🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🥾
Trail Ready
47°F, Clear Sky. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
💨 Wind
6 mph WNW
Gusts to 19 mph
💧 Humidity
72%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:29 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:21 pm
Off trail by this
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
74% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
65% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
76% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
37% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
☁️
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
61% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Sep 4, 11:31 pm
A premium long-distance trek from Devils Postpile into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, following Minaret Creek to a crystal lake perched beneath the iconic jagged black spires of the Minaret Range.
Trail Overview
The shuttle system is mandatory in summer and adds logistics to your day. Plan for the first shuttle departure. Thirteen miles at altitude is a genuine commitment — this is a long day. No permits required for day use but overnight camping requires a wilderness permit reserved well in advance.
This Hike Is For You If…
Strong experienced day hikers who want a serious alpine objective. The scenery in the upper basin is among the best in the range.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip if you cannot commit to an early start. Skip if afternoon storms are forecast. Not suitable for beginners.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Good trail with rocky sections in upper basin. Creek crossings in early season. Exposure increases above 9,000 feet.
Shade: Partial
Water: Reliable Year-Round. Minaret Creek runs alongside trail. Filter recommended.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Less crowded than front-country Mammoth trails. Shuttle logistics filter casual visitors.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Take the first shuttle of the day. Or drive in before 7am to avoid the shuttle entirely.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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13.3 miRound Trip
2100 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
7-9 hoursEst. Time
9795 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
RequiredPermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Parking: Mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center June through September. $10 per person. Own vehicle permitted before 7am and after 7pm.
Bathroom: Flush Toilets
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Take the first shuttle of the day. Or drive in before 7am to avoid the shuttle entirely.
Trail Reality Check
The shuttle system is mandatory in summer and adds logistics to your day. Plan for the first shuttle departure. Thirteen miles at altitude is a genuine commitment — this is a long day. No permits required for day use but overnight camping requires a wilderness permit reserved well in advance.
Terrain: Good trail with rocky sections in upper basin. Creek crossings in early season. Exposure increases above 9,000 feet.
Shade: Partial
Water: Reliable Year-Round — Minaret Creek runs alongside trail. Filter recommended.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Moderate — Less crowded than front-country Mammoth trails. Shuttle logistics filter casual visitors.
Who should do this: Strong experienced day hikers who want a serious alpine objective. The scenery in the upper basin is among the best in the range.
Who should skip this: Skip if you cannot commit to an early start. Skip if afternoon storms are forecast. Not suitable for beginners.
