The Minarets to Tuolumne Meadows
Mammoth to Yosemite via the John Muir Trail
The granite pinnacles of the Minarets, outside Mammoth, CA, are a majestic backdrop for some of the most spectacular hiking in the southern Sierras. Situated in the Ritter Range, separating the Ansel Adams Wilderness from Yosemite, the spires of the Minarets and the peaks of Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner will take your breath away.
Duration: 6 nights
Distance: 37 miles
Best Time: July–Sept.
Submitted by
GSSD Backpacking Trainers
Created
January 2020
Starting Trailhead: Devils Postpile
Ending Trailhead: Elizabeth Lake
Day 1
Drive to Mammoth and set-up camp at Agnew Meadows Campground or one of the many campgrounds in Mammoth.
Day 2
Drive to Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and take the shuttle to Devils Postpile National Monument.
Head to the John Muir Trail North trailhead. (.75 miles)
Head north on the John Muir Trail and set-up camp at Rosalie Lake. (6 miles)
Day 3
Continue north on the John Muir Trail to the Shadow Creek Trail junction. (2.5 miles)
Turn left onto Shadow Creek Trail; set-up camp at Ediza Lake. (1.5 miles)
Day 4
Head back the way you came — east on Shadow Creek Trail — to the John Muir Trail junction. (1.5 miles)
Turn left onto the John Muir Trail and head north to Thousand Island Lake; set-up camp. (5 miles)
Day 5
Continue north on the the John Muir Trail to “Tarns in the Shadow of Donohue Peak;” set-up camp. (5 miles)
Consider a short day hike to Marie Lake.
Day 6
Continue north on the John Muir Trail. (10 miles)
Day 7
Continue north on the John Muir Trail to Tuolumne Meadows Campground. (5 miles)
Head to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for showers. Drive home.
Itinerary Options
Skip the Devils Postpile shuttle and hike 6 miles from Agnew Meadows Campground directly to the John Muir Trail North trailhead via the Pacific Crest Trail.
If you’d like to shorten the itinerary by a day, skip Devils Postpile altogether. Start at Agnew Meadows on the Pacific Crest Trail and turn north onto the Shadow Creek Trail, joining the John Muir Trail near Shadow Lake after 4.5 miles. Continue the remaining 2 miles to Ediza Lake.
If you want to extend your trip, add an extra day and 5.75 miles by entering Devils Postpile via the Mammoth Pass Trail.
Key Risks
Critters: You’re in bear country. There are strict rules on storing scented items including the need for bear-proof containers. Know before you go and follow all instructions.
Altitude: Monitor participants for any adverse reactions.
Weather: Be on the watch for inclement weather.
Permits Needed
Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit
Resources
Inyo National Forest: John Muir Trail North
Inyo National Forest: Shadow Creek Trail
Inyo National Forest: Agnew Meadows Campground