Banner Peak reflected in Thousand Island Lake is the Sierra's most iconic image, and you can see it on a three-day weekend from Mammoth.
Banner Peak reflected in Thousand Island Lake is one of the Sierra's most iconic images, and you can see it in person on a 3-day weekend trip from Mammoth Lakes. This loop connects Ediza and Thousand Island Lakes (two of the most photogenic in the range) via sections of the JMT and PCT. The Minarets skyline is dramatic from every angle.
Start: Agnew Meadows (shuttle from Mammoth Mountain)
End: Agnew Meadows
Water: Shadow Creek, Olaine Lake, Shadow Lake, Ediza Lake
Clockwise route recommended. Shadow Creek Trail past Olaine Lake. Switchbacks with waterfall views up to Shadow Lake. Continue on JMT north to Ediza Lake junction (0.7mi past Shadow Lake). Turn right, 2.3mi to Ediza. Camp on north/west side (NOT east/south - restricted). Views of Minarets, Mt Ritter, Banner Peak.
Water: Garnet Lake, Ruby Lake, Emerald Lake, Thousand Island Lake
Morning side trip to Iceberg Lake (2mi RT from Ediza - don't miss it). Then JMT south past Garnet Lake (switchbacks between), Ruby and Emerald Lakes to Thousand Island Lake. Camp on north shore for classic Banner Peak reflection views. No camping within 1/4mi of outlets at Garnet or Thousand Island.
Water: Limited water on High Trail section; fill up at lake
Return via PCT High Trail (east). Stunning exposed ridge with panoramic views of Ritter Range and San Joaquin valley. Very little shade - hot days are tough. Passes River Trail junction. Descend back to Agnew Meadows. Catch shuttle back to Mammoth Mountain parking.
Iceberg Lake from Ediza (2mi RT, highly recommended); Clark Lakes from Thousand Island (day hike via Agnew Pass); Garnet Lake as additional camp (split into 4 days for more relaxation); Nydiver Lakes (cross-country from Ediza, experienced)
SHUTTLE REQUIRED: Mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to Agnew Meadows (Stop #1) during summer season (Jun-Labor Day, 7am-7pm). Before 7am you can drive in ($10 fee). Overnight parking at Mammoth Mtn lot (free, but remove scented items). Bear lockers at Agnew Meadows parking. No campfires at any lakes or above 10,000ft. Bugs legendary in Jul - bring serious bug protection. Reds Meadow Resort one shuttle stop away for supplies. Dogs allowed in Ansel Adams Wilderness.
You must be signed in to download. GPX downloads are tracked to measure how often routes are used.