Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to take a bad picture. Camping is not permitted within a quarter mile of the lake's
outlets, but there are a few well-positioned sites on the lake's northwest flank.
As you round the lake, the John Muir Trail (JMT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
part ways, not reuniting again until Devils Postpile National Monument. The JMT
continues across a log bridge over the lake's outlet, while the PCT turns to travel the
High Trail over the San Joaquin Mountains. Our route follows the JMT.
After a mild descent, the trail rolls upward toward gorgeous Emerald Lake, your
first in a series of gem-named lakes. Just past Emerald is Ruby Lake, with good
camping on its northern shore. Ascend to Ruby Ridge and drop down a series of
switchbacks to Garnet Lake (9,678 feet), a miniature version of Thousand Island
Lake with its many islets and picture-perfect backdrop of Mount Ritter and Banner
Peak. As with all the lakes, you can't camp within a quarter mile of their outlets, but
there are a few campsites flanking the northwest shores. On a mosquito-laden day,
Garnet's constant wind provides welcome relief from the bloodsucking beasts; the
wind, though, can be a bit chilly in colder seasons. This is a favored spot for back-
country anglers and Boy Scouts, so solitude is not likely.
Cross a picturesque footbridge, ignoring the unmarked trail that joins from the
left, begin climbing, skirt the lake's southeastern shore, then ascend steeply. Just be-
fore reaching the top of the saddle, look for a small pool for cooling off with a quick
dip—highly recommended. Next, enjoy a long rocky descent, often with little water
available in the mid to late season. It's a bit of a knee buster as you approach the
creek. Cross the Shadow Creek footbridge and approach Shadow Lake (8,737 feet).
The JMT skirts the lake on the south side, while the trail leading out to Agnew
Meadow trailhead (4 miles from this juncture) skirts around its northern side.
Follow the southern shore of luscious Shadow Lake. To cool down, a quick
swim is encouraged before the climb resumes. The perfectly graded switchbacks that
lead up from Shadow Lake make the almost 700-foot climb much easier than most;
your knees will appreciate the dirt trail, as opposed to granite boulders, and the shade
of fragrant pine trees is helpful. It's a nice steady walk up to Rosalie Lake (9,350
feet), where the trail levels briefly, allowing hikers a respite from climbing. This is a
popular weekend destination from Red's Meadow, and there are many campgrounds
(and campers!) here. The climbing isn't quite over yet, with one last hump up to
shallow Gladys Lake (9,580 feet). While not that much of a climb, it can feel like it
after a long day. There is camping here as well.
To continue, begin a seemingly endless downhill of more than 2,000 feet to
Red's Meadow. The dusty trail passes through pine trees, with only the occasional
mountain tarns of Trinity Lakes (9,180 feet) breaking up the descent. At long last,
reach the welcome junction of Johnston Meadows and Lake (8,120 feet) and enter
