Elevation change 1130ft. We decided to head out early in an effort to hike as much as we can before the sun tires us down. The descent from Shadow Lake to the River Trail, The River Trail meanders through that valley below. Elevation change 1130ft. This hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake and a series of pretty waterfalls on Shadow Creek along the way. Sierra (Mount Ritter / Lake Ediza) Date: 1924 deals, bargains, sales on Bargain Bro Philippines It was 2.6 miles from the Thousand Lake junction to Garnet Lake up at 9680'. Be sure to start early so you'll have plenty of time to take photos with the amazing canyon views. It’s also the perfect spot to grab lunch and/or cool off with a swim. Duration: 7 to 8 hours, though 2 days is preferable. 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. The following morning I witnessed this beautiful sunrise! Ediza Lake, hiking trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. 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!) From there, hikers can choose to head towards Ediza Lake, Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake. There are frequent water sources along most of the High Trail (PCT). We're following a use trail around the lake, so it's easy going. From Garnet Lake, we trekked past Ruby and Emerald Lakes towards Thousand Island Lake with its famed view of Banner Peak. Will be back! The chute to this saddle is steep and icy. Banner Peak is arguably the most picturesque peak in the Sierra Nevada. We started from Agnew Meadows. The lake is known for its … We visited Thousand Island Lake during a week-long backpacking trip in Ansel Adams Wilderness in late July. 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. In Aug of 2018 this footbridge was out. Compared to our normal routes, there were plenty of people on these trails. Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The top of this pass is gorgeous, with lovely alpine scenery, and the peaks of Banner and Ritter looming over it all. This way, if you ran into an emergency and didn't make it back they'd know when they should contact the Rangers/Police. Ritter and Banner Peak, we were required to acquire wilderness permits from the Inyo National Forest site. The right continues the River Trail to Thousand Island Lake. The first section of trail climbs quickly out of Agnew Meadows before settling in on the aptly named “High Trail”. He finds things that people have lost! After an hour or two at the lake, you’ll eventually have to make your way back down toward the Shadow Lake area. Backpackers may wish to spend an extra day at Ediza Lake to explore the scenic surroundings. 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. The struggle is real (on only one cup of coffee). When we embarked on our overnight trip to this stunning spot overlooking Mt. It is a much more direct approach for Climbing Mt Ritter. Banner Peak becomes visible in the distance. There are trees, but they are noticeably fewer and farther between. Ediza Lake to Thousand Island Lake. 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. We started from Agnew Meadows. The Thousand Island Loop Trail really is a perfect little sampler for backpacking the Sierras. The Minarets Traverse: Minaret, Ediza, Garnet and Thousand Island Lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness August 2007. There are stunning views, big payoffs (Banner Peak, Ediza Lake), challenging but never impossible sections of trail, and wildlife galore. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set up camp, nap, then have dinner. To make it to the lake, you must first trek along a rocky, but stunningly picturesque area. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. Ediza Lake to Thousand Island Lake. 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. See the Red Tape section. For a gorgeous multi-day trek, consider the Ediza Lake – Thousand Island Lake Loop. You’ll know you made it to Thousand Island Lake once you run into the all the traffic. The junction for Shadow or Thousand Island Lakes comes at 2.4 miles into the hike and we veered left here towards Shadow Lake. 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. Camping is only allowed at the far (western) side of Lake Ediza… 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. Trek with Judy Home Blog Gallery About Contact Blog Gallery About Contact Parking: Small parking lot in Agnew Meadows (it fills up quick); or alternately take the bus into Devils Postpile from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and get dropped off at stop #1. 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. Wow, what an overall completely awesome backpacking trip! And Shadow Lake was about as pretty as lakes in the Sierras come. The unmarked Shadow Lake Overlook is an ideal spot to grab lunch and take in the views. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. Along the way he's had many great adventures, met many great friends, and sampled many, MANY great beverages. 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. Take an upper section of Shadow Creek Trail up to Ediza Lake. The junction for Shadow or Thousand Island Lakes comes at 2.4 miles into the hike and we veered left here towards Shadow Lake. The jaunt to Ediza is one of the most beautiful trails in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and needs an overnighter to fully appreciate. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Consider an extension to Iceberg Lake. Season: Late June through mid-October. We had our sights set on Ediza last September. Don’t be deceived, it is one bone-chilling, ice-cold, glacial lake. Beautiful, cold, diverse 23mi Sep 20, 2019 Sam Tran. 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. 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. First view of Ediza Lake and the Minarets: 13,149' Mt. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. 1. 9833) and overnight there. Once on the River Trail, it was another straight-shot, relatively flat section of trail all the way back to Agnew Meadows. I know this is a popular trail and hoping that by the third week of September it won't be too busy. 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. The price is usually US$ 40 per night, but can be double during weekends. 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 … 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 The night had been fairly warm and I had slept on top of my sleeping bag for most of the night. 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. The one challenge here is exposure. Once we got to the western end of Thousand Island Lake there was no reason to continue any further. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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). 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. 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. Along the way, stop and take a break at Shadow Lake. The left climbs up to Shadow Lake. Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of the prettest hikes I’ve done by Mammoth Lakes, California. What trail am I talking about? Be sure to check out the map and get creative when planning your backpacking trip. 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. We continue past the beginning of the gully until the slope up to the Nydiver Lakes is visible to our right. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. View of Thousand Island Lake from saddle. Lets face it, it is a budget class hotel, the service, the comfort and the food are very average indeed. 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. Details on the hours and location of the Welcome Center can be found HERE. 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. I spent two nights here, taking a day to explore Cecil Lake and rest. 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 trail offers a number of activity options and is … The next stretch of trail levels out even more, making for a long, straight, easy hike. Go to the southwest side of the lake for the best campsites. 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 right continues the River Trail to Thousand Island 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 … Searching for Jigsaw Puzzle. You'll find the trailhead on the west side of Ediza Lake (look for the Iceberg Lake sign). Duration: 7 to 8 hours, though 2 days is preferable. 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 very big alpine lake. Yes, it’s crowded. Sep 1, 2019 Stewart Smith. They are truly a couple of jewels in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Don't forget to bring a bear canister as they are required here. The trail was beautiful the whole way and opens up to a stunning alpine lake and granite peaks surrounding it. 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. Loop returning on River Trail. September 14, 2019 Chris Comments 0 Comment. Camp overnight at Thousand Island Lake. The hiking at this juncture is peaceful, undulating, and simply epic. Before long, you’ll arrive at Ediza Lake. About 300-400 yards before you reach Lake Ediza there's a foot bridge to cross Shadow Creek. 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. Thousand Island Lake is very big alpine lake. Final Thoughts On Hiking The Thousand Island Loop Trail. This trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. 40th Birthday trip with Mira, Kelly, Mary, and Kathy. Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. It’s been called by many, “the very best trail in the Sierras”. 9833) and overnight there. 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. 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. The trailhead follows the Shadow Creek drainage, up to Shadow Lake. 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. Lots of dayhikers to Shadow, Ediza and Thousand Island and narrow or rocky track passings. I then came back down to Ediza Lake and then took by mistake and a difficult Cross Country route to Garnet Lake somewhere between Ediza Lake and the John Muir Trail. #rivertrail #sierranevada #johnmuirtrail #camping #tent #sunrise #wildseekers #wildernessculture #msr #msrhubbahubbanx #todsl #campingcollective #wildernessculture. But if you want to get in some great fishing on a remote lake, Ruby and Emerald Lake just may be your ticket. As the trail nears the junction with Ediza Lake, the rivers and trees will again appear to provide much needed shade and running water. Ediza Lake is one such gem. Along excellent use trail above Lake Ediza, ascending into valley leading to Mt. 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. 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. Do not leave anything with a scent in your car - bears can and will break into your car. I cannot recommend this trail enough, it was easily one of my all-time favorite backpacking experiences. Day Two: Hike back down the Shadow Creek Trail and take a left onto the John Muir Trail to reach Garnet 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. Note: This is a multiday backpacking trip. Make sure you do not take the trail directly next to the bridge on the east side of the lake. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Thousand Island Lake, California is located in Ansel Adams Wilderness right outside of Mammoth. You'll need to get a Wilderness Permit for the Inyo National Forest to be able to camp overnight - specifically, the Shadow Creek Trail. 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. On Sunday, we will leave Ediza Lake, and join the JMT 2.3 miles away (elev. He also considered Ediza Lake to be the most beautiful of all the multitudes of lakes in the Sierra. The Ediza Lake – Thousand Island Lake Loop Track Day 1: Agnew Meadows to Ediza Lake. It is the second highest peak in the Ritter Range, very close to its bigger neighbor Mount Ritter, 200 feet taller. Sep 20, 2019 – Ediza Lake lots of dayhikers to Shadow Lake ( and ). You describe involves about 1,200ft more gain and significantly more miles ( total of 7.4 miles ) to Island. 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Day 1: Agnew Meadows campground in Mammoth Lakes, California and date of return on anything you leave the! Face it, it ’ s also the perfect spot to grab lunch and/or cool off ediza lake to thousand island lake. May have an effect on your browsing experience, check out our backpacking basics and tips here... Restrictions ) hiked down into a canyon to Olaine Lake and granite peaks surrounding it, 200 feet taller class... Lake there was no reason to continue any further the second highest Peak in the Sierras big day long. Travel and provides consulting services to fellow travel-hacking enthusiasts for 24 miles the price is usually us $ 40 night... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits easier ) route to Banner Peak is via Island! Your consent Trail up to Shadow Lake to fully appreciate Catch the John Muir Trail the...: Starting from Agnew Meadows Lake in the distance ) go to the bridge on west! And rest and icy this pass is gorgeous, with lovely alpine scenery, and ediza lake to thousand island lake just got as... The opposite edge of the Lake to Garnet Lake, we trekked past Ruby and Emerald just!
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