Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake
Madera County, California
Details
Distance
14.46 miles
Elevation Gain
2717 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Addison Klinke
This 2 day backpacking trip takes you to two amazing alpine lakes in one trail (many more possible with a longer trip). Enjoy spectacular views of granite peaks all the way to Garnet Lake. The nights have very low light pollution for astro-photography.
Garnet Lake is one of the premier stops along the Pacific Crest Trail. However, even if you don't have time for an entire thru-hike (like most of us), this beautiful lake is still easily accessible as an overnight trip! While there are many possible routes for reaching Garnet Lake, the Agnew Meadows trailhead is a popular choice.
From the quiet, lowland environment the trail climbs and reaches Shadow Lake at roughly the halfway point. Very picturesque in its own right, Shadow Lake is a great place to stop for lunch and possibly cool your feet off on a really hot summer afternoon. The second portion of the hike takes you up a ridge just to the west of Clarice Lake. From here, you can look down on Garnet Lake with Mount Ritter and Banner Peak towering at the far end of the lake.
At the far NE corner of the lake, there is a nice area to dip in the water for a quick swim (if you're brave enough to handle the cold). Once you're done exploring and ready to setup camp, there are plenty of established campsites right off the trail along the NE shore of the lake. The lake gets mirror-smooth on calm nights and mornings, so definitely consider peeking out of your tent to catch some stars reflecting in the alpine waters or the alpenglow on the peaks in the distance at sunrise.
If you have more time in the area, consider checking out my adventure to Cecile Lake and adding it to your itinerary. More adventurous backpackers might also look into scrambling up to Nydiver Lakes which puts you directly below several 13,000 foot mountains.
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Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake Reviews
This is a spectacular hike considering how close it is to trailheads and the fact it can be done in an overnight trip. Just be prepared for crowds because of how close it is. This also serves as a great first night's stop to acclimate when doing a through hike to Tuolumne Meadows. ***One thing to note, I don't believe there is a Banner Lake. I believe the author is referring to Garnet Lake which sits at the base of Banner Peak. I went to look at a map thinking there was a lake in the area I didn't know about but judging by the pics and my research the destination of this hike is actually Garnet Lake.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows
Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows
Backpack to Waugh Lake
Climb Mount Ritter
Cecile Lake via Agnew Meadows
Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
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