The hike to Minaret Lake is just not a technical hike, however it is best to nonetheless pay particular consideration to the next potential security hazards, and make sure to plan forward accordingly.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Whereas Minaret Lake is actually not the best level within the Sierra Nevadas, the trailhead begins at round 7,500 ft elevation, and also you’ll find yourself all the best way up at 9,800 ft if you attain Minaret Lake. Though this most likely gained’t trigger altitude illness, it may make the hike a lot extra of a battle when you’re coming from sea stage. In that case, it’s most likely value spending an evening in Mammoth Lakes earlier than the hike as a way to give your physique slightly time to regulate.
SNOW
Relying on the season you select to hike Minaret Lake, you would encounter snow on the path, which might make the hike extra technical and doubtlessly treacherous. In the course of the summer time, the path must be clear and melted out, however early in the summertime or within the fall, it is best to positively test the up to date path situations and snowfall totals for the season earlier than you try this hike.
MOSQUITOES
Whereas the summer time months of July and August make for excellent path situations, in addition they are the months when you will discover essentially the most mosquitoes. On this space, mosquitoes is usually a large nuisance and make your hike fairly depressing, so make sure to carry bug spray and doubtlessly even insect-repellent clothes when you’re mountain climbing within the top of summer time. Additionally, when you’re backpacking, arrange your camp farther away from water, the place wind will assist maintain a number of the mosquitoes away.
STREAM CROSSING
Close to the start of this path, you’ll come to a stream crossing close to Johnston Lake. Later on this season, the water stage must be low, and the crossing shouldn’t be a difficulty in any respect, however early within the season, you’ll want to watch out making this crossing. When Michael & I did this hike in late June, the stream was about knee excessive and VERY chilly. Climbing poles may positively come in useful right here to keep up your stability within the water on slippery rocks.
WILDLIFE
This space of the Jap Sierras is full of a wide range of wildlife, however the greatest concern is black bears. Normally, black bears are fairly scared and skittish round people, however the bears right here is usually a little extra daring since they’re extra accustomed to seeing folks round.
As with all bears, it is best to apply commonplace bear security ideas together with (however not restricted to) the next:
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Make noise when you hike so wildlife is rarely startled by your presence.
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At all times maintain your distance when you see a bear.
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By no means run from a bear.
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At all times retailer your meals (and every other scented objects) at night time in both a bear field or bear canister.
Rangers ask that you simply don’t carry bear spray with you on this space. Simply be good, make noise when you hike, and also you’ll seemingly keep away from a bear encounter.
And positively don’t go away meals in your automobile on the trailhead – use a bear locker for something you don’t carry with you on the path.
