High Sierra Topix

Hello all,

I have a July permit for Fern Lake trailhead near Devil’s Postpile. My intention was to hike in and stay at Ashley Lake the first night, followed by 2 days of cross-country travel off the Beck Lakes trail passed Minaret, Cecile, Iceberg, Ediza, Nydiver, and Garnet Lakes to Thousand Island Lake, and ending at Agnew Meadows via the High Trail. My understanding is that this is an acceptable route given the Fern Lake trailhead and typical Inyo NF quota restrictions (no JMT access). Can anyone confirm? I’ve been unable to reach a representative at the Mammoth Welcome Center.

For context, I have done the Minaret, Cecile, Iceberg stretch in both directions in deep summer snow and on bare rock and have hiked this overall area numerous times over the years. My goal is to add this portion of the Sierra High Route to change it up a bit. Hopefully the Fern Lake trailhead entry will allow this.

Thanks!

Yes, that's fine.

Inyo NF:

Fern Lake Trail

The Fern Lake trail follows Snow Canyon toward King's Creek and Summit Meadow on the way to Fern and Anona Lakes. Start from Shuttle stop #6 in front of the Devils Postpile Visitor Center it's less that a mile to the junction with a bridge across the river where you leave the John Muir Trail. Trips going to Beck Lake or Minaret Falls have different trail designations and quotas. Fern Lake trail does not include trips that will continue on the John Muir Trail.

Common Destinations: Fern Lake, Anona Lake, loop to Beck Lake trail or go west via Summit Meadow and Granite Stairway into Sierra National Forest to Bench Canyon or Isberg Pass.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/re ... ecid=20544

If early July be aware that Kings Creek can be difficult to cross. So far it does not look like a problem unless we get more snow.