Summit Meadow

Summit Meadow is an out-and-back hike of about 8 miles in California's Ansel Adams Wilderness, on land managed by the National Park Service. The route climbs from a low point of about 7,600 feet to a high point of about 9,200 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. It falls within the Mammoth Ranger District of Inyo National Forest and near Devils Postpile National Monument. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mammoth Lakes run to highs around 78°F in July, with lows near 49°F, and temperatures on this route run cooler because the station sits roughly 1,400 feet lower. The trail is on natural surface and is rated hard. Horses are allowed, but the trail is not accessible. Bikes are not allowed. King Creek Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and Reds Meadow Campground and Minaret Falls Campground are both within about a mile and a half. The Middle Fork San Joaquin River offers paddling about 0.8 mile away.