Hiking to Big Pine Lakes: The Infamous Glacial Lakes of California

Hiking to Big Pine Lakes had been on my bucket list since I moved to California.  In fact, the first time I saw a picture of the lakes in Big Pine, I couldn’t believe they were located in the Sierras. Here I was, day dreaming about visiting the glacial lakes and craggy peaks of Patagonia, when Big Pine was a measly 7 hour drive away from me.

In case you are unfamiliar with the area, Big Pine Lakes are a group of 8 lakes fed by the Palisade glacier in the Sierra Nevada.  The only way to reach the lakes is a 10-20 mile hike and an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. The mileage of course depends on if you would like to just reach the first lake or all 8.

Big Pine could be done in a day, but it’s so beautiful I’d split it into 2 if you have a lightweight tent. I only did a day trip but I wished I had longer when I arrived at the lakes. They are hard to leave. If you are planning on hiking to Big Pine Lakes, you will be taking the North Fork Trail.

North Fork Trail to Big Pine Lakes

The North Fork Trail begins near the Big Pine Creek Campground outside the town of Big Pine, California.

The trail starts from the parking lot and begins with a slight incline along the hillside. Mountains come into view in the distance and valley full of pine trees will be to your left. I went in the fall so I was lucky enough to see the trees changing gold.

A little further on, a stream appears cascading down a rock riverbed.  The path will follow this stream for most of the hike.  Soon, a sign will say that you are entering the John Muir wilderness, and then you enter a wooded area for most of the hike.  Most of the elevation gain is gradual although there are a fair amount of switchbacks.

The First Lake

Finally, the first turquoise lake comes into view. We decided to have lunch at the first lake since it’s rocky cliffside gave us a nice area to relax in (and also by this time I was starving).  Then, we continued onto the second lake, which is the most photographed of them all.

The Second Lake

The second lake is the lake you most likely see when you do a google search on Big Pine Lakes.

Unlike some spots I’ve dreamed about and then saw in person (like Lake Louise), Big Pine Lakes was not a disappointment. It was uncrowded and just as beautiful (if not more beautiful) as it was in pictures. Perhaps that’s because there isn’t a road to Big Pine. The 10 mile hike defers a lot of people from going. And this is a good thing.

The shoreline of the second lake is made up of smooth boulders and rocks. When we visited, it was pretty windy but we bared the wind to get some incredible photographs.

If you camp, I’d say camp here. Imagine opening your tent in the morning to this:

The Third Lake

The third lake is more shallow and not as breathtaking as the first two.  Around this lake, you can choose to take a series of steep switchbacks up to Palisade glacier or you can continue onto the fourth lake.

The Fifth Lake

A four way junction appears, and the left junction will take you to the fifth lake. The fifth lake sits in a large bowl of granite, surrounded by steep rocky slopes. You can walk up to the shoreline here and see how clear the blue water is.

The Fourth Lake

If you go back to the junction and go straight, the fourth lake appears, surrounded by a thick pine forest.

Sixth Lake – Seventh Lake – Black Lake

The trail continues on to Summit lake and Sixth lake.  The “official” path ends here, but you can hike further to seventh lake and black lake. Personally, I didn’t find the last two lakes worth it to hike to, BUT, they did lead us to a loop trail back where we got one of the most amazing views.

For this reason, I would advise to go to Black Lake and take the loop trail back to the first lake. Hopefully you won’t get stuck in snow like we did!

Where to Eat

The surrounding towns don’t offer a ton of options. But, if you aren’t camping, I recommend going to Seasons in Big Pine for dinner. We sat in the bar and carbo loaded with some hottie totties. There is nothing better than a hot meal and a drink after a 20 mile hike.

Where to Stay

If you plan on camping, wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Permits are issued at the Inyo National Forest visitor centers. You can also reserve them here.

If not, Big Pine has few motels.  You can also look in Lone Pine or Bishop. I actually planned my visit the weekend that some weird Western Film festival was going on, so I ended up paying almost $200 for a dinky run down motel. Don’t plan your weekend in Big Pine around this festival, it’s the only event that goes on there and prices sky rocket.

Packing List

I visited Big Pine Lakes in early October and it was pretty cold. Make sure to view the weather before going, and remember that the lakes are at a high elevation so don’t base what you bring along on the weather in the town of Big Pine.  Here’s what I brought along (links to the actual products are included):

Gloves

Hiking snacks (nuts, Rx bars, a sandwich, pasta salad…I eat a lot when I’m hiking). I usually do a huge Trader Joe’s haul.

A lot of water (for 20 miles), unless you would rather filter water from the stream. I usually use a regular water bottle and a larger nalgene bottle. You could also carry a water bladder if you’re planning on camping overnight.

Water filter device (if you prefer to not carry all of your water)

Lightweight tent (if you plan on camping/backpacking)

Lightweight sleeping bag

Hiking Boots (obsessed with these , they are the comfiest boots I’ve ever owned)

Hiking socks

Sunglasses

Waterproof shell

Lightweight down jacket

Long sleeve shirt

Thermal Leggings

Day pack (if you’re not camping)

Sony a6000 camera

Portable Tripod

Have any questions about hiking Big Pine Lakes? Feel free to leave a comment below!

& here’s a pin: