View of the Minarets from the John Muir Trail

Ansel Adams  Wilderness Our Favorite Hikes Garnet Lake Thousand Island Lake Lake Ediza Ansel Adams Wilderness FAQ Ansel Adams Wilderness Bear Advisory

The wilderness is a rugged area that includes the high country East of the Sierra Crest.  It
also contains the North Fork, Middle Fork and Lower South Fork of the San Joaquin River, spectacular
alpine scenery, and deep granite-walled gorges.  Those of you from the Bay Area will find it
difficult to believe the crystal clear headwaters of the San Joaquin eventually become the
muddy water of the California Delta which flows into San Francisco Bay.

Perennial streams and numerous lakes can be found within the wilderness. There is a variety
of wildlife and fish. The wilderness is the summer range for deer. Elevations range from
7,000 to 14,000 feet, with the central part of the wilderness containing many lakes, most
filled with trout. Both the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails go through this wonderful
Wilderness.

Important Tip: This area is home to numberous bears.  On a 5-day trip in July of 2000, our group
lost 1/2 of our food the first night.  The food that was lost was "expertly" hung using bear bag
techniques.  The food that was saved was in bear canisters.  Bring enough bear canisters, it is a
long walk out (especially if you are hungry).

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