Big Pines Lakes Trail

Overview

Beautiful loop trail featuring five lakes and rushing streams. Lakes 1-3 are crystal clear and turquoise in color while Lake 4 and Black Lake are duller in color but less crowded. The trail back from Black Lake offers cool views of Lakes 1-3 from above.

Nearby Hikes: Little Lakes Valley Trailhead to Gem Lakes, Big Pines Lakes Trail, Mosquito Flat Trailhead to Mono Pass & Mount Star

Logistics

Location: John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest

Distance: 12.5 miles roundtrip (Lakes 1 – 4 + Black Lake Loop)

Alternative option 1: Lakes 1-3 out-and-back. 10.6 miles roundtrip and you will see the most beautiful sights on the loop.

Alternative option 2: Extend the loop to lakes 5-7. You’ll probably want to do an overnight on the trail if you select this option due to the length. See below for info on permits.

Difficulty: Moderate

Our Hike Time: 6 hours, 20 minutes

Route Type: Loop

Elevation gain: 4251 feet

Trailhead: Big Pine Creek Trailhead

Costs: None

When to go: June – Oct

Dogs Allowed: Yes (leashed)

Permits Required: Not for day use but required for overnight camping.

Where to Stay: Big Pine Lake Creek Campground near the trailhead for $24/night or apply for a permit to camp on the trail. The backcountry permits you must obtain are called “Big Pine Creek North Fork JM23” and are $5 per person plus a $10 reservation fee. 12 of the 27 permits issued daily are reserved for walkups and are given on a first-come, first-serve basis up to one day prior to hiking. Walk-up permits are free and can be obtained at the 4 different ranger stations. Permits go quickly so be sure to secure your spot!

Tips

Climb down the rocks at the first lake to get a beautiful view next to the water.
If camping on the trail, Second Lake is a great option.
You can make this trail as short or as long as you want depending on how many lakes you wish to see. Note Lake 4 and Black Lake are not as beautiful as the rest.
On your drive home stop for food at Copper Top BBQ in the town of Big Pine or visit Manzanar for a quick history lesson on one of the ten American concentration camps from WWII.