California's Lake By Yosemite National Park Is A Scenic Mountain Escape For Avid Hikers

Yosemite National Park has long offered visitors incredible outdoor adventure opportunities with its towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, thundering waterfalls, glacier-carved valley, and surprisingly beginner-friendly hiking trails. It is home to some of the most recognized scenery in the States, and millions of visitors head there every year — 4 million, to be exact — with most visiting between May and October. The result is a place of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary crowds. For those keen on a stunning nature experience that doesn't involve waiting in line, Thousand Island Lake is a stellar alternative.

The lake is not within Yosemite National Park's boundaries, but sits just outside of it in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest, part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Thousand Island Lake gets its name from the numerous rocky islets that appear to be scattered across its surface. It is a true wilderness experience, one defined by quiet solitude and dramatic mountain views. Despite visitors raving about this place, Thousand Island Lake remains a hidden gem.

Travelers consistently gush about the area and its network of trails. One reviewer on Tripadvisor even encouraged others to skip Yosemite entirely, calling the scenery at Thousand Island Lake "crazy beautiful." Another reviewer wrote, "I've been trekking for more than 2 decades. This is the most beautiful trek ever." It's a magical place, but the hiking trails to get there aren't for the faint of heart. 

Thousand Island Lake is only accessible by foot, and this alpine destination requires preparation and a commitment to embrace the alpine conditions of the approach. There are many ways to reach the lake, but the most common starting point is Agnew Meadows Trailhead, which sits at about 8,400 feet. From there, hikers can choose from several routes, each revealing different parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The most direct way to reach the lake is via the Shadow Creek and River Trail for an out-and-back trip totaling about 15 miles with 2,391 feet of elevation gain. This hike is considered hard and takes the average visitor about seven hours to complete. Hikers will follow parts of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, passing multiple streams and waterfalls. Bring a water filter to stay hydrated! Another route to the lake follows part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) High Trail. This passage covers 16.4 miles round trip and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Most hikers complete this route in eight hours. The Pacific Crest Trail is well known among thru-hikers and is one of the longest hikes in America.

Three trails connect to the lake from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead, but there are others that approach from different parts of the region, like the John Muir Trail (JMT). Once in the backcountry, there are several trails to nearby alpine lakes if you're up for more hiking.

During the peak season from June to September, visitors must take the $15 Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Outside of the shuttle season, hikers are allowed to drive straight to the trailhead parking lot, but note the roads are closed over the winter.

Overnight visitors need backcountry permits from Recreation.gov to access the Ansel Adams Wilderness area, but day hikers can take on these challenging trails without one. For campers, there is a daily maximum entry quota of just 30 people from May 1 to November 1. Reservations are available online six months in advance, and permits are snapped up quickly.

Planning ahead for this trip is a must. The lake sits at just under 10,000 feet, so it's likely that you'll experience some altitude sickness. This elevation also means harsh weather conditions that can change on a dime. Even during summer, overnight lows can dip below freezing, so make sure you pack essential backcountry gear for backpacking to Thousand Island Lake no matter when you go. Bear-proof food canisters are required for overnight trips, and bear spray is a good idea whether you're camping or not. Remember to pack out what you packed in so these places can remain unspoiled for generations to come.