Jan 20

Jan 20 Big Pine Lakes Trail - Big Pine, CA

emily zarnow

hikes, trail

Trail Stats

Distance
15.4 mi

Permit Required?
No for day hikes.
Yes for overnight backpacking only.

Difficulty
Moderate-Hard

Dog Friendly?
Dogs allowed on leash

Elevation Gain
3,986 ft

Trail Condition
Good. Easy to follow. A few minimal creek crossings + rocky spots

Located in the breathtaking Big Pine region of California, the Big Pine Lakes Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience. This trail is extremely popular for hikers and backpackers alike, and for good reason. As you embark on this trail, you'll be treated to insanely turquoise alpine lakes, the rocky peaks of Temple Crag and majestic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through the Jeffrey pine forest, with the tranquil sound of rushing creeks and cascading falls providing a soothing soundtrack to your journey. As you climb higher, the landscape begins to transform, revealing wide open vistas of jagged peaks and lush green meadows.

One of the most striking features of the trail is its numerous glacial lakes, each more stunning than the last. The turquoise waters of First, Second, and Third Lakes literally sparkle in the sunlight, reflecting the surrounding granite cliffs and creating postcard-perfect photo opportunities.

If you choose, you can continue on to the higher lakes, where the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The upper lakes, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth, are nestled amidst rugged terrain and are a great option if you’re hoping to get away from the crowds.

This trail is definitely a challenge, but even so, I’ve seen people out there in Chuck Taylor’s and sundresses (I don’t support this, but hike your own hike, I suppose) With that said, I recommend being prepared for this hike with plenty of water (or a good filter) and as always, the 10 essentials.

It’s also important to remember, this trail starts around 7,600 ft. and ends around 11K+ ft. so altitude sickness is something to prepare for. Coming from somewhere at sea level, like Los Angeles, makes this particularly tricky. I recommend hydrating ahead of your trip and packing some Tylenol or Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you know that you’re susceptible to sickness. If you want more tips for treating altitude sickness, check out this article from REI.

Want to spend a little more time enjoying this beautiful area? You can make this an overnight trip, in which case, backcountry permits are required and can be obtained on recreation.gov.
Popular trails, such as those leading to Big Pine Lakes, often have a limited number of permits available each day. It's essential to secure your permits well in advance, especially for peak hiking seasons.