Ansel Adams Wilderness

This Wilderness was originally established as the Minarets Wilderness in 1964. These "minarets," a jagged ridge of peaks known as the Ritter Range, are considered to be one of the most spectacular massifs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In 1984 the California Wilderness Act enlarged the area and the name was changed to honor the landscape photographer Ansel Adams, known for his photography of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevadas and for his wilderness advocacy work with the Sierra Club. Elevations range from 3,500 feet along the western boundary to 13,157 feet at the summit of Mt. Ritter. The wide range of elevations and the location on both the east and west side of the Sierra Nevada contribute to tremendous ecosystem diversity. The higher elevations along the Sierra Crest are glaciated terrain dotted with lakes and alpine meadows, and the Ritter Range contains several active glaciers. From the Ritter Range, the North and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River combine to form the San Joaquin River, which has carved a deep canyon through the southwest portion of the Wilderness. There are 349 miles of trail here, including a portion of the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, enjoyed by day hikers, overnight hikers, and pack stock users. Some trails provide access to the Yosemite Wilderness, with which this area is contiguous to the north; the John Muir Wilderness lies to the south. Parts of the Wilderness, particularly the Thousand Island Lake area and the Pacific Crest Trail, experience high numbers of overnight visitors, and the areas around Devils Postpile National Monument are popular day hiking destinations. Overnight use is controlled by a trailhead quota system that limits how many people enter each day from May through October, and permits are required year-round for overnight trips. Group size is limited to 15 people, with no more than 25 head of pack or saddle stock. Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet and in a number of site-specific areas. From Memorial Day weekend to October 31, food and refuse must be stored in bear-resistant containers throughout most of the Inyo National Forest portion; where containers are not required, food must be counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet from a tree trunk. Camping is prohibited within a quarter mile of the outlets of Garnet and Thousand Island Lakes, within 300 feet of Shadow Lake and along Shadow Creek, on the south side of Ediza Lake, and anywhere inside Devils Postpile National Monument.