In late September 2014, six of us set out from San Francisco to Red's Meadow near Mammoth Lakes. There we would enter the John Muir Trail (JMT) for a short segment to Purple Lake, and then hike back to Coldwater Campground via the Duck Pass Trail where a 2nd car was waiting. The overall trip was about 25 miles and would last five days with one day off.
The first great views come on the steep, windy road down into Red's Meadow, and include the Minarets -- a group of majestic mountains.
Approaching Red's Meadow with the Minarets in sight
We parked at Red's Meadow Resort and intersected the JMT about a quarter mile away a heading south. This part of the trail features views of a spectacular valley surrounded by the High Sierra. Not far south of Red's Meadow is a mountainside littered with destroyed trees from a 1992 fire.
Destroyed trees cover the land from the 1992 "Rainbow Fire"
This part of the JMT is very pleasant to hike with its somewhat soft dirt ground and woodsy atmosphere. The scent of trees is prevalent, and the scenic views get better as the trail rises in elevation.
Red Cones along the John Muir Trail
We made camp at Upper Crater Meadow the first evening, and waited for nightfall -- when we'd do some nighttime photography.
After darkness set in, we captured this shot of the Milky Way with the Andromeda Galaxy visible over the meadow. Prints of this image are available at DarkSkyPhotography.com.
The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy over Upper Crater Meadow
The next day we hung out by the lake and did some swimming and fly fishing. Purple Lake is a glorious place to spend the day!
Fly fishing at Purple Lake
After dark we got some shots from Purple Lake
Late night at Purple Lake
The next day we hiked back out on the trail we came in on, but diverted toward Duck Lake.
Crystal clear Duck Lake
Duck Lake looking towards Duck Pass
We made camp at Pika Lake -- a small lake behind Duck Lake, and captured our best shot of the trip after the sun went down.
The Milky Way over Duck Lake
Pika Lake at night
The following day we made our way back to the car via Duck Pass. This was a great 5 day adventure in the Sierra in an area that is highly recommended, especially if you want the hiking to be easy going and your surroundings to be woodsy.