Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail
by Andrea Iniguez, Desert Field Representative
Name of area/general location: Inyo National Forest
Name of area/general location: Inyo National Forest
Land acknowledgment native-land.ca :
The Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail is located within the ancestral homelands and traditional territories of the Nüümü Witü (Eastern Mono / Monache) and the Nüümü (Northern Paiute) Tribes. For more information, you can visit native-land.ca.
Trail/river/climb/ etc. rating and why (easy, moderate, hard):
This trail is rated as “hard” given its length and the time it takes to complete. The elevation gain (more than 3,000 feet) also makes it strenuous.
Trail/river/ etc. mileage (different options if available):
This trail is approximately 15 miles out-and-back; however, it can be shortened for those not interested in visiting all seven lakes.
Permissible trail uses (dogs, horses, mountain bikes, others):
This trail passes through the John Muir Wilderness, which requires a permit for all overnight use. In addition, there is a quota limit of 25 overnight visitors per day from May 1st through November 1st, so visitors planning to camp overnight should reserve their permits months in advance. If needed, these permits can be reserved at recreation.gov. Note, day use does not require a permit, but groups cannot be larger than 15 people. For more information on wilderness permit rules and regulations visit the Inyo National Forest website.
Description of area, sights, wildlife and any key markers on the trail/river/climb etc.
The Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in California. It offers access to a series of picturesque lakes (cunningly named First Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake, Fourth Lake, Fifth Lake, Sixth Lake, and Seventh Lake), known collectively as the Big Pine Lakes. The trail begins at Big Pine Creek Campground and continues for several miles, about five, until it reaches First Lake. It zigzags through a slope of sagebrush, manzanita, and Jeffrey pine before it enters the John Muir Wilderness. Plus, along the way, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the Palisade Glacier in the distance. This gem is recognized as the southernmost permanent glacier in North America, and it is one of the few remaining glaciers in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Other remarkable features of this trail are the countless streams and waterfalls that visitors will encounter as they traverse through the John Muir Wilderness. Don’t forget to take a picture at the John Muir Wilderness sign located near Second Falls. There is a famous cabin, built by actor Lon Chaney, located on the trail that might be of interest to some visitors, too. The most popular months to visit this area are July and August, so you’ll need to plan accordingly to avoid the crowds.
Visitors can choose to continue on the trail or head back to the trailhead at any point throughout their journey. However, we recommend travelers visit at least two or three of the seven lakes to get the full experience, as the Big Pine Lakes are renowned for their vibrant blue color. Note, Second Lake and Third Lake are not far from First Lake, so it is possible and encouraged to visit all three in one day. The elevation gain for this hike is significant (over 3,000 feet), so it might be challenging for some visitors to complete this trail from beginning to end. Although it is not an easy trail to complete, it should be a bucket list item for any outdoor enthusiast.
Once visitors reach Seventh Lake, they can choose to explore the area or immediately return to the trailhead. Swimming in any of the seven lakes is permitted, however, the water might be cold depending on the time of year. Also, there are sections of the trail that are completely exposed to the sun, so come prepared with plenty of water and sun protection. This trail connects to a path that leads to Sam Mack Meadow and Palisade Glacier, so this might be a good option for those with mountaineering experience and that are interested in an even more challenging adventure. Again, only those with mountaineering experience through ice and snow should attempt to reach the glacier as it can be dangerous. Finally, please be mindful and always practice “leave no trace” principles.
How to get there:
Big Pine, CA is located on Highway 395 (i.e., Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway) and about 55 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, CA. To reach the trailhead near Big Pine Creek Campground, visitors should travel from Big Pine, CA and go west on Crocker Ave., which becomes Glacier Lodge Rd. and follow it to the end of the road. Big Pine, CA is about ten miles from the trailhead, so the journey by car should be short. Day use parking is located at the end of the road, near Glacier Lodge.
Also, Upper Sage Flat Campground is only about a mile from the trailhead, so it is a great alternative for camping. While Bishop, CA is about 25 miles from the trailhead.
Areas to camp nearby:
The trailhead is located near Big Pine Creek Campground, so this is the ideal place for visitors to camp. However, space is limited at this campsite, so Upper Sage Flat Campground is a wonderful alternative. Also, visitors can choose to stay at Big Pine, CA or Bishop, CA as well. Note, there are bears in the area, so all food, trash, and scented items (i.e., toiletries) should be stored in a bear proof containers or counter balanced.
More information (AllTrails link, etc.):
Big Pine Lakes Trail, California – 1,631 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Picture: Wikimedia Commons
