I made no specific plans for the day after my Cloudripper climb since I wasn’t sure how I would feel. I woke up early with no lingering aches and pains, but I didn’t feel up to a complicated mental (i.e. route finding) challenge. I decided to choose an easy peak on the SPS list – San Joaquin.
San Joaquin is the high point of a ridge that runs between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, far above the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin river far below. To the west, the Ritter Range dominates the view for the entire hike, and once towards the summit one can even see some of the famous lakes along the John Muir Trail such as Thousand Island Lake.
The hike follows 4×4 road from Minaret Summit to just above Deadman Pass. From there, it turns into single track trail which follows the ridgeline all the way to the summit of San Joaquin. There is no complicated route finding, and the views are spectacular.
I started from Minaret Vista, parking my car among the tourists admiring the view. The first two and a half miles follow a dirt road, and many vehicles can make this drive. I came up here about 6 years ago in a 4×4 truck but couldn’t remember much about the road quality so I decided not to risk it with my Outback. As I walked the road, I was fairly certain I could have driven it. Oh well, I like to walk.
After 2.5 mile the road ends and single track hiking trail begins. Unfortunately, an immediate steep drop nullifies 250 ft of climbing you’ve already done (and you’ll have to do on the return hike), but from here on out the trail wiggles along the ridge with some steep ups separated by gentle easy walking.
About half a mile before San Joaquin’s summit you pass between the high points of Two Teats. Bag one or both for a bonus peak!
From the summit, there are sweeping views of the Ritter Range and John Muir Trail to the west. It was windy on the summit, but I spent some time taking in the view and enjoying the memories of hiking through there when I did the John Muir Trail.
The return hike follows the same trail back to Minaret Vista. One could also continue along the ridge all the way to June Lake for a shuttle hike. I’d love to try that one some day!
My GPS track said I hiked a little over 12 miles with a little under 4000 ft of gain on this hike. The terrain was easy enough that it didn’t feel that far, and I finished the day earlier than expected. Early enough to take a swim in June Lake and visit June Lake Brewery before meeting up with Sooz and Pavla at camp that night!
Style:
In and Out dayhike on trail and dirt road.
Distance:
12 miles round trip from Minaret Vista Summit. Can be shortened by driving on the road if conditions and vehicle capabilities allow.
Elevation Gain:
+/- 3500 ft
Trailhead and Permit Notes:
There are no permits required for day hiking San Joaquin or parking at the Minaret Vista viewpoint.
Camping Tips:
There are campgrounds up and down the 395 corridor, including in the Mammoth region. For dispersed options, check out the public lands on the east side of 395 for many options.
Useful Guides and Gear:
Long ago we skied SJM 2X by the June Lake side. One tour was some of the best corn that we ever skied! About 4,000 feet loss, though some of it we had to hike (May). Doing it 3X total, I had figured to go for a 4X or more, being an easier peak, but no one wishes to do it from Northern CA, not for free, pay, or by my old peak buddy, even for a mil!
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