| Distance: | 14.1 Miles (roundtrip) |
| Starting Elevation: | 8,070 feet |
| Ending Elevation: | 9,710 feet |
| High Elevation: | 10,100 feet |
| Elevation Gain: | 2,030 feet |
| Topo Maps: | Mammoth Mtn., Mt. Ritter |
| Trailhead: | Agnew Meadows |
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This trip starts at Agnew Meadows along the River Trail. It passes Olaine Lake (8,070') after approximately 2 miles. After leaving Olaine Lake, the River Trail continues along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
After fording the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin, the trail climbs very steeply along a series of switchbacks. After the switchbacks, the trail appears to dead-end along a boulder field with a waterfall to the North-East and several small trails to the West. The correct trail is a very steep Class 2 scramble up the boulder field.
After negotiating the
boulder
field, you cross a pass and Garnet Lake is visible. From this
high
point, Garnet Lake is very beautiful with grand views of Banner Peak
(12,936')
and Mt. Ritter (13,143') in the background.
 Banner Peak on the right and Mt. Ritter on the left |
 This is where the San Joaquin exits Garnet Lake |
After leaving Garnet Lake, the trail follows the South shore along the John Muir Trail, then climbs steeply to a pass at this trails high point of 10,100'. This high point offers spectacular views of the lake and the Ritter Range.
After a 1,300' descent
you
approach Shadow Lake (8,790').
 View of the Minarets before approaching Shadow Lake on the John Muir Trail |
 Shadow Lake viewed from the John Muir Trail |
After leaving Shadow Lake, you follow the Shadow Lake trail back to Agnews Meadows.
I get many e-mails out this trip, I guess it is the beautiful scenery. I've created this Travel Tips section to help answer the common questions, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Travel Tips
Where - The entrance
used in for this trip is in Devil's Postpile. There is only one
way
to get
to Devil's
Postpile,
through the town of Mammoth (203 off highway 395).
When - The entrance to
Devil's Postpile is typically open June/July through November/December
(depending on the
smowmelt).
Maps - Each trail
description
in this website has a "Topo Maps:" section in the description. This
lists each USGS
7.5' map required to follow the trail from start to finish.
Lodging - You can stay
anywhere in the town of Mammoth (plenty of places to eat, sleep,
etc...).
If
you want to tent
camp, the Devil's Postpile area has numerous campsites. With the
exception of
Reds Meadows, none
of hot water or showers, but they do have cold water and pit toilets.
Backpacking - There are
many places to backpack within the Ansel Adams Wilderness (including at
Garnet
Lake). All
require a wilderness permit and you must stay in designated
campsites.
Be forewarned, the
Ansel Adams
Wilderness
has plenty of bears. Especially the Garnet Lake / 1,000 Island
area.
Fishing - Fishing at
Garnet Lake and 1,000 Island Lake is great. Brook and Rainbow
trout
are large
and plentiful.
Trail Tips
Acclimate - This trail
is at high elevation. If possible, acclimate in Mammoth or the
Devils
Postpile
before attempting
this trip
Be prepared for weather
changes - The weather changes very quickly in the Sierras, be prepared.
Although the
pictures on this page show very nice weather, in about 30 minutes a
storm
came in and we got
rained on.
Trip References:
Winnett, Thomas, Winnett, Jason, Haber,
Lyn. 1991. Sierra North: 100 back-country trips.
Berkeley:
Wilderness
Press, p. 233-234 (trip #76).
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