![]() When doing the loop hike, you’d hit the Big Pine Lakes first and then return to this point via Black Lake. When the trail conditions permit, it is possible to do this a loop hike. Wilderness Camp Mountains In ViewĤ.30 Miles (9968ft)- You’ll see a trail sign posted on a tree that points to Lakes 1-7 or Black Lake. The climb continues up towards Big Pine Lakes and Temple Crag with the Sierra views becoming ever more prominent. John Muir Wilderness Along The Creek Into The WoodsĢ.7 Miles (9196ft)- You’ll pass by the Big Pine Creek Wilderness Camp on your left and Lon Chaney’s Cabin. The mosquitos can swarm in a quickness at this point, so make sure to come prepared. At the top of this rock stretch along the creek, the trail enters a lush forest. After passing the John Muir sign, you’ll hike along the creek on a rocky stretch of trail. North Fork Signage Rear ViewsĢ.0 Miles (8924ft)- You’ll pass into the John Muir Trail Wilderness at the two mile mark of this hike. Turn Right Here Over The Bridge Sandy Trailġ.6 Miles (8576ft)- As you climb the long switchbacks of the North Fork Trail, make sure to look back and enjoy the views in your ‘rear view’. ![]() You’ll soon cross over a bridge and enter a sandy stretch of trail that picks up in elevation gain. Shaded Lilly Loves The WaterĠ.7 Miles (8196ft)- You’ll reach a dirt flat blocked by wooden posts. This is a nice spot to stop on the return leg of this hike. The trail then gets quite a bit of tree cover before once again passing by the banks of the creek. You’ll hike a few shaded switchbacks before the views start to open up. Head right at the fork to take the North Fork Trail. Creekside Crossing The BridgeĠ.25 Miles (7907ft)- You’ll reach the junction of the South Fork and North Fork trails. The snow melt was pretty spectacular on this day, which made for a very fast moving creek. ![]() This hike was completed in 2017 after a year of heavy snow. The Big Pine Creek will be flowing to your left, and shortly into the hike you will pass a bridge. Past this swing gate, you’ll see the trail and a few cabins with green roofs. See my current hiking gear list.Ġ.0 Miles (7814ft)- Starting out at the Big Pine Creek Campsite, the asphalt road will dead end when it reachers a metal swing gate. The first half of this trail is fully exposed and can be very hot in the summer. There are a few creek crossings that can run pretty high depending on the season. Trail Condition: This is a steep and rocky trail.There is an overflow lot nearby and parking along the street as well. Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that fills up pretty quickly on summer weekends.Permit Required: Not for hiking, but a permit is required for backpacking overnight.Stay on Glacier Lodge Rd until you reach the trailhead. W Crocker Ave will become Glacier Lodge Rd. From Big Pine, head West on W Crocker Ave. Take HWY 395 to the city of Big Pine, CA, which is located just south of Bishop, CA.The trailhead to hike the Big Pine Lakes Trail begins at the Big Pine Creek Campground.The first three lakes are known to be the most scenic, as they sit with the majestic Temple Crag in the background. For this hike, we only visited the first three, as snow and ice were blocking the trail for lakes 4-7. There are 7 Big Pine Lakes, numbered sequentially. Alice, before entering the John Muir Trail Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Starting at the Big Pine Creek Campground, this trail passes by Mt. The hike to Big Pine Lakes via the North Fork Trail is a great way to see the beauty on display in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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