Inyo National Forest

Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Places we've visited and fallen in love with

Driving to and sleeping at a campground

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes

Traversing Big Pine Lakes with views of Temple Crag in Inyo National Forest

Yvonne Leow

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http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/inyo-national-forest-john-muir-wilderness-big-pine-lakes

Last updated

August 3, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Families and campers

Vibe · Challenging and hard

Permits · Yep, reserve a wilderness permit for Big Pine Creek North Fork

Drive · 4.5 hours from LA

Ideal dates · May to September

Pets · Welcome on trails and campgrounds!

This popular trek in Inyo National Forest begins at Big Pine Creek North Fork Trailhead and takes you through a chain of seven glorious alpine lakes. Each lake is named First Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake (you can see where this is going), and the further you hike, the more solitude you'll find. Each lake is fed by the Palisade Glacier, which you can climb or soak up views from the trail. Oh, and don't miss the notorious Temple Crag and waterfalls along the way. Design your own adventure at Big Pine Lakes.

Official National Forest Website

Directions to Campground

Main image credit: Nomadik

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

‍Stuff to know

Black bears are active in this area so food storage is mandatory. Campsites come with bear food lockers. All attractants (food, toiletries, trash - anything with a scent) should be stored in the food locker or kept in the car at all times, not just overnight!
Some of the sites in this trip are at high elevation. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, take it easy when performing strenuous activities and ensure you’re staying hydrated. If you feel altitude sickness symptoms occur, descend to a lower elevation as soon as possible.
Fire restrictions occur seasonally depending on wildfire risk. Make sure you check the latest official information before going.

Check the weather

Where to camp

Upper Sage Flat Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

Picnic table
Fire ring
Space for up to 8 people
One parking spot
Drinking water (on site)
Vault toilets (on site)

Take the family to Upper Sage for a pleasant camping trip along the banks of Big Pine Creek. Here, visitors can experience the beauty of the creek that runs along the base of a narrow canyon. Visitors can swim or fish in the creek that is stocked annually with trout, or head to a nearby lake for power boating.

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: Before noon‍

Campground Information

Nightly Rate: $29

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

Leave LA as early as you can cuz' traffic

Last cheapish pit stop · Fort Independence Travel Plaza -135 US-395 in Independence

Arrive at camp and get settled

Find your spot and relax
Get some firewood locally and get a campfire going
Explore around the creek and campsite

Chill and cook up dinner

You did it! Enjoy your first night in the Sierra Nevada!

Big Pine Lakes is tucked away in John Muir Wilderness, a 100-mile stretch along the Sierra Crest in Inyo National Forest

Day Two

Make brekkie, get ready for the day, and head up to Glacier Lodge

Make sure you pack enough snacks, water (at least 2L per person) and sun protection for everyone.

Enjoy an adventurous morning hike on the Glacier Lodge Loop

This moderate 1.5 mile loop features 344 ft of elevation gain and takes you through mountain tops and scenic alpine lakes
While it’s a bit more challenging, it’s one of the easier trails in the Sierras and gives you breathtaking views! Take it slow and take plenty of breaks.

Head back to Glacier Lodge for an easy lunch

The lodge features a cafe, historic cabins, and a great view of the lake

Rent some fishing gear or hang at the lake

Glacier lodge’s general store has fishing gear and other outdoor activities to enjoy for the afternoon
Kick back and relax after your long morning hike