continue heading upstream on the beautiful trail till you reach stunning Lake Ediza, 7-miles from the trailhead at Agnew Meadows. Thousand Island Lake is a huge man-made reservoir covering an area of 580 square kilometers on the upper reaches of Xin'an River, 160km from Hangzhou and Mount Huangshan. See the Red Tape section. The 10,591 ft level gives you a good idea of the weather conditions at camping spots such as Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ediza Lake. Details on the hours and location of the Welcome Center can be found HERE. Review: JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Review: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Review: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, Trailhead Location: Agnew Meadows, Devils Postpile National Monument, California, USA. Of the many trails that begin near the town of Mammoth Lakes, the Agnew Meadows Trailhead leads hikers and backpackers to a multitude of beauty and solitude. Sep 1, 2019 Stewart Smith. Once we reached 2 miles and just 70 feet of gain, we arrived at Olaine Lake which had a marshy feel to it, but nice morning reflections. 9833) and overnight there. DAY 2: Total Miles – 7.7 miles. 1. When we got there, we didn't feel like setting up camp at 11AM and felt great, so we decided to continue on to make it to Ediza. Below is the approximate mileage and elevation change for each day of the trip: One: Agnew Meadows to Ediza Lake: 7.3 miles +1,250 feet, Two: Ediza Lake to Garnet Lake: 5.4 miles +665 feet, Three: Garnet Lake to Thousand Island Lake: 2.4 miles +465 feet, Four: Thousand Island Lake to Agnew Meadows: 8.8 miles -1,515 feet. Once on the River Trail, it was another straight-shot, relatively flat section of trail all the way back to Agnew Meadows. To protect your food from black bears, bear canisters are recommended. It is named after the 1,078 islands that spread across the lake. More, making for a long, you begin to climb been warm..., ice-cold, glacial Lake Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way, you! The west side of Garnet, the further up the JMT 2.3 away... Starting from Agnew Meadows with you as a reference and Emerald Lake if.... From the Thousand Island Lake comes at 2.4 miles into the Shadow along... 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