John Muir Trail: Reds Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch

Signage

A reminder leaving Red's Meadow that we've only hiked 36 miles and have 165 to go. Mile 61.

Minaret Views

Views of the Minarets through an area burned by the 1992 Rainbow Fire, near Red's Meadow. Mile 61.

Rainbow Fire

The 1992 Rainbow Fire near Red's Meadow was ignited by lighting. It was not declared officially extinguished until 8 months after it started. Mile 61.

Fire Views

Views of the Minarets through an area burned by the 1992 Rainbow Fire near Red's Meadow. Mile 61.

San Joaquin River Drainage

Looking down into the San Joaquin River drainage from the trail as it climbs out of an area burned by the 1992 Rainbow Fire near Red's Meadow. Mile 62.

Red Cones

One of the interesting volcanic features, Red Cones, seen shortly after leaving Red's Meadow. Mile 63.

Lupine

Lupine growing along the trail in an area not devastated by the 1992 Rainbow Fire, but by the 2011 Devil's Windstorm. Mile 64.

Deer Creek Campsite

Hanging laundry to dry at my campsite near Deer Creek. Mile 66.

Map Study

Taking a break at the Deer Creek campsite to rest and study tomorrow's route. Mile 66.

Mountain Views

Views across Fish Creek after leaving Deer Creek. Mile 68.

Trail Views

Looking southwest from the John Muir Trail between Deer Creek and Duck Lake. Mile 70.

Double Peak East

Looking towards Double Peak East from where the trail approaches the trail to Duck Lake. Mile 71.

Duck Lake Falls

The waterfalls coming out of Duck Lake, seen from the switchbacks east of Duck Creek. Mile 71.

Trail Views

Mountains of the John Muir Wilderness visible from the trail near Purple Lake. Mile 72.

Mountain Views

Views of the John Muir Wilderness from the trail near Purple Lake. Mile 72.

Mountain Views

The trail between Duck Pass and Purple Lake has occasional breaks in the trees for views across Cascade Valley. Mile 72.

Purple Lake

Purple Lake is surrounded by rocks with various chemical compositions. Mile 73.

Purple Lake

Logs at the south end of Purple Lake are your crossing point on this part of the trail. Mile 74.

Purple Lake

Logs and rocks under the surface of Purple Lake. I don't think the camera caught the small trout also swimming in these waters. Mile 74.

Snowmelt

The trail out of Purple Lake passes a small pont consisting of snowmelt. Mile 74.

To Virginia Lake

The trail passes through a small, exposed saddle before descending into Virginia Lake. Mile 74.

Looking Back

Before descending into Virginia Lake, looking through the saddle at the trail going into Purple Lake where I just was. Mile 74.

Lake Virginia

Lake Virginia sits up at 10.314' and is a great rest stop before heading town into Tully Hole. Mile 75.

Lake Virginia

The northwest end of Lake Virginia has a great meadow for camping, with the backdrop of gorgeous mountains in the background. Mile 75.