○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
13.3 miRound Trip
2,100 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
7-9 hoursEst. Time
9,795 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
RequiredPermit

Minaret Lake Trail

๐ŸŒค Trail Weather โ€” Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs ยท Trailhead coords
๐Ÿฅพ
Trail Ready
39ยฐF, Scattered Clouds. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
โ˜๏ธ
39ยฐ
Scattered Clouds
Feels 37ยฐF
๐Ÿ’จ Wind
3 mph WSW
Gusts to 13 mph
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
69%
Humid โ€” heat feels stronger
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Cloud Cover
41%
Partly cloudy
๐ŸŒ… Sunrise
6:35 am
Ideal start time
๐ŸŒ‡ Sunset
4:46 pm
Off trail by this
Today โ€” 3-Hour Intervals
7 pm
โ˜๏ธ
36ยฐ
Feels 32ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 5/15
10 pm
โ˜๏ธ
30ยฐ
Feels 24ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 6/17
5-Day Forecast
โ˜๏ธ
Today
Broken Clouds
36ยฐF
feels 32ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
5/15 W
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
74% Humid โ€” heat feels stronger
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
56% Mostly cloudy
๐Ÿฅพ Acceptable โ€” Check Elevation
โ˜๏ธ
Sun, Nov 15
Overcast Clouds
26ยฐF
feels 18ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
7/19 WSW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
86% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
94% Overcast
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
โ˜๏ธ
Mon, Nov 16
Overcast Clouds
26ยฐF
feels 17ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
9/27 WSW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
95% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
91% Overcast
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
โ„๏ธ
Tue, Nov 17
Light Snow
23ยฐF
feels 18ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
3/12 WSW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
98% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
4.4 mi โ€” Reduced โ€” marine layer possible
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
89% Overcast
โ„๏ธ Snow โ€” Traction Devices Required
๐ŸŒ™
Wed, Nov 18
Clear Sky
19ยฐF
feels 10ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
7/22 WSW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
85% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
7% Clear โ€” full sun exposure
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Nov 14, 4:16 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” Minaret Creek runs alongside trail. Filter recommended.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Moderate โ€” 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.