Backpack to Ediza Lake
13.4 Miles
1200 Feet
Chillin, Camping, Fishing, Photography, Swimming, Backpacking, Hiking, Rock Climbing
Intermediate
Spring, Summer, Winter
Out-and-Back
You will see Remarkable sunsets and sunrise. Eliza Lake is a great basecamp for other hikes or climbs with Views of Mt Ritter, Banner Peak and the Minarets.
Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain.
Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek until you reach the junction with the Ediza Lake Trail, and continue east. The trail follows Shadow Creek until climbing into a spectacular alpine basin walled in by the massive rock outcrops of the Minarets, Mt Ritter and Banner Peak. Walk around the south, then east shore of the lake to find camping spots. The farther you venture the better the camp spots and views. From Ediza you can day hike to Iceberg Lake, or climb 13,000ft mountains.
This trip can be either a day hike, or a multi-day adventurefest of camping, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and more, so pack accordingly. Expect lots of snow in early season.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Awesome little lake
Decided to go here last minute to add onto our trip. So glad we did. Easily accessible from a few different trail systems, we stopped here for a night and was treated to the Milky Way rising up behind the peaks and then in the morning a perfectly still lake reflecting all the peaks lighting up in the morning sun. Great spot and the camping spots were awesome.
