Wildfire- Help Me Pick a New Trip

Not super familiar with that area, but couldn't you hike over Kearsarge Pass from Onion Valley and do the loop that way?

If you're interested in the Thousand Island Lake/Minarets area, start at Reds Meadow, hike north along the JMT, at Thousand Island Lake head south on the PCT and end up back at Reds Meadow. It's a beautiful hike and would met your distance requirements. You'll have to take a bus to Reds Meadow which could be a hassle, but you can do the same loop starting at Silver Lake just west of June Lake.

Justin: I'm not very familiar with the area so will look into the alternate entry. Still worried about smoke problems in the area, will have to keep an eye on the fire.

Kenneth: I also saw that Agnew Meadows is popular and parking is available at the trailhead (which seems to be an advantage over Reds).

Either way, do you know the feasibility of a walk up permit at these trailheads? Also, does it matter much (scenery, difficulty) going clockwise vs counter clockwise?

Thanks for the input so far this is very helpful!

If you are heading to the East side, then yes, you an go over Kearsarge Pass into the same area. Or Baxter Pass if you love pain.

Bishop is actually closed to Paiute Pass(Humphreys Basin and wonderful areas there) and then further north at Mono Pass to Pioneer Basin and the 4th and 3rd Recesses.

All of those are excellent options. Walk-in permits, if you go midweek, and are open to all three destinations, should be possible.

And while 1000 Island Lake and that area is stunning—it's also incredibly popular. And the Walker Lake fire may affect trailheads in that area as well.

We've got trip reports on most of these hikes (some from this summer) on our website:

backpackthesierra.com

Giving this more thought, I would enter via Silver Lakes if your coming from the bay area. The permits can be picked up at:

Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center
North of Lee Vining on Hwy 395
Lee Vining, CA 93541
(760) 647-3044
Open 8-5 Daily

You can do a walk in permit or reserve the permit up to two days in advance. Check with the Visitor Center to confirm, as permit processes change.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5144746

The reason for entering Silver Lakes is you don't have to drive the extra 20 miles to Mammoth Lakes, easier to pull the permit and you don't have to take the bus to either the Agnew or Reds Meadows trail heads. The road to Agnew or Reds Meadows trail heads is closed to autos from 7am to 7pm as the shuttles operate during that time.

I really can't recommend either counterclockwise wise or clockwise loop, there's so many variables such as time of day, etc. The PCT stretch is some what dry right now, so be prepare to bring enough water to cover the 7.5 mile route from Thousand Island Lake to Agnew Meadows unless thunderstorms are happening.

"The PCT stretch is some what dry right now, so be prepare to bring enough water to cover the 7.5 mile route from Thousand Island Lake to Agnew Meadows unless thunderstorms are happening."

Huh? There will be water in Emerald, Ruby, Garnet and Shadow Lakes…all in those 7.5 miles.

Paul:

Those lakes aren’t on the PCT, they’re on the JMT. The PCT spits off at Thousand Island Lake and rejoins the JMT below Minaret Falls.

Got it. Although having hiked both of those routes I am not sure why someone would take the PCT…it is not as scenic in any way.

The JMT is closer to the Ritter Range, so the views are closer with lakes in the foreground. The PCT is across the canyon from the Ritter Range, so the view is farther away, beautiful because one can see the entire range, but from a different perspective. Almost like Yosemite Valley versus Glacier Point. See below for photos from the PCT along this section. I was very surprised at how good the views are from the PCT.

Thanks Kenneth and Paul for all the information. I think we will be driving up to Mammoth on Monday to try for a walk up permit for either of these trails to Thousand Island (then maybe visit Ediza or Nydiver lakes).

I am also reconsidering my itinerary this Friday. You are more north than the Rough Fire, but things are changing quickly. The rangers sent me this:

Here are some links that you might find helpful:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/
http://go.nps.gov/sekiair
Rough Fire Hotline at 559-305-7682.