Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,200.00 ft (975.36 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
15.00 mi (24.14 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Minaret Creek Trail is a 15-mile out-and-back singletrack trail. This trail is located near Mammoth Lakes, California, and leads to Minaret Lake, a large alpine lake in the Ritter Mountain Range (a subrange of the Sierra Nevada Mountains). Featuring pine-shaded forests, flowing waterfalls, and beautiful meadows, this trail is challenging and rewarding. This trail is ideal for trail runners, hikers, mountain climbers, peak baggers, and backpackers. 

Starting from The Devils Postpile Visitor Center (located at stop number 6 on the Mammoth Lakes Shuttle), head south towards a bridge over the MIddle Fork San Joaquin River. Cross the bridge and   follow signs for the John Muir Trail (JMT). Continue north on the JMT for about 1.5 miles. Keep an eye out for another junction. North of Johnston Meadow and Johnston Lake, the Minaret Creek Trail leaves the JMT. As the JMT turns right, the Minaret Creek Trail follows along Minaret Creek northwest. 

Along Minaret Creek Trail, both the climb and the spectacular views increase. As the trail steepens, pine trees give way to giant spires and rocky peaks. Eventually, you will reach Minaret Lake's pristine waters. Spend some time admiring the views and pristine waters of the lake while walking the trail along its shores. 

Although this route can easily be completed in a day, it also makes for a magnificent backpacking trip with plenty of scenic backcountry campsites (see information below regarding permits for overnight camping).

TRANSPORTATION

Mammoth Lakes Free Mountain Shuttle: https://www.mammothmountain.com/transportation/free-mountain-shuttle 
 

PERMIT INFORMATION

  • No permits are required for day use.

  • Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 1-(760) 924-5500

Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/ 

Inyo National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea?recid=20540

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Alpine Lakes. Meadows.

Cons

Can get crowded on the weekends.

Trailhead Elevation

7,602.00 ft (2,317.09 m)

Highest point

9,880.00 ft (3,011.42 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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