High Sierra Topix

Just beware that Thousand Island lake is typically very crowded. Some people call it "Thousand People Lake".

Garnet is awesome and typically not as crowded. You can't go wrong with that area, its great.

I did that loop this season in September and the minarets are spectacular. It was late in the season and I assumed it would be less crowded. Found it to be crowded, but not that hard to get away from the crowds. Our loop was up the minaret trail to minaret lake where we were pretty much alone directly under the minarets. Then cross country over the pass to Cecil and iceberg lakes and on to Altha lake where we were again alone. We headed out from there, but from there it is an easy hike to 1K island lake and then out the high trail where the shuttle can take you back to your car.The pass was easy and straight forward since it has a use trail to follow and lots of pictures of the trail are available on line. There wasn't any snow on the pass that late in the season.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15124

re: 1000 Island lake, Not many people if you camp a 1/2 mile sw of Muir/Pct take off n. from the lake. or the far sw end of the lake.

Agree with Mike...
North end of both Garnet and 1000 Isl closed to camping due to years of overuse. Thus, as a popular destination, overnighters tend to bunch up at convenient places nearby...bears too.
As mentioned above, backside of both lakes sees far fewer campers, has great fishing possibilities, and no bears.
Whatever trail you take up, (suggest River/JMT to Altha/ Laura, or...) after topping out at the Garnet outflow, take the use trail south-east side to backside Garnet...camp. From there (trail starts SW corner Garnet, behind the big rock at inflow) an easy saddle over to backside 1000 Isl. See TOPO.
Just a thought too...instead of circling back to Agnew, (there are 2 other trails back), why not continue on, go over Donahue - Lyell - TM... use 6:00 PM YARTS back to Mammoth? 3 nights works for this trip - same permit?
To add, avoid Waugh as a bit of a bog, looks good from trail, but...lots of better alternatives.

That's interesting Mark. When I was out there this summer for 2 nights the Rangers said nothing to me about closed camping areas when I picked up my permit. There must have been literally 20 different parties camped around Garnet while I was there but with the lake being so big it didn't seem too bad, maybe because I was all the way by the inlet near Garnet Pass (is that what it's called, heading from garnet to TI) A beautiful area for sure but definitely over used.

When I was out there this summer for 2 nights the Rangers said nothing to me about closed camping areas when I picked up my permit.

Inyo NF:

- No campfires at Thousand Island, Garnet, Ruby, Emerald, Badger or Clark Lakes. No campfires above 10,000 ft. Campfire Restriction Maps

- No Camping within 1/4 mile of the outflow of Garnet or Thousand Island Lake.

- Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash.

- River Trail does not access the John Muir Trail until Garnet Lake or Thousand Island Lake. Shadow Creek or the High Trail - PCT are a different permit.

- Spur trail from River trail to Garnet Lake is not recommended for stock.

- Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use).

- Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1.

- Ansel Adams Wilderness regulations apply.

- Yosemite wilderness regulations apply if entering the National Park.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/rec ... 4&actid=51