Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. This sketchy footbridge is harder than it looks. 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. 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!) Note that there is no sign for this trail. This is the biggest gain in elevation for the day. 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. Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. Be sure to check the weather before you go as conditions at this location can rapidly change. 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. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. 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 lake is known for its … Before long, you’ll arrive at Ediza Lake. 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. Do not leave anything with a scent in your car - bears can and will break into your car. The next stretch of trail levels out even more, making for a long, straight, easy hike. Banner Peak is arguably the most picturesque peak in the Sierra Nevada. It proved to be a big day of long climbs and spectacular views. Will be back! After capturing some sunrise shots and having breakfast we bid goodbye to Ediza Lake and started our hike down to John Muir Trail. 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. It can get very hot very quick. A bridge crosses Shadow Creek at 2.6 miles before the trail begins to climb. 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. Although there is camping everywhere here, I’d recommend making it to at least Emerald Lake if possible. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set up camp, nap, then have dinner. I set out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. Yes, it’s crowded. The Ediza Lake – Thousand Island Lake Loop Track Day 1: Agnew Meadows to Ediza Lake. It proved to be a big day of long climbs and spectacular views. I highly recommend doing a morning hike to Iceberg Lake from here (only two miles roundtrip) - the trail, the perfectly calm and clear lake, and the peaks above it are all worth the short hike. Once on the River Trail, it was another straight-shot, relatively flat section of trail all the way back to Agnew Meadows. Duration: 7 to 8 hours, though 2 days is preferable. It’s the largest lake in the area and a great place to relax, or if brave enough, go for a swim. Along excellent use trail above Lake Ediza, ascending into valley leading to Mt. We recommend hiking this loop over 4 days - this will give you enough time to explore each lake, relax and smell the flowers. Over 7.3 miles with 1,250 feet of elevation changeSet out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. Show 2 More Check-Ins Oct 1, 2015 Doug Jones. But if you want to get in some great fishing on a remote lake, Ruby and Emerald Lake just may be your ticket. 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. This way, if you ran into an emergency and didn't make it back they'd know when they should contact the Rangers/Police. As the trail nears the junction with Ediza Lake, the rivers and trees will again appear to provide much needed shade and running water. Hiked through Olaine Lake, Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, Garnet Lake, Ruby Lake and Emerald Lake to get to Thousand Island Lake. Once we got to the western end of Thousand Island Lake there was no reason to continue any further. 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. Gem Lake has often been emptied by PG&E to work on the dam and it looks pretty desolate. Hanting Express Hangzhou Thousand Island Lake Center Pier is set in Thousand Island Lake, 700 metres from Qiandaohu National Forest Park. Once on the Shadow Lake trail, you begin to climb up switchbacks to Shadow Lake. Ritter and Banner Peak, we were required to acquire wilderness permits from the Inyo National Forest site. 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. Loop returning on River Trail. Looking down snowfield below north side of Whitebark Pass--- We continue past the beginning of the gully until the … Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. Be sure to print the U.S. Forest Service map for Agnew Meadows Area Trails and bring it with you as a reference. I came across an old-timer doing the whole PCT…he’s trail name was Finder. From there, hikers can choose to head towards Ediza Lake, Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake. Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of the prettest hikes I’ve done by Mammoth Lakes, California. We will camp overnight at Ediza Lake. 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. They are truly a couple of jewels in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Backpacking through the stunning Ansel Adams Wilderness along the PCT from Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake, then over to Garnet Lake for the night. 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. The price is usually US$ 40 per night, but can be double during weekends. After reaching Shadow Lake, it’s another … We went a step further and camped at the wonderful Ruby Lake. The Thousand Island Loop Trail really is a perfect little sampler for backpacking the Sierras. Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! Thoroughly relaxed from the Hot Spring, we headed straight for the [mandatory] stop at Erick Schat’s Bakery along CA HWY 395. And Shadow Lake was about as pretty as lakes in the Sierras come. Thousand Island Lake is very big alpine lake. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. After we crossed the inlet of Garnet, the JMT followed the opposite edge of the lake before climbing up some switchbacks. The next day we hiked up to the John Muir Trail and then over Island Pass. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. J.R. West is an avid traveler, explorer, and advocate for wildlife and the environment. 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. Looking at the easy Thousand Island—Garnet Lakes pass from Whitebark Pass (Thousand Island Lake in the distance). The trailhead follows the Shadow Creek drainage, up to Shadow Lake. You’ll see the trail heading further up the mountain on the northeast side of Garnet Lake. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. A more picturesque (and easier) route to Banner Peak is via Thousand Island Lake. Details on the hours and location of the Welcome Center can be found HERE. Counter-clockwise loop, 1st night Thousand Island Lake, 2nd night Ediza Lake. First view of Ediza Lake and the Minarets: 13,149' Mt. It was 2.6 miles from the Thousand Lake junction to Garnet Lake up at 9680'. If you're new to backpacking, check out our backpacking basics and tips page HERE. The trail starts in Agnew Meadows campground in Mammoth Lakes, where you can park your car. I spent two nights here, taking a day to explore Cecil Lake and rest. 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. 40th Birthday trip with Mira, Kelly, Mary, and Kathy. Day 2: Thousand Island Lakes to Iceberg Lake via JMT and Shadow Creek Trail Distance: 8 Miles (12.9 km) After a morning stroll around Thousand Island Lakes, take the JMT to Garnett Lake. 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. 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.) The trail offers a number of activity options and is … September 2, 2019 – Ediza Lake to Garnet Lake September 2, 2019 – Ediza Lake to Garnet Lake. Banner Peak becomes visible in the distance. View of Thousand Island Lake from saddle. 9285), then traverse up the JMT 5.1 miles (total of 7.4 miles) to Thousand Island Lake (elev. Camp overnight at Ediza Lake. 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. Sep 1, 2019 Stewart Smith. Email your itinerary with dates and trail names to two emergency contacts and tell them when you will contact them to let them know you've made it back safely. 9833) and overnight there. You can find the map by clicking HERE. The descent from Shadow Lake to the River Trail, The River Trail meanders through that valley below. 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. This is the biggest gain in elevation for the day. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Don't forget to bring a bear canister as they are required here. 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. Don’t be deceived, it is one bone-chilling, ice-cold, glacial lake. Thousand Island Lake is very big alpine lake. Consider an extension to Iceberg Lake. The struggle is real (on only one cup of coffee). Gorgeous 8.3mi Jul 18, 2015 Lisa Roach. But if you want to get in some great fishing on a remote lake, Ruby and Emerald Lake just may be your ticket. You’ll know you made it to Thousand Island Lake once you run into the all the traffic. We started at Agnew Meadows and hiked up the River Trail to stay at Thousand Island Lake the first night. Camping is only allowed at the far (western) side of Lake Ediza… Banner Peak is most photogenic from the northeast: it seems to be floating on the vast 2-mile w… The right continues the River Trail to Thousand Island Lake. 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. About 300-400 yards before you reach Lake Ediza there's a foot bridge to cross Shadow Creek. The left climbs up to Shadow Lake. Go to the southwest side of the lake for the best campsites. 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. We visited Thousand Island Lake during a week-long backpacking trip in Ansel Adams Wilderness in late July. Along the way, stop and take a break at Shadow Lake. Season: Late June through mid-October. Day Three: Catch the John Muir Trail again and pass Ruby and Emerald Lakes to get to Thousand Island Lake. You'll find the trailhead on the west side of Ediza Lake (look for the Iceberg Lake sign). 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. The first section of trail climbs quickly out of Agnew Meadows before settling in on the aptly named “High Trail”. Ediza Lake is one such gem. It’s also the perfect spot to grab lunch and/or cool off with a swim. Lots of Alpine Speedwell bloom along the shore in the summer and Ediza Lake Falls can be seen streaming down the … 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). The night had been fairly warm and I had slept on top of my sleeping bag for most of the night. The left climbs up to Shadow Lake. The Thousand Island Loop Trail of course. It’s been called by many, “the very best trail in the Sierras”. 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. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Hiked through Olaine Lake, Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, Garnet Lake, Ruby Lake and Emerald Lake to get to Thousand Island Lake. There are trees, but they are noticeably fewer and farther between. Ritter and Banner Peak. It is a much more direct approach for Climbing Mt Ritter. 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. On Sunday, we will leave Ediza Lake, and join the JMT 2.3 miles away (elev. Ediza Lake, hiking trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. This trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. Check in with the rangers to see the latest camping restrictions before you start your hike. Make sure you do not take the trail directly next to the bridge on the east side of the lake. 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). The top of this pass is gorgeous, with lovely alpine scenery, and the peaks of Banner and Ritter looming over it all. This is the very best part of the JMT, and it just got better as we descended to Thousand Island Lake. 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. 10 essentials highly recommended. 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. Camp overnight at Garnet Lake. The following morning I witnessed this beautiful sunrise! Camp overnight at Thousand Island Lake. We continue past the beginning of the gully until the slope up to the Nydiver Lakes is visible to our right. September 14, 2019 Chris Comments 0 Comment. Always good to run into friends on the trail. 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. Before long, Banner Peak will once again pop into view. Searching for Jigsaw Puzzle. Lets face it, it is a budget class hotel, the service, the comfort and the food are very average indeed. To make it to the lake, you must first trek along a rocky, but stunningly picturesque area. 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. Ediza Lake offers great views of the Minarets, and close proximity to Mt. 9833) and overnight there. The trail was beautiful the whole way and opens up to a stunning alpine lake and granite peaks surrounding it. This guide provides some general travel tips, details on permits and parking, and our recommended itinerary. Before Garnet Lake, the trail is quite exposed. 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. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. 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. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California where he writes about travel and provides consulting services to fellow travel-hacking enthusiasts. 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. To protect your food from black bears, bear canisters are recommended. 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. Fed from Lake Ediza and glacier melt the stream always flows well and creates numerous picturesque settings along the way - have your camera read! Along the way he's had many great adventures, met many great friends, and sampled many, MANY great beverages. The Gem Lake route you describe involves about 1,200ft more gain and significantly more miles (about 12 vs. 8 ). However, the further up the trail you go, the more forested it will get. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. From Garnet Lake, we trekked past Ruby and Emerald Lakes towards Thousand Island Lake with its famed view of Banner Peak. permits required for overnight. Be sure to start early so you'll have plenty of time to take photos with the amazing canyon views. Backpackers may wish to spend an extra day at Ediza Lake to explore the scenic surroundings. The trail next to the bridge would lead you to the River Trail which also could bring you to Thousand Island Lake, but it would take you much longer and you'd miss out on seeing Ruby and Emerald Lakes. We're following a use trail around the lake, so it's easy going. We decided to head out early in an effort to hike as much as we can before the sun tires us down. 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 … 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. Compared to Ritter, Banner Peak is much slimmer with a sharp profile; it is surrounded by 1500-2000 feet high vertical cliffs except on its southwest side. It is the second highest peak in the Ritter Range, very close to its bigger neighbor Mount Ritter, 200 feet taller. 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. Gorgeous 8.3mi Jul 18, 2015 Lisa Roach. We decided to head out early in an effort to hike as much as we can before the sun tires us down. DAY 2: Total Miles – 7.7 miles. After a delightful camp at Ruby Lake, we left the continued along the JMT until we reached Garnet Lake (and it’s amazing views!). Olaine Lake. 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 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 trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. After capturing some sunrise shots and having breakfast we bid goodbye to Ediza Lake and started our hike down to John Muir Trail. 9285), then traverse up the JMT 5.1 miles (total of 7.4 miles) to Thousand Island Lake (elev. 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