Big Pine Lakes Trail — Eastern Sierra
Trail Overview
Big Pine Creek North Fork climbs from the Owens Valley floor at 7,800 feet through a series of glacially carved basins to a chain of alpine lakes sitting against the Palisades — the longest stretch of glacier remaining in the Sierra Nevada outside of Kings Canyon. First Lake at 11,400 feet has a color that looks wrong, like someone photoshopped the saturation up. It’s real. Glacial flour suspended in meltwater. It’s the Eastern Sierra at its most dramatic.
This is one of the most visually rewarding day hikes in the Eastern Sierra and one of the most strategically valuable for Whitney training. The trailhead at 7,800 feet gives you immediate altitude exposure. The hike to First Lake involves 2,400 feet of gain over 6.75 miles, all on maintained Sierra trail. Multiple turnaround options make it adaptable: Third Lake at 10,200 feet (9.0 miles RT), First Lake at 11,400 feet (13.5 miles RT), or Second Lake between them.
⚡ Trail Reality Check
Tier 1 — researched from published guides and multiple trip reports.
From the LA basin, you’re looking at 4–5 hours to Lone Pine, then another 45 minutes north on 395 to Big Pine, then 10 miles up Glacier Lodge Road to the trailhead. This is an overnight-or-early-departure trip from Southern California, not a casual day trip. Plan accordingly.
Altitude is the main variable. The trailhead at 7,800 feet is already higher than anything in the San Gabriels. First Lake at 11,400 feet will feel different from anything you’ve done closer to home. If this is your first Eastern Sierra trip, arrive the day before, sleep at Big Pine, and start the hike on your second morning.
July and August are peak mosquito months — significant, not “occasionally annoying.” Come in September for the best combination of weather, fewer mosquitoes, and possible early fall color on the lower aspen groves.
✅ This hike is for you if…
You’re building toward Whitney and want real altitude exposure above 10,000 feet. You want the most visually dramatic accessible day hike in the Eastern Sierra. You have 7–9 hours and solid base fitness. You’re doing a 395 road trip and want the best single-day hike in the Big Pine area.
🚫 Skip this hike if…
You have altitude sensitivity and haven’t acclimatized. July–August and you can’t tolerate mosquitoes without significant bug protection. You need a round trip under 9 miles — go to Third Lake instead (9 miles RT).
🐕 June’s Dog Report
Dogs permitted on leash throughout. Water access is exceptional — creek crossings and lake access at multiple points throughout the season. June would love this trail in September: cool temperatures, water everywhere, minimal crowds after Labor Day. In July, the mosquito situation for a dog is concerning — they get bitten around the ears and eyes and can’t brush them off. September is the window.
| Water: | Excellent — creek throughout, lake access at turnaround points |
| Shade: | Good lower forest sections; limited above treeline near lakes |
| Paw Safety: | Generally safe; granite trail |
| Leash: | Required — John Muir Wilderness |
| Wildlife: | Black bears present — store all food in bear canister or bear box |
| Mosquitoes: | High July–August — consider dog-safe bug protection or skip those months |
🅿️ Trailhead & Logistics
| Address: | End of Glacier Lodge Road, Big Pine, CA 93513 |
| Elevation at TH: | 7,800 ft |
| Parking: | Free day use lot. No Adventure Pass required. |
| Bathroom: | Vault toilet at trailhead |
| Cell Service: | None in canyon and at lakes. |
| Permit: | No permit required for day hiking. Overnight requires John Muir Wilderness permit (quota — recreation.gov or walk-up Lone Pine Ranger Station). |
| Bear Canister: | Required for overnight. Recommended for day hikes — bear activity documented. |
📅 Best Time to Hike
Best window: September — mosquitoes gone, possible fall color on lower aspens, fewer crowds after Labor Day.
Available season: July through October. Snow clears most years by early July.
☕ Coffee Before / 🌮 Food After
Before: Schmidts Bakery, Big Pine — small-town breakfast before the hike.
Post-hike budget: La Casita, Big Pine — straightforward Mexican food, right call after 13 miles.
Post-hike upgrade: Lone Pine Brewing Company — 45 minutes south, worth the drive. Alabama Hills views from the patio.
Verify hours before visiting — small-town Eastern Sierra businesses maintain irregular hours.
🗺️ Navigation
North Fork trailhead is signed and straightforward. Trail climbs steadily and is well-marked to all lakes. At Third Lake the trail forks — stay left for First Lake.
Download AllTrails offline maps →
Check with Inyo National Forest (760-873-2400) for current conditions before your trip.
Trail Photos
📋 This is a Tier 1 trail — sourced from published guides, not yet personally hiked. Photos will be added when Andrew verifies this trail firsthand.