ANSEL ADAMS & MINARETS: Early season hike around the Minarets area. Enter via Red Cones near Mammoth (does not require that the Reds Meadow Road be open). Loop route past Reds Meadow, around Minarets to Garnet and Thousand Island Lakes, option to loop around to Duck Lake. Lots of lakes and streams. 6 people max.
If you are interested, add yourself to the wait list. The cost for the campground at Lake Mary and the permits will be $10 per person, via VENMO or other arrangements. Be sure to check Meetup for messages related to this trip – as we work through the wait list, you will have only a few days to respond. Attendees will be moved to going in late March/early April.
Itinerary:
May 26th (Monday, Memorial Day): Meet and car camp at Lake Mary Campground, Mammoth area. The campground is a 6 1/2 hour drive (400 mi) from San Diego.
May 27th: Red Cones/Mammoth Pass Trailhead (very close to Lake Mary Campground), up over Mammoth Pass and through Reds Meadow area, cross the JMT and follow Minaret Creek towards Minaret Lakes. Camp short of Minaret Lake. 11.6 mi, +2928/-2105
May 28th: Continue towards and pass Minaret Lake and several small lakes, loop back to JMT at Garnet Lake, camp there. 9.2 mi, +2707/-1925
May 29th: Follow JMT past Garnet, spend some time exploring Thousand Island Lake area, over Island Pass, pass Waugh Lake and Gem Lake, camp just before Agnew Pass. 11.3 mi, +1984/-1888
May 30th: Continue around the loop south back to San Joaquin River area, camp there; 8.4 mi, +423/-2524;
May 31st: Join JMT and continue south, option to return to cars via Mammoth Pass (less than 10 mi) OR proceed south towards Duck Lake, camp before Duck Lake. 11.5mi, +2767/-694
June 1: Duck Lake back to Duck Pass Trailhead, around Lake Mary back to cars. 12 mi, +1586/-2414
For map with itinerary see https://caltopo.com/m/7L1JS4U/F8GCCK6GTECA0B0S
Important notes:
Weather may reschedule or cancel this trip. Current snow pack in the Sierras (as of early Feb) is 90-95% of normal, so there is likely to be snow in places. Itinerary is tentative, flexible, and may change depending on residual snow, ranger advice, and group preferences. This is a high altitude trip. There is significant (>2000’) climbing most days – this is not a flat walk. This trip will be conducted at a relaxed pace with no more than 12 miles each day. Your trip leader walks slowly, likes to stop and breathe and appreciate nature, and take pictures. Specific camp locations are flexible and will be decided as we walk. Some of the route is off the maintained trail system. There may be off trail side excursions as well. Bear proof canisters required.
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. Bring a map and navigational tools and know how to use them. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let’s all have fun! Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren’t professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and…We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
