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Mammoth Lakes, California, United States

Thousand Island Lake

A 3-4 night trip to Thousand Island Lake with day-hikes to both Lake Catherine and Garnet Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Thousand Island Lake
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    This guide contains photos
 (3 votes, 2 reviews)
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 27 miles / 43 km
Duration: Multiple days
 
Overview: This is a 3-4 night trip through the Ansel Adams Wilderness along the Pacific Crest Trail to Thousand Island Lake with nearby day-hikes focused around Banner Peak. Day hikes include a secluded pond with a panoramic view of Thousand Island Lake, Lake Catherine with a perfect view of the glacier between Banner Peak and Mount Ritter, and nearby Garnet Lake.

Tips: - It is recommended that travelers have some backpacking experience.

- This route requires a wilderness permit which can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest.

- Altitude acclimation prior to the trip is recommended. There are plenty of nearby motels in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

- A shuttle runs from the Mammoth Lakes ski resort to the Agnew Meadows trailhead.

- A bear canister is required in this area.

Points of Interest

Parking
map

Trailhead
The trailhead for this route is at Agnew Meadows Campground which has overnight camping available with permit. The trailhead is accessible by vehicle via Minaret Road but passenger vehicles are not permitted between 7:00am and 7:30pm. A shuttle is available from the Mammoth Mountain Inn.

From the Agnew Meadows shuttle stop walk down the dirt road past the pack station and onto the Agnew Meadows parking lot and campground area. Restrooms and running water are available at the trailhead.

The trail is well marked and follows the Pacific Crest Trail all the way to Thousand Island Lake.
Campground
map

Thousand Island Lake
The Pacific Crest Trail will take you to the eastern shore of Thousand Island Lake. This is a great place to camp the first night but make sure to check with the Mammoth Ranger Station for information on what areas have restrictions for overnight use.

The lake is well stocked with fish so make sure to bring a fishing license.
Campground
map

Banner Base Camp
After your first night on the eastern shore of the lake make sure to travel to the western side to get some amazing views of Banner Peak. Plenty of leveled spots are available in this area. This is a great place to use as a basecamp for both Lake Catherine and Garnet Lake.
Viewpoint
map

Secluded Pond
The secluded pond is along an unmarked but semi-traveled path. The head-on views of Thousand Island Lake are spectacular from here and you are very unlikely to see another soul at this location. This is the prefect place to catch your breath before the long haul to Lake Catherine.
Viewpoint
map

Lake Catherine
After climbing over the ridge from the secluded pond make your way up towards Lake Catherine by following the large rock field. Visitors who are new to scrambling should beware of trying to avoid the rock field by traveling along the shoulders of the valley rather than the center of it. The talus is loose and somewhat fragile in these areas.

Once you have summited the ridge you will descend towards Lake Catherine to enjoy the cold water and views of one of Banner's largest glaciers.

To get back to camp follow the trail along the valley which will take you all the way back to the lake.
Water
map

Garnet Lake
From your base camp below Banner make your way southeast by following the various use trails. The path over the ridge to Garnet Lake is well traveled and easy to follow.

Take a break at the large pond and streams above Garnet Lake which produces some great reflections of Banner Peak.

Continue to follow the trail down to Garnet Lake. Like Thousand Island, this lake is well stocked with fish for those who are interested.
Pictures in this guide taken by: laytonw

Layton Wedgeworth
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Reviews
joemellin
To get more information I called these guys :

Contact Information:
HAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
43225 E HWY 299
FALL RIVER MILLS, CA 96028
Phone: 530-336-5521
Our office hours are from 8:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday.
Visited on Jan 12, 2010

by joemellin on Mar 30, 2012
chris
This is a great guide! I did a very similar backpacking trip about 7 or 8 years ago. I remember the entire day was spent going from one peak to a lake to another peak, but it was well worth it.

I'll have to follow this guide the next time I want to go to Mammoth. I've always wanted to do the trip from Mammoth to Yosemite Valley.

by chris on Jan 20, 2011

Thousand Island Lake Map


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About the Author

laytonw
laytonw
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