This hike begins in the beautiful Reds Meadow Valley at the Agnew Meadows trailhead. It is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and is a great way to get views of Mammoth giants Mt. Ritter, Banner Peak and the Minarets in a single morning or afternoon. The first two miles are a 1,200-foot incline. Thousand Island Lake, 7.5 miles into the backcountry, is a popular place for backpackers to camp. To reach the trailhead, all visitors ride a shuttle bus from Mammoth’s Main Lodge parking lot down into the valley floor (small fee applies).