Hikes in Inyo National Forest

It is difficult to even discuss Inyo National Forest without loading up your backpack for a trek into the high sierra. This incredible region of California features staggering summits, epic glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and pristine pine forests. It is truly a hiker's delight. [wp_ad_wide_page] Highlights of Inyo National Forest Inyo National Forest Several distinct federally protected wilderness areas, including Golden Trout Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness, make up the nearly 3,000 square miles of Inyo National Forest. ... Read more.
Latest reports in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (page 5)
Sierra Nevada

Thousand Island Lake
in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo NF | Trails
Trail Rating:
Thousand Island Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness
Thousand Island Lake is regarded as one of the most spectacular lakes in the Eastern Sierra. Banner Peak, a towering 12,936-foot mountain above the lake's west shore, is reflected in its clear blue water. The lake has numerous (if not a thousand) small islands. Both John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail pass Thousand Island Lake, giving hikers significant and scenic routes to consider. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Ansel Adams Wilderness · Lakes · Mammoth Lakes · Pacific Crest Trail
Distance: 8.75 miles · Elevation change: 1515 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: October 7, 2015 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Sierra Nevada

Garnet Lake
in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo NF | Trails
Trail Rating:
Garnet Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness
Garnet Lake is located on John Muir Trail between Shadow Lake and Thousand Island Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. The lake is stunning, set below the 12,936-foot mass of Banner Peak and framed by ridges of bedrock and pines. Hiking directly there, Garnet Lake is 8.55 miles from the trailhead at Agnew Meadows, so most of the lake's visitors are backpackers (a minimum of 17. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Ansel Adams Wilderness · John Muir Trail · Lakes · Mammoth Lakes
Distance: 5.65 miles · Elevation change: 1130 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: October 7, 2015 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Sierra Nevada

Iceberg Lake
in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo NF | Trails
Trail Rating:
Iceberg Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness
Cradled below a jagged ridge of volcanic peaks called the Minarets, Iceberg Lake is a beautiful, potentially snow-bordered or ice-filled lake of vivid blue water. The backcountry lake is located deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest, 8.3 miles from the trailhead at Agnew Meadows. Iceberg Lake is just a mile from Ediza Lake and a nice extension for the hike to that outstanding lake. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Ansel Adams Wilderness · Lakes · Mammoth Lakes
Distance: 2 miles · Elevation change: 510 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: September 22, 2015 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Sierra Nevada

Ediza Lake
in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo NF | Trails
Trail Rating:
Ediza Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness
With high summit-reflecting waters, Ediza Lake is beautiful to behold. The lake is wrapped by meadows and trees and sports massive views of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, making it a popular destination for hikers in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Starting from Agnew Meadows near Mammoth Lakes, Ediza Lake is reachable on a rewarding full day hike of over 14 miles round trip with 1,250 feet of elevation change. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Ansel Adams Wilderness · Creeks · John Muir Trail · Lakes · Mammoth Lakes
Distance: 15 miles · Elevation change: 1250 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: September 20, 2015 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Sierra Nevada

Shadow Lake
in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo NF | Trails
Trail Rating:
Shadow Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness
Get ready for Shadow Lake to step out of the shadows on this scenic hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Shadow Lake is a beautiful mountain lake on Shadow Creek Trail about halfway between the trailhead at Agnew Meadows and Ediza Lake, a popular destination for backpackers and folks committing to a day hike of over 14 miles. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Ansel Adams Wilderness · Creeks · John Muir Trail · Lakes · Mammoth Lakes · Pacific Crest Trail
Distance: 8.5 miles · Elevation change: 750 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: September 20, 2015 Last updated: December 5, 2025
← Older Entries Newer Entries →