Ansel Adams Wilderness
Lee Vining, California
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About Ansel Adams Wilderness:
Southeast of the famous Yosemite National park lies the lesser-known but no less beautiful Ansel Adams Wilderness. This national wilderness named after the great landscape photographer you guessed it Ansel Adams is a paradise for those in search of natural beauty. With its 230,00 acres filled with beautiful glaciers, alpine lakes, and the mighty Sierra Mountains Ansel Adams Wilderness has it all!
How To Get To Ansel Adams Wilderness:
There are two main entrances in which you can access Ansel Adams Wilderness:
- Mammoth Lakes area located east of the park
- Lake Thomas Edison located south of the park near Bishop, CA
Closest Airports to Ansel Adams Wilderness:
The closest commercial airport to Ansel Adams Wilderness would be Reno-Tahoe Airport, at about two and half hours from Mammoth Lakes, Ca. However, if you are having difficulty flying into Reno-Tahoe airport, other options include:
- Los Angeles (LAX): ~4hr drive from Bishop, CA
- Las Vegas (LAS): ~4 1/2hr drive from Bishop, CA
Hiking/Camping In Ansel Adams Wilderness:
Ansel Adams wilderness is an excellent hiking destination with 349 miles of hiking trails including sections of the John Muir and the Pacific Crest Trail there are lots of hiking to be done throughout this park.
One of the major highlights of this high alpine region is the number of incredible glacial lakes that exist throughout the region under the backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Ritter Range of the Sierra known as the “Minarets”. Often considered one of the best views in the entire Sierra Nevada region this is an area that is very much worth exploring.
The park is also home to the Devils Postpile National Monument a series of columnar basalt which creates a beautiful geologic masterpiece. Between the legendary trails in the JMT/PCT, beautiful alpine lakes, and national monuments Ansel Adams Wilderness offers amazing opportunities for either a nice day hike on the weekend or a multi-day backpacking adventure!
Entrance Fees For Ansel Adams Wilderness:
None
Ansel Adams Wilderness does not charge any entrance fees. However, if you wish to stay overnight in the wilderness, you must reserve and pay for permits. There are no associated fees or permits required if you are just day hiking in the park.
Best Time To Visit Ansel Adams Wilderness:
Although the wilderness is open year-round, the best time to visit for hiking and backpacking would be anywhere from late spring to early fall. Here you will have the best chance at encountering a bit more predictable weather but as always, keep an eye on the forecast for an up-to-date idea of what is going on and how to plan your trip appropriately.
It is essential to remember that weather in the Sierras can be unpredictable, so you need to be prepared whenever backpacking or camping in the region. Always bring extra clothes and rain gear.
Plan your Ansel Adams Wilderness Adventure!
