Big Pine Lakes Trail

  ANY MED YES

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Mileage: 12.5 mi

Region: John Muir Wilderness

Elev. Gain: 2,746 ft

When to Go: May—Oct

Avg. Time: 6.5 hr

Parking: Small paved lot

Type: Out + Back

Pass: None

AllTrails: Route

Trailhead Coordinates:

37.125432, -118.437443

 

Know Before You Go:

  • The stats above refer to the portion of the hike that takes you to 2nd and 3rd lakes only - If you continue the hike to the rest of the lakes you will add about 4 miles to your trip.

  • The upper lakes typically thaw later in the year and can be harder to reach in shoulder season without the proper gear.

  • Overnight permits are required for camping here and can be reserved at recreation.gov (we highly recommend snagging one if you can!)

  • Bear canisters for food storage are required in this area.

  • Lake 2 has the best views of Temple Crag.

  • There is a separate parking lot down the road from the trailhead for overnight hikers, it is well signed.