Hiking along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin in the fall, when the crowds have subsided and the shuttle buses have stopped running, is among the most pleasant and peaceful experiences to be had in the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. Park at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead and follow the Shadow Creek/River Trail into the Ansel Adams WIlderness and up along the river to where it enters a stand of giant aspens. Continue across the river and up a short distance on the Shadow Creek Trail for a great view of the grove from above. The trail is mostly flat, but count on a full half-day hike out and back.