Three Lakes Loop

The Three Lakes Loop is an 18 mile loop trail located outside of June Lake, California. This loop is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. This hiking loop links two famous trails, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT), and takes you to three beautiful alpine lakes: Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Shadow Lake. The loop is primarily used for trail running, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and camping, and is best enjoyed during the summer, spring, or fall.

The Three Lakes Loop features well-maintained singletrack trails, pine-covered forests, and several sparkling alpine lakes, with views of the awe-inspiring Minarets, a series of jagged mountain peaks that are part of the Ritter Mountain Range within the Sierra Nevada.

DIRECTIONS

• Start at Agnew Meadows and begin northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail until reaching Thousand Island Lake (8.5 miles).

• Turn left (south) from Thousand Island Lake and follow the John Muir Trail past two smaller lakes, Emerald and Ruby, until eventually reaching Garnet Lake (2.5 miles)

• Continue south on the JMT to Shadow Lake (4 miles).

• From Shadow Lake follow the Shadow Creek Trail for one mile and cross the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

• Keep right to stay on the Shadow Creek Trail and continue south to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail which will take you back to Agnew Meadows. 

CAMPING

• Permits are required for overnight camping. 

• There are several backcountry campsites close to the many lakes along this loop. 

• No Camping within 1/4 mile of the outflow of Garnet Lake.

• No Camping within 1/4 mile of the outflow of Thousand Island Lake.

More information about camping and camping restrictions can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=21264. 

PERMITS

No permit is required to day hike in Ansel Adams Wilderness, however, a permit is required for overnight trips. To reserve a permit please visit www.recreation.gov.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS

For information about getting to the Agnew Meadows Trailhead, parking, and shuttle/bus schedule please visit https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/hours.htm.