HIKING: INYO NATIONAL FOREST : Mammoth Panoramas From High Sierra Crest

If a hike that offers fabulous High Sierra vistas from its beginning, middle and end sounds appealing, this ridge-top ramble near Mammoth Mountain is the trek for you.

Vistas are dominated by the Minarets, said to have been named for their resemblance to the spires on a Muslim temple. An eye-popping view of the saw-tooth-shaped range is easily gathered from Inyo National Forest’s 9,265-foot Minaret Vista, the beginning of this hike. More vistas, each uniquely dramatic, reward hikers who traverse this ridgeline opposite the Minarets.

The Minarets are the jagged remnants of ancient volcanic lava flow-created mountains, believed to have existed millions of years before the High Sierra proper. The saw-tooth appearance of the Minarets was created by the rock-shattering effects of repeated freezing and thawing. Unlike many a nearby mountain, these peaks were never overtaken by glaciers; thus their edges and faces were not polished or rounded.

For any hiker who’s traveled--or ever dreamed of traveling--the John Muir Trail, the view from the ridge pulls at the heartstrings. Across the chasm lies a grand segment of the world-class footpath, which passes through Donahue Pass (11,056 feet), winds among high alpine peaks and lakes, then drops out of the sky to cross the San Joaquin River at the profoundly weird Devil’s Postpile.

Framing the vistas are wind-sculpted lodgepole pine and gnarled white-bark pine. “Belly flowers”--tiny purple lupine and magenta mimulus--cloak the ridge.

This ridge crest is where High Sierra waters divide. Creeks flowing east cascade down to the Owens Valley and vanish into the desert floor, while creeks flowing west empty into the San Joaquin River, which meanders to the San Joaquin Valley and ultimately to the Pacific.

The hiking trail is an old dirt road that for the greater part of its length follows the edge of the summit ridge. Adventurous hikers can leave the road and travel cross-country across the open ridge.

The only drawback to this hike? An occasional four-wheel-drive vehicle travels the rough, rutted road. Unfortunately for hikers, the track lies just steps outside the boundary of the Ansel Adams Wilderness (where motor vehicles are not permitted), and the Inyo National Forest Service chooses to continue to allow vehicles to travel the route.

Most hikers call it a day when they reach the summit of an unnamed peak known by its elevation--Peak 10,255. Veteran Sierra hikers can continue another four miles northwest along the pumice- piled ridge to San Joaquin Mountain (11,598 feet). However, all but the most ardent alpine hikers are discouraged by the facts that San Joaquin Mountain is obscured from view by the towering Two Teats, and a steep pass named Deadman lies dead ahead.

Directions to trail head: From the city of Mammoth Lakes, follow California Highway 203 up Mammoth Mountain past the ski lifts and main lodge area to the signed turnoff for Inyo National Forest’s Minaret Vista. Turn right and park in the lot.

The hike: Enjoy the view from the vista point but do not take the only signed trail hereabout (the Starkweather Trail, which descends to Starkweather Lake). Instead, head for the restrooms and join an adjacent trail that descends briefly northeast to join a dirt road--your hiking route.

As the road climbs through sparse forest, enjoy over-the-shoulder views of a rather austere-looking Mammoth Mountain, minus its usual snow and skiers. Bike route signs posted at junctions help you stay on the main road, which, with the exception of one eastern bend, travels north along the ridge.

Picnic by the wind-bowed trees atop Peak 10,255 and savor the panorama of peaks: Donahue, Ritter and the mighty Minarets.

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Minaret Summit Ridge Trail

Where: Mammoth Mountain area.

Distance: From Minaret Vista to Peak 10,255 and Deadman Pass is 5 miles round trip with 1,000-foot elevation gain.

Terrain: Sierra Nevada crest.

Highlights: Fabulous views of the Minarets and Mammoth Mountain.

Degree of difficulty: Moderate.

Precautions: High-altitude hiking, prepare for wind and cold.

For more information: Mammoth Ranger District, Inyo National Forest, P.O. Box 148, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546; tel. (760) 924-5331.