Glacier Lodge to Palisade Glacier

This challenging 16.7-mile out-and-back route begins near Glacier Lodge in the Inyo National Forest and climbs steadily through the scenic North Fork of Big Pine Creek canyon to the majestic Palisade Glacier. Starting at approximately 7,790 feet, the trail follows the canyon, passing through a wooded section that features the historic Lon Chaney cabin, built in 1929. As the trail climbs higher, it offers views of the vibrant First, Second, and Third Lakes, with the towering, jagged spires of Temple Crag framing the background. At the trail junction past Third Lake, the path branches off toward Sam Mack Meadow, a flat alpine basin that serves as a popular backcountry camping area. Beyond Sam Mack Meadow, the established trail transitions into a strenuous scramble over steep, rocky ridges and talus slopes where route-finding is required. The route climbs to the edge of Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada, situated at over 12,300 feet below the high peaks of North Palisade and Mount Sill.