1000 Island Lake Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

The Thousand Island Lake Loop features well-maintained singletrack trails, pine forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and views of the awe-inspiring Minarets - a series of jagged mountain peaks a part of the Ritter Mountain Range in the Sierra Nevada. The loop is primarily used for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and fishing during the summer and fall.

Tickets are required for entry by shuttle bus or private vehicle. During the summer, private vehicle travel is restricted to early morning and late evening hours. Otherwise, all vehicle access is by bus. See the Eastern Sierra Transit website to learn more: estransit.com/reds-meadow-s….

Permits are required for overnight camping. Acquire online at Recreation.gov. There are many backcountry campsites close to the lakes along this loop, but certain rules apply: No camping within 1/4 mile of the outflow of Garnet Lake. No camping within 1/4 mile of the outflow of Thousand Island Lake. No camping at all around Shadow Lake.

This text box asks for trail run notes so I'll say this: I have no notes. This run is simply splendid. Probably perfect. Definitely run it.

This is a 20-mile loop trail located outside of Mammoth Lakes, California and mostly within the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National Forest. The route links parts of two famous trails, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT). It takes you to many beautiful alpine lakes, including Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Shadow Lake.

Start at Agnew Meadows and begin northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail until reaching Thousand Island Lake (8.5 miles). This lake is an excellent choice for camping and a trail along the north shore leads to great views and many serene camp spots.

To continue on the loop, turn south from Thousand Island Lake and follow the John Muir Trail past two smaller lakes, Emerald and Ruby, until eventually reaching Garnet Lake in 2.5 miles. Continue south on the JMT to Shadow Lake - 4 miles from Garnet Lake.

From Shadow Lake, follow the Shadow Creek Trail for one mile and cross the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River on a bridge. Keep right to stay on the Shadow Creek Trail and continue south to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, and this will take you back to Agnew Meadows.

- Words by Lani Advokat (Outdoor Project), Edited by Ethan Fichtner

Due to impact from use:

- You cannot camp at the outlet of Thousand Island Lake! Hike back to find legal campsites.
- - You cannot camp around the outlet of Garnet Lake! Scramble back to find legal campsites.
- - - You cannot camp around Shadow Lake at all! If camping in the Shadow creek drainage, you must be further up the creek above the lake. See posted signs for specific restrictions.