Trip advice: Mammoth area, Fish Creek, September
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:05 pm
I need some advice about a loop trip I'm planning out of the Mammoth Lakes/Reds Meadow area through Fish Creek. My crew and I are very experienced backpackers. We're in good shape although we're getting long in the tooth.
I hiked along Fish Creek in 1975 (a detour on my John Muir Trail hike) and in 1980. I'd like to bathe in the hot springs there again.
Here's the basic outline of the trip:
1. Rainbow Falls trailhead in Reds Meadow to Fox Meadow (8.6 miles) or Iva Belle hot springs (12.1 miles)
2. Fox Meadow to Iva Belle hot springs (3.5 miles) or layover (0 miles)
3. Iva Belle hot springs to Purple Lake (9.7 miles)
4. Purple Lake to Mammoth Lakes trailhead (8 miles)
My questions:
1. Are the mileage estimates above accurate? I find different mileage listings on maps and websites.
2. Will water be an issue in any of these areas?
3. Which is the best route from Iva Belle hot springs to Purple Lake? From the springs, you can go north (to the Second Crossing) or go southeast to the Beetle Bug Lake junction.
4. Rather than exit at Mammoth Lakes trailhead, would it be better to take the JMT from Purple Lake back to Reds Meadow? Is this route easier or more scenic?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I hiked along Fish Creek in 1975 (a detour on my John Muir Trail hike) and in 1980. I'd like to bathe in the hot springs there again.
Here's the basic outline of the trip:
1. Rainbow Falls trailhead in Reds Meadow to Fox Meadow (8.6 miles) or Iva Belle hot springs (12.1 miles)
2. Fox Meadow to Iva Belle hot springs (3.5 miles) or layover (0 miles)
3. Iva Belle hot springs to Purple Lake (9.7 miles)
4. Purple Lake to Mammoth Lakes trailhead (8 miles)
My questions:
1. Are the mileage estimates above accurate? I find different mileage listings on maps and websites.
2. Will water be an issue in any of these areas?
3. Which is the best route from Iva Belle hot springs to Purple Lake? From the springs, you can go north (to the Second Crossing) or go southeast to the Beetle Bug Lake junction.
4. Rather than exit at Mammoth Lakes trailhead, would it be better to take the JMT from Purple Lake back to Reds Meadow? Is this route easier or more scenic?
Thanks in advance for your help.