Shadow and Ediza Lakes

Start at the Agnew Meadows parking (past the pack station;there is a vault-toilet). The trailhead (TH) sign should be visible from the parking area. This route is well-traveled and well-signed. Follow signs for The River Trail and head down into the valley where the middle fork of the San Joaquin River flows year round. In 8/10ths of a mile you'll come to a cut-off that quickly descends. You can take it to the River Trail and turn north but, to get to Shadow Creek, it's quicker and easier to stay on the Shadow Creek Trail and slowly descend. Just past Olaine Lake (2.3mi from TH), the trail will fork again. Take the fork that crosses the San Joaquin River via a large, wooden footbridge. This begins a moderate (1.2mi, 700 foot) sun-exposed climb up Shadow Creek. Take breaks in the shade of old growth Juniper and Jeffrey Pines trees with views of the upper San Joaquin river valley and Mammoth Mountain. The Shadow Creek trail converges with the JMT at 4 miles from the TH, at the back of Shadow Lake. Continue along Shadow Creek another 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation to the back of Ediza Lake. This area is super buggy in spring and summer. If mosquitos bother you, bring bug spray! Or better yet - just wear pants, a long sleeve shirt, and maybe a face net.