Big Pine Lakes

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Palisades and the Big Pine Lakes draw visitors from far and wide for good reason. The region's peaks, lakes, meadows, and forests -- to name a few attractions -- quickly deliver an exemplary slice of the Sierra. If you're looking for a well-balanced taste of the Eastern Sierra, this is as good as any place to start.

Overnight backpacking requires a permit. Get one here - recreation.gov/permits/233262/.
During the high season, this trail is popular among runners, hikers, backpackers, and campers, and can get crowded on weekends.

A popular running route!

The trail begins at the Glacier Lodge/Big Pine Creek Trailhead. Starting from the parking area, the trail heads west and then north, entering the canyon of the North Fork of Big Pine Creek and following it upstream. After a little over 4 miles, the North Fork Trail meets the Black Lakes Trail. Turn right to take this trail and start the loop part of the route. You'll see Black Lake first, then lakes named Fourth Lake and Fifth Lake.

From these lakes, the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail heads north to Sixth and eventually Seventh Lake, so you can take that for a longer extenstion. Otherwise, turn south on the North Fork trail. It soon trends eastward and downhill to encounter Third, Second, and First Lakes before completing the loop at the junction with Black Lake Trail #3205c. From there, retrace your path down the creek valley to the trailhead.

- Written by Lani Advokat (Outdoor Project), edited by Ethan Fichtner