Shadow Creek Trail

The Shadow Creek trail travels past glacier-fed lakes and icy streams at the base of the Minarets and Mount Ritter. The trail starts at Agnew Meadows (shuttle bus stop #1). For the first three miles to Olaine Lake, the Shadow and River Trails are combined. At the trail junction where the River Trail follows the San Joaquin River, the Shadow Creek Trail turns up Shadow Creek to climb past Shadow Lake and connect with the John Muir Trail. Hikers can go north or south on the John Muir Trail or continue up Shadow Creek to Ediza and Iceberg Lakes.

This is an active bear area so you must use bear canisters to secure your food and refuse. Be bear aware!

Common Destinations: Ediza Lake, Iceberg Lake, John Muir Trail, Thousand Island Lake loop.

Download area map for trail location.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

Current Conditions

Road closed in winter (mid-October through late June) Weather

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Road closed in winter.

Visitors to the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more shuttle information. (760)924-5500.

Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips. Permits for Shadow Creek Trail are for travel on the Shadow Creek Trail. The High Trail and River Trail have separate permit quotas.
Day use does not require a permit.
May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limited to 30 people per day.

Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.

No campfires from Shadow Lake to Ediza and Iceberg Lakes; no campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft.
No camping at Shadow Lake, parts of Shadow Creek and the east side of Lake Ediza.
Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers.
Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use).
Not recommended for stock beyond Lake Ediza.
Ansel Adams Wilderness regulations.
Yosemite wilderness regulations apply if entering the National Park.

Getting There

Directions

Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Turn right on Minaret Road and go to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. Shuttle stop #1 is Agnew Meadows.