Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3
Red's Meadow
to Vermilion Valley
Resort
S
CENERY
:
T
RAIL CONDITION
:
C
HILDREN
:
D
IFFICULTY
:
S
OLITUDE
:
D
ISTANCE
:
31 miles
H
IKING TIME
:
3-5 days
O
UTSTANDING FEATURES
:
Red Cones, Purple Lake, Lake Virginia, Squaw Lake, Silver
Pass, Pocket Meadow, Edison Lake Ferry
This section travels from the relative creature comforts of one backcountry refuge to
another. You'd be wise to enjoy this pampering as the trail becomes increasingly
more remote as it meanders south. From Red's Meadow, it's a long, hot, and some-
times exposed climb through an area ravaged by 1992's Rainbow Fire. However
Purple and Virginia lakes provide the perfect setting for a high-altitude swim to wash
off any trail dust. Enjoy a tremendous descent into Tully Hole and walk along the
banks of Fish Creek, rolling up toward Squaw Lake. Silver Pass (10,895 feet) is the
most significant climb of this stretch, affording epic views of Cascade Valley. From
here, it's virtually all downhill as the trail wanders through Pocket Meadow before
descending to Lake Edison. Hop on a ferry that whisks you away to cold beer and hot
food at the Vermilion Valley Resort. The “resort” part is a bit of a stretch—it's no
Four Seasons—but they've got tent cabins, showers, and great eats.
DIRECTIONS:
RED'S
M
EADOW
R
ESORT
—Red's Meadow can be reached from Mam-
moth Lakes. From the Mammoth Ranger Station and Visitor Center (on CA 203, 3
miles west of US 395), head west on Main Street for 1.5 miles and turn right to con-
tinue on CA 203 (Minaret Road), climbing nearly 5 miles to Mammoth Mountain
Inn.
During the summer months, you cannot access Red's Meadow or the Devils Post-
pile National Monument via car from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. unless you have camp-
ground or resort reservations, a handicap placard, or a special permit. Wilderness
