Green Creek Trail to East Lake
The northern gateway to the Hoover Wilderness — tunnels of yellow aspens along West Fork Green Creek, massive old-growth junipers, and a rewarding climb past Green Lake to the multi-hued shores of East Lake.
○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
8.0 miRound Trip
1,833 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
4-6 hoursEst. Time
9,823 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
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Saddlebag Lake and 20 Lakes Basin Loop
The highest paved road trailhead in California at 10,087 feet opens into a chain of 20 glacial lakes just below the Yosemite boundary. Minimal elevation change for maximum high-alpine scenery.
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Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes
The Eastern Sierra’s most rewarding high-alpine lake progression. Starting at 10,230 feet, this trail strings together five stunning glacial lakes beneath serrated granite ridges.
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Duck Pass Trail to Duck Lake
A lung-busting climb from the Mammoth Lakes Basin that passes Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney Lakes before cresting to a sweeping view of wind-swept Duck Lake on the Sierra crest.
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Convict Lake Loop
A flat accessible loop around one of the most visually dramatic lakes in the Mono Basin. Twisted sedimentary bands rise directly from the waterline in a rare geological contrast to the region’s typical granite.
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Minaret Lake Trail
A premium long-distance trek from Devils Postpile into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, following Minaret Creek to a crystal lake perched beneath the iconic jagged black spires of the Minaret Range.
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Ediza and Iceberg Lakes Trail
Widely regarded as the most beautiful lake basin in the Sierra Nevada. Mount Ritter and Banner Peak reflect perfectly on Ediza Lake, with an optional extension to the snowfield-edged Iceberg Lake.
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Cathedral Lakes Trail
A classic stretch of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite’s high country, climbing through pristine sub-alpine terrain to Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes beneath a soaring granite spire.
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McGee Creek Trail to Steelhead Lake
A dynamic trail that transforms mile by mile — from sun-drenched wildflower canyons along a rushing trout stream into a high granite amphitheater. Multi-colored canyon walls are the visual anchor.
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Crystal Lake Trail
Short but steep — this trail climbs directly up the face of the Mammoth Crest under Crystal Crag, delivering sweeping panoramic views of the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin for a fraction of the effort of longer hikes.