Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Red's Meadow Resort (7,600 feet), the John Muir Trail (JMT) isn't ini-
tially clear: To access the route, walk through the horse corrals and continue south-
east on the unmarked trail. Within a quarter mile reach a sign for the Pacific Crest
Trail (PCT) and shortly thereafter follow the route marked to Red Cones.
Traverse the wide, dusty basin through manzanita, aspen trees, and waist-high
ferns, noting the havoc wreaked by the Rainbow Fire. Named for nearby waterfalls,
the blaze swept through the region in 1992, scarring close to 8,000 acres in its
lightning-induced wake. Now the remaining tree snags provide excellent roosts for
an abundance of birds, including the brightly coated Western Tanager. The opened
canopy, dotted with lodgepole pines, allows for a greater diversity of ground cover
and a fiery display of wildflowers. Consider wearing pants on the first stretch of this
trail, as the low foliage is narrow, dense, and somewhat scratchy.
Begin climbing a series of switchbacks under the welcome shade of more ma-
ture trees ascending above the fire zone. Cross several small branches of Boundary
Creek before rising to the lovely plateau below Crater Meadow, where Indian paint-
brush, asters, and monkey flower abound. Continue rising along the sandy, pumice-
laden trail and enjoy views of the backside of Mammoth Mountain.
A dormant volcano, Mammoth lies on the rim of Long Valley Caldera, a region
that is known as one of the Sierra's “hot spots” due to ever-present geothermal activ-
ity. Ironic, considering that Mammoth is a mecca for snow sports in the winter. Con-
sidered young, as it was formed by numerous eruptions between 220,000 and 50,000
years ago, Mammoth is part of the same magmatic chain as the Red Cones, volcanic
cinder cones named for their rich red color. The reddish hue is a result of scoria de-
posits on their mantle, and carbon dating places the unglaciated cones at just under
9,000 years old.
A side trail to Mammoth Pass veers off to your left (northeast) shortly before
you cross Crater Creek (8,920 feet) and leave Ansel Adams Wilderness to enter John
Muir Wilderness. Walk a short spell along an idyllic creek lined by fir trees and
lupine, and come through a shady plateau into gorgeous Upper Crater Meadow.
Red's Meadow now lies 4 miles away. Traverse a few streams on raised earthen
bridges before entering the woods and resuming a moderate climb. Reach popular
campsites at the crossing of Deer Creek (9,150 feet). Be sure to load up on water
here, as the next water source lies nearly 6 miles away at Duck Creek.
Resume ascending gently in the shade of trees. Rising closer to 10,000 feet,
stunning views of the Silver Divide mountains reveal themselves through the con-
ifers to your right. Rounding the ridge above Cascade Valley, drop down toward
Duck Creek, noticing a number of popular campsites as you approach the ford of
Duck Lake's outlet. Flat tent sites can be found on either side of the creek.
