Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows
Details
Features
About this place
One of the most picturesque views in all of the Eastern Sierras and the backdrop to one of Ansel Adam's most iconic photographs of Banner Peak. It will be the best 2-4 days of your life.
Start from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set up camp, nap, and then have dinner.
If you're heading down Minaret Road (SR 203) to get to the Agnew Meadows trailhead during the summer, it's closed to passenger vehicles beyond Minaret Summit from 7am to 7:30pm. During that time, you have to ride the shuttle ($7 per person) from the Mammoth Mountain Inn into Devil's Postpile National Monument. For more information on the shuttle, see here. If you're looking to get an early start or are coming back late, the gates are unmanned.
Please note this trail is dog friendly on-leash.
Camp along Thousand Island Lake for 3 nights and find some great side trips:
- Day 1: Hike in, set up camp
- Day 2: Short hike to Lake Catherine & back, stay up to stargaze
- Day 3: Long hike around Waugh Lake followed by well-deserved nap
- Day 4: Hike out, drive to Mammoth for burgers & beer
PERMITS
Permits are required for all overnights in the area and can be made at rec.gov.
Leave No Trace
