Backpack to Garnet Lake in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA. Region: Inyo National Forest.

To access the trailhead, drive all the way to the Agnew Meadows campsite, just a few miles from Mammoth Mountain village. Agnew Meadows is at an elevation of about 8, 400 feet. From there, hikers can take the River Trail which takes them to Olaine Lake, which is nice but nothing like what's ahead in a bit. Once you pass the Olaine Lake you will see a fork. The right fork will take you directly to Thousand Islands Lake. The left fork will take you to the Shadow Creek Trail that leads to the Shadow Lake, John Muir Trail and Garnet Lake. Take the left fork. Shadow Lake is beautiful; it has a great view of the canyons, Mammoth Mountain and of the waterfall that is formed by the Shadow Lake outlet. From the Shadow Lake shore, you have the view of snow-capped Minarets. At this point you have walked 3.5 miles. Continue the Shadow Creek Trail until you meet the John Muir Trail. Turn right. Continue the climb through awesome views of the Ritter Range. After 7.5 miles (measured from the trailhead, about 3.5-4 mi from Shadow Lake) you will see the Garnet Lake from a high point. The lake has small islands with Mt. Ritter and the Banner Peak in the background. I might have shed a tear seeing the majestic lake especially after the long climb. It was just so beautiful, particularly  at golden hour (also before sunrise, may I add). Get down to the water level and then climb again. You will cross a bridge and hike another 15 minutes to the campground. We brought fishing poles and actually caught 8 rainbow trout that weekend  (catch and release). Oh, and it's dog-friendly!