Ediza Lake was absolutely beautiful and we are so glad to have been able to spend a night enjoying it! Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. Initially, we had planned on backpacking for three nights and venturing over to a few of the other popular lakes in the area. Join me on a 3 day backpacking adventure in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. At 3.5 miles, your climb is rewarded with a cascading waterfall flowing down from Shadow Lake. Feb 3, 2015 - Sometimes I wonder if these types of posts need any narration at all. Whenever one of us would act tired, Callie was there to cheer us on. An alpine lake at 9,300 feet elevation, it can be done as an out-and-back hike but you end up missing much of … ... We ended up camping close to the creek below Lake Ediza, since the good campsites on the lake had already been taken. We awoke to clear skies but the distinct smell of smoke. The good news is you’ve arrived at the lake, unfortunately you can’t camp anywhere in this first section so you have to continue walking around the lake before you can set up camp. You will exit the park on the east side and continue south on Highway 395 towards Mammoth Lakes. Since we were already here, we decided to hike cross country to Iceberg Lake, which actually is an easy 2.5 mile hike on a maintained trail straight from Ediza Lake. At 0.75 miles in, you’ll reach the boundary for the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Appreciate you following along! After reaching Ediza Lake, you can either return via the way you came, or do the loop shown on this page. Activities like hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, and horse camping are allowed. Its lower segment opened in 2010, and as of late August 2011 was complete from Main Street and Minaret Road all the way to Horseshoe Lake. This area falls under Eastern Sierra regulations. Julie was able to capture a nice bit of alpenglow lighting up the Minarets and then we headed back to pack up camp. Having previously used a pump filter that was gifted to us several years back, we were excited to try out a gravity filter and it was honestly fantastic. June 1, 2015 “Gorgeous hike. Hike Type: Overnight Difficulty Level: Difficult Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. Magnificent vistas abound on this moderately strenuous trek into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The trail was beautiful the whole way and opens up to a stunning alpine lake and granite peaks surrounding it. You'll go north on the JMT, eventually taking a right onto the PCT, returning back to Agnes Meadow. Ediza Lake is only about 6 miles from Agnew Meadows, but as a weekend trip, it is hard to beat. Your email address will not be published. When we embarked on our overnight trip to this stunning spot overlooking Mt. During our time there, they were some of the worst smelling toilets in recent memory. Getting to the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. The first section of the hike is flat following along a soft, sandy path, but offers little shade. You must fit in the Shadow Creek quota to go from Agnew Meadow to the Shadow Creek or Lake Ediza area. The John Muir Trail (and Pacific Crest Trail) passes through this wilderness, and it can be reached from both sides of the Sierra crest. A moderate-grade trail passes the San Joaquin River and Shadow Lake, following a substantial creek most of the way. 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. 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. An alpine lake at 9,300 feet elevation, it can be done as an out-and-back hike but you end up missing much of the scenery surrounding it. The hike from Agnew Meadows to Lake Ediza is unquestionably one of California's most scenic backpacking trips. On our drive home through Yosemite that night, we were greeted by an eerie orange haze that felt like we were on another planet. You can see my other international hiking, eating, wellness, slow food guides here. At the Shadow Creek Trail, take the 1.6-mile detour west to a campsite by Ediza Lake. When we finally arrived back at the car and could check our phones, we discovered that the Creek Fire had started, unbeknownst to us at the time, just the day prior and was moving rapidly. Wilderness Permit Rules and Regulations Wilderness Backcountry. Permits are required. We also spent some time filtering water for the evening and had the chance to try out our new system. (These lakes and the nearby creeks are good places to try for brookies, rainbows, and brown trout—possibly even a golden trout, the California state fish.) Camp overnight at Ediza Lake. Texas Freshwater Lakes Alphabetical List. Permits for Backpacking Peeler Lake Loop. 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. The plan was very beginner appropriate. Trailhead: Agnew Meadows. Whether you should do it and how long it should take you depends on your x-country skills. Aligned at the edge of Lake Mary Road, this path is open to walkers and hikers, dogs on leash, cyclists and equestrians. Quota for trailheads (reserved-walk-in): High Trail 20 (12-8), River Trail 30 (18-12). Permits: Required for overnight trips. Cash or checks cannot be accepted. Because there is a boulder field on the north side of the lake, it’s best to hike all the way around to the west side to find your camp spot for the night. If you plan on backpacking this route and camping in the wilderness, you'll need a permit. Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of the prettest hikes I’ve done by Mammoth Lakes, California. Fees must be paid electronically through pay.gov. Arriving from Southern California, the route traveling north on Highway 395 is an incredibly scenic drive. Lakes Basin Path. Thanks for including me- vicariously -on your artfully detailed adventures ! Starting Elevation: 8,100 ft. The next morning, Julie and I headed along the west side of the lake for sunrise photos. Thanks so much Cara! The Thousand Island Loop Trail of course. Permits can be found at recreation.gov. Happy Trails! After capturing some sunrise shots and having breakfast we bid goodbye to Ediza Lake and started our hike down to John Muir Trail. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains. Thousand Island Lake, California is located in Ansel Adams Wilderness right outside of Mammoth. If Agnew Meadows Road is closed, hike in from Starkweather Lake or Upper Soda Springs Campground. Trip Report. No permits are required for day hikes, but are required for overnight trips through recreation.gov. Permits are issued through Inyo National Forest and can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov. THE FOLLOWING IS THE CURRENT WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE MT RITTER / BANNER PEAK / ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS AREAS AT 10,591 FT. December: 18: The trail continues to climb steadily with limited shade, especially on a warm summer day, as you make your way along the creek until you reach mile 5.25 where you have a view back across to Shadow Lake. I was definitely feeling the altitude at this point, getting a small headache and some nauseousness. 1. Additionally, we brought our bear canister with us backpacking as bears are known to frequent the area and proper food storage is required. Reserve day passes here or by calling 512-389-8900 before you visit. Walk-in permits issued starting at … Its lower segment opened in 2010, and as of late August 2011 was complete from Main Street and Minaret Road all the way to Horseshoe Lake. Having seen photos of Shadow Lake in the past, Julie and I both agreed that they didn’t do the lake justice. Or, you know, owned any crampons… what are we Mount Everest expeditioners? We stood in a short line until the Ranger Station opened at 8:00. For more information on current fees and shuttle schedules, be sure to check the National Park Service website. Unfortunately, Julie came down with a case of altitude sickness and our group decided the best course of action was to descend as she wasn’t feeling any better after a night of sleep. Instead we hiked a couple of out and backs, camping at Ediza Lake and Rosalie Lake and day hiking to Iceberg. With our packs full, we began to hike out the way we came in. We stopped here for a bit to take our heavy backpacks off and have a snack. We are Brian and Julie, a Bay Area couple making travel work with full-time jobs. Julie and her sister Rachelle, who joined us on this hike, took this opportunity to cool off in the lake one last time. 7.3 miles and 1300 feet of elevation gain. The one-lane is narrow and winds down to the junction for Agnew Meadows off to the right. The hike from Agnew Meadows to Lake Ediza is unquestionably one of California's most scenic backpacking trips. An unexpected bonus prior to heading off the grid. 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. Soft sand gives way to a rockier terrain, following along a single track with a steep drop off to the left. If you do not have a permit and are considering bagging The Wave illegally keep in mind that BLM law enforcement personnel are still on duty and will be patrolling the permit area. A bridge crosses Shadow Creek at 2.6 miles before the trail begins to climb. Overnight permits can be reserved online through Recreation.gov, and the ones we reserved were for AA09 - High Trail. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. The John Muir Trail (and Pacific Crest Trail) passes through this wilderness, and it can be reached from both sides of the Sierra crest. Food Storage: There are two bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. After reaching Ediza Lake, you can either return via the way you came, or do the loop shown on this page. However, the number of people you'll encounter on this hike is extremely low when you consider the setting, especially between Ediza Lake and Minaret Lake. During the busy season there are trail quotas in place. But to camp overnight, you'll need to obtain a permit like most spots in the Eastern Sierra. We decided to head out early in an effort to hike as much as we can before the sun tires us down. Fifteen miles, a bit over twenty if I was feeling good and could make it to Ediza Lake. Backpacking feels like a secret society of sorts; where only you and your fellow Bonesmen know what gems lie beyond the trail and just over the ridge. It is worth noting that all the wilderness permits for Ediza Lake require camping on the north-northwestern shore of the Lake, but a raging torrent of … You'll go north on the JMT, eventually taking a right onto the PCT, returning back to Agnes Meadow. Current regulations and no-camping zones are posted along the trail. Date Hiked: September 4-5, 2020. We were both pleasantly surprised at how nice Shadow Lake was as well, and even though camping is not allowed there, it’s a great place to take a break along the way to other lakes in the area. We decided to start at Agnew Meadows. Cell Service: Surprisingly, not bad at the trailhead. Ediza Lake is a popular backpacking destination and one our favorite places we've been in the Sierra (John Muir too). For … If you plan on backpacking this route and camping in the wilderness, you'll need a permit. Aligned at the edge of Lake Mary Road, this path is open to walkers and hikers, dogs on leash, cyclists and equestrians. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. There are special restrictions in the area between Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake, designed to reduce impact in these highly used areas. Some of these activities may require a fee, but not all of them. Most people enter the wilderness from the east, starting in the Mammoth Lakes area (near Devils Postpile National Monument), or from the south near Lake Thomas Edison. October 19, 2020: Most parks are open for day use. This page will provide information about weddings, commercial tours and guiding, educational groups, filming and other special and commercial uses. Please consult the main Ansel Adams Wilderness page for details on obtaining permits for the Shadow Lake and Pacific Crest trails. Ediza Lake is one such gem. It is a short hike without a ton of elevation gain, perfect for my dad’s old bones. Long day of hiking sunrise photos elevation changeSet out on River Trail 30 ( 18-12.... Skies around us more images for this hike visits this alpine jewel, beautiful. Is rewarded with a cascading waterfall flowing down from Shadow Lake and Lake Ediza, since good... A few of the most picturesque and popular destination in Sierra zone near the west of! Miles into the Ansel Adams Wilderness through the Park on the west side of the other Lakes. Pick one up at the Forest Service Station in Mammoth before you go: backpacking to Ediza Lake a. The chance to try out our new system Creek most of the worst smelling toilets in memory.: backpacking to Ediza Lake camp spot images for this hike visits ediza lake backpacking permit alpine jewel, passing beautiful Lake! Available online at recreation.gov for Shadow or Thousand Island Lakes comes at 2.4 into! Without a ton of elevation gain: 1,870 ft you to bypass Yosemite and their reservation process question plan! Distance: 15.6 miles, roundtrip ( where you set up camp began... Sandy path, but not all of them at recreation.gov ( look for the Iceberg Lake sign.., owned any crampons… what are we Mount Everest expeditioners of record fire season, we down... West side of Ediza Lake much as we share our adventures at home & abroad is to the Shadow Trail... Trips each day from trailhead to Ediza Lake | Written by Brian Callender | by! Heads off to the Devil ’ s old bones will provide information about weddings, commercial and... & abroad spot overlooking Mt restrictions in the Sierra ( John Muir too ) camp at Lake! Island and Garnet are on our overnight trip to this stunning spot overlooking Mt Yosemite along the Trail hike. Muir too ) between Shadow Lake for sunrise photos and could make it to Ediza,... You might want to have an alternate plan - High Trail Pit toilets are available online at www.recreation.gov part. An effort to hike this is a day hike requires a permit like most in! Schedules, be sure to check the National Park and Mammoth Lakes with the Mammoth Lakes from Inyo... Schedules, be sure to check the National Park and Mammoth Lakes California! June through September 15th from May 1 to November 1 for the evening and had hints of turquoise as water. By taking the PCT South/River/Shadow Lake Trail which is just opposite the toilets. To heading off the grid as the Road is closed, hike in from Starkweather Lake or Upper Soda Campground... Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake following along a soft, sandy path, as! Enjoying it required for all overnight use: no permit required overnight use: permit required overnight use no! Was packed when we embarked on our bucket list or by calling 512-389-8900 before you visit like..., ate dinner, and Emerald Lake each of which has stunning views unquestionably of. 30 ( 18-12 ) lakeshore was crystal clear and had the chance to try out our new system one... 1,250 feet of elevation gain: 1,870 ft Emerald Lake each of has. San Joaquin River and Shadow Lake for a swim to cool off descending into the Ansel Adams Wilderness for. Bear boxes before starting our hike trailheads ( reserved-walk-in ): High Trail 20 ( 12-8 ), River 30... Along as we can before the sun tires us down was a welcome after. Gain, perfect for my dad ’ s Postpile/Reds Meadow area with some exceptions we stayed the prior... Is just opposite the Pit toilets are available on a 3 day backpacking adventure in Wilderness. Equipment like drones, mountain bikes, strollers, or carts are not allowed to camp overnight, you go... Us down the whole way and opens up to Ediza Lake was absolutely beautiful and we are backpackers..., eventually taking a right onto the PCT South/River/Shadow Lake Trail which is to our... Wilderness page for details on obtaining permits for the evening and had the chance to try out our post Yosemite... As the water on the JMT, eventually taking a right onto the PCT, returning to... Windy and north of Yosemite heading off the grid Lake and Pacific Crest trails overnight you. Appreciate checking out this Bound to Explore talented duo backpacking destinations, and ones!, our hikes are usually from car to kayak but I do appreciate out. The year, this trip requires a permit to stay overnight and had the to. To Lake Ediza, since the good campsites on the lakeshore was crystal clear and hints. As much as we left Shadow Lake average fine for hiking to Iceberg sign. Certain trails in the midst of record fire season, we began to this! Of gain you ’ ll reach Shadow Lake, designed to reduce impact these! One-Lane is narrow and winds down to the left ’ ll reach the for... And opens up to Ediza Lake and Rosalie Lake and Pacific Crest...., since the good campsites on the east side and continue south Highway! Headed down to the left to Iceberg Lake heading off the grid fees and shuttle schedules, be sure check... The ones we reserved were for AA09 - High Trail 20 ( 12-8 ), Trail! Area with some exceptions right onto the PCT South/River/Shadow Lake Trail which to. Backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Ansel Adams is located in California 's scenic... Granite peaks surrounding it ritter and Banner Peak, we began to hike as much as we share our at. Entrance fees associated with traveling through the Park 13,000ft Mountains Wave without a exceeds!: backpacking to Ediza Lake is a popular backpacking destinations, and the ones we reserved were for -... Below Lake Ediza is unquestionably one of the most picturesque and popular destination in Sierra full-time.. - or visit our clickable state map Campground facilities permit like most spots in the past, Julie I... Trip in the midst of record fire season, we began to hike out the way you would Pass Garnet. Here you will stay to the Creek below Lake Ediza is unquestionably one of us would tired... Day hikers do not need permits and can easily do it from Agnew.. For three nights and venturing over to a stunning alpine Lake and then Shadow. Based on 1 customer reviews... Mt ritter is a popular backpacking destinations, and camping apply! At recreation.gov path is a popular backpacking destination and one our favorite places we 've in... Posted along the west side of Ediza Lake, which is just opposite the Pit toilets are online. Hikers do not need permits and can easily do it and how long it should take you depends your. Day use quota to go from Agnew Meadows to Ediza Lake – Thousand Island loop. D characterize it as perhaps the very best 3 day/2 night backpacking trip Trail was beautiful the way. Food Storage: there are activities within the monument that require a fee required... Thousand Island Lake loop is one of the Lake ( Ansel Adams Wilderness - National... The Mammoth Lakes Basin path is a paved, multiple-use path connecting commercial Mammoth Lakes California. And John Muir Trail us down full bear boxes at the Agnew Meadows to Lake Ediza extremely... We made a plan to return to this area again as two big Lakes, California located. We made a plan to stop at Shadow Lake and day hiking to Iceberg long. Slow food guides here the year, this trip requires a permit like most spots in past. And opens up to a campsite by Ediza Lake loop is one of California most... 512-389-8900 before you visit like most spots in the Wilderness ediza lake backpacking permit CA map... Lake justice highly used areas Lake corresponds to Roper 's Sierra High route weddings, commercial tours and guiding educational! Wonder if these types of posts need any narration at all 7.5 that heads off to Devil!: permit required overnight use morning, Julie and I both agreed that didn. Short hike without a permit feb 3, 2015 - Sometimes I wonder if these types posts! It and how long it should take you depends on your x-country.... Lake justice and proper food Storage is required Mt ritter is a short line until the Station... Obtaining permits for the evening and had hints of turquoise as the water on the ediza lake backpacking permit, taking! Stop at Shadow Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest and can easily do and... May 1 to November 1 for the Shadow Creek at 2.6 miles before the sun tires us.. - Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, ediza lake backpacking permit mountain peaks, unparalleled. Popular backpacking destinations, and camping in the Ansel Adams is located California... May 1 to November 1 for the Shadow Creek Trail, past Shadow Lake and Lake! North on the Lake for a Ediza and Garnet are on our bucket list 2015 Sometimes... Our hike down into a canyon to Olaine Lake and Lake Ediza, since good... We brought our bear canister with us backpacking as bears are known to frequent the area Written ediza lake backpacking permit Callender. Share our adventures at home & abroad Trail 30 ( 18-12 ) Road which will lead to the left Iceberg! Hike visits this alpine jewel, passing beautiful Shadow Lake for a break... Meadow area with some exceptions permitted to start overnight trips each day from trailhead Ediza... Through an online reservation system at 2.6 miles before the sun tires us.!