Best Trails in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Amazing and secluded. Easy to get off route if not careful. ;-)

September 2019. Amazing scenery which just kept getting better as we hiked onward. Hiked in and out in one day - doable for a weekend hiker like me, but most people we passed were backpacking along the trail.

Did this trail from August 25 to October 2, 2019. It was an amazing experience. A great way to get into Yosemite while avoiding their crazy permit system.

We tried to go this hike on 11/12 and Minaret Rd. is closed past Mammoth Mtn. We couldn’t get through. Not sure if you can get there on Postpile Rd. this time time of year. That may be closed for winter as well.

Totally enjoyed the views of the lake! The trail itself is boring though

The plan was to hike to ediza from rush creek to summit Mount Ritter via SE Glacier. I fell short due to a late start so I camped at the far end of thousand island. The next day I hiked over to lake Catherine on Banners west side to attempt a summit. Wasn’t able to do so so I checked out the west slope of Ritter. Beautiful area, the hike from rush creek to thousand island kicked my butt with a 60lb pack.

Pretty cool hike! Pretty uphill for the first three quarters ish. Also feels a bit longer then you’d expect. Most people I passed had to ask me how much further up. I did fern creek lake trail as well and honestly felt as long as that. The view at the top is beautiful but I would def take the easy rating with a grain of salt.

spectacular!!!!

Caveat, if you have trouble with altitude you need to take this trail slow. The 652 elevation is in the beginning and was longer than we expected. I’d say this a mix moderate and easy.

Beautiful, didn’t go all the way to the lake because it was getting dark.

Beautiful view of the lake! A little past leaf peeping peak but still great. Amazing, short hike

This was a solid day hike we completed on 10/11/19. The views and scenery on this hike are wonderful! Lots of vibrant colors and stunning views. The trail had at least 5 water crossings which was water flowing down the hill and over and through the trail. These crossing were often partially frozen and created beautiful icicles. What I loved about this hike were the leaves changing to fall colors, colorful and plentiful flowers, cool rock formations, great views and the lakes are a jewel! Below is a link to the one day trip! https://youtu.be/ioi05J3rduE

Loved this hike, the flat section next to a stream was a nice way to enjoy the views (Aspen has mostly turned already) and the lake was beautiful. We went early morning and it was very peaceful, no bugs at this late date was a plus.

Beautiful fall hike. Mix of colors now from green to yellow to brown to bare branches.

Gorgeous hike. Most difficult part is the first quarter, which I’d rate moderate after that it’s easy. As someone else mentioned, it’s closer to 2 miles each way, not 1.6. Went in mid October, aspens are turning I and no bugs!

Uphill from the parking for the first 1/2 mile. Then the trail runs along the creek before opening up to picturesque Lake Parker.

Took the Pacific Crest High Trail there and the meadow trail back along the creek. It’s an amazing hike and backpacking trip as well as an amazing exercise for your legs!

Ok! So I did this trail (Oct 4 & hiked back out Oct 6) last weekend, here are some pointers: this route is probably the easiest way to reach 1000 Islands, during this time of year it is COVERED in butterflies, the hike in/out is STUNNING with sweeping views of the mountain ranges, there is no shuttle from Mammoth Ski Resort this time of year so you just park at the Agnews Meadows trailhead (after a $10 car fee). Just continue to follow the trail markers for the PCT and 1000 Island Lake. Super dog friendly hike, didn’t have any issues. TOTALLY RECOMMEND! P/s VERY cold at night during this time of year (hit 19 degrees the first night). And yes, permit needed. Got mine from the Ranger Station in Mammoth Welcome Center.

We actually went up some third class going up from the fern lake trail, but descended this route. we got pretty far off trail in the meadow but thankfully this app directions got us back down. really beautiful hike

Incredible scenery, great trails, beautiful lakes.

One of the best hikes I've ever done! Stunning view at the end. The first couple miles are rough due to the steep elevation gain, but it gets a lot better afterwards!

Went up to Thousand Island two consecutive days! The first day I took the much harder Shadow, Garnet and Thousand Island loop but I heard from hikers how much easier the PCT route was so I decided I couldn't leave Agnew Meadows without checking out this route too! I thought this way would be harder cause it starts ascending but once you get past the switchbacks you go up gradually as it starts to level off and you get a great view of the Minarets and Shadow lake on the other side. Since the trail starts at high elevation there isn't anymore crazy gains in elevation making this a long but enjoyable trail. I took it out and back and it was way easier than the loop. But both ways are beautiful and full of memories.

This loop is much harder than the PCT or Highline trail route. I had gone past Ediza lake last trip and had seen the JMT going up to Garnet Lake and Thousand Island and decided seeing two lakes was better than one and also passing Shadow lake as a bonus. But this turns out to be the hardest route to Thousand Island. I came down the River Trail but that would have also been an easier option going up the River trail and coming down Garnet and Shadow lake. Trough Shadow Creek trail its ascending most of the way starting going up at the pass to Shadow Lake then more ascending all the way to Garnet then you descend down to the lake and ascend back up again. But once you do get to Garnet the hard work starts paying of as you pass Garnet and some smaller lakes on the way to Thousand Island. Thousand Island and Garnet looked similar real nice lakes I took a quick swim in both. It was real cold water but Thousand Island seemed colder it made me want to jump out in like a minute but still dipped in it.

I have been wanting to do Ritter all year. Unfortunately I was unable to make the summit. It snowed the night before we hiked in and it was the coldest weekend of the year so far making for icy slippery conditions. I took the SE Glacier route and made it up towards the top of the se glacier. Things got to sketchy, steep and slipper for me and the equipment I had so I decided to call it. Once I made it down I decided to head up the Clyde variation to just see what it looks like. Made up just about to the top of the saddle and turned around as weather was closing in. I will be back to conquer this mountain. I got humbled this time but I will be back with crampons to head up the Clyde variation and cross the SE glacier. If you are thinking about doing this one and have the experience to do so contact me, I would love to come along. Not a mountain to be taken lightly.

Absolutely worth the effort! Took the loop route solo backpacking via Shadow Creek trail staying right of trail along creek past Ediza/Garnet/Shadow junction. Nice trek to Ediza and seversl shallow stream crossings to get around to spproved camping area. Stunning views, especially 6am. nice sites at Garnet and past Thousand Island on PCT southbound. last day hiked the 7miles on the High Trail which has THE MOST stunning views/backdrop of all the alpine lakes visited. So recommend the clockwise route. Several variations routes including meeting up with River Trail below the Garnet outlet or again past TI. This is a challenging trail with slippery and steep granite steps, crumbly trail, scree and sand/dirt. the PCT south/High Trail does have meadow springs crossing the trail in about 8 spots where there is risk of mud slips, just take your time. Water available pretty much ed ntire trail EXCEPT Ediza junction to Garnet Lake, 2 miles steep uphill, bring water. Lots of dayhikers to Shadow, Ediza and Thousand Island and narrow or rocky track passings. permits required for overnight. Taking the NB PCT or High Trail is an incredible shortcut to see the stunning crags, peaks and snow covered Minarets just w-3 miles in and lots of ridgeline/bluff tent sites. 10 essentials highly recommended.