The Minarets Volcanic Ridge: The Greatest Eastern Sierra Hike You've Never Heard Of

The Minarets Volcanic Ridge is one of the most stunning and underrated hikes in California’s Eastern Sierra. If you've ever driven into Mammoth Lakes on the 395, you've probably wondered about that majestic ridgeline you can see towering over Mammoth in the distance - that's the Minarets. Some claim that the Minarets are one of the most spectacular ridgelines in the entire world, yet hiking the Minarets rarely makes California hiking bucketlists. Well, the Minarets just might soar to the top of your hiking bucketlist now! This hiking route is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. We started at the Devils Postpile Ranger station. Please take note of the road restrictions and check with the NPS for information before going. For those not interested in doing the full ridge climb to the top of Volcanic Ridge, the hike to Minaret Lake is 100% worth a day trip. However, if you have the energy and experience, hiking to the top of Volcanic Ridge offers one of the greatest summit views we've ever experienced in the Sierra - we got up close and personal with all the famous Minaret Peaks (like Clyde Minaret, Michael Minaret and Eichorn Minaret). We would even have loved to make this a Sierra backpacking trip because we didn't want to leave. If you're looking for a hike in the Eastern Sierra and want something unique and not full of crowds, definitely consider hiking the Minarets :) #californiahiking #mammoth #minarets