Near Big Pine Lakes
Norman Clyde Peak over autumn woods
Near Big Pine Lakes
Temple Crag.
Near Big Pine Lakes
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) stands across the valley as the trail ascends to the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Near Big Pine Lakes
Looking toward Second and Third Lakes
Near Big Pine Lakes
Temple Crag sunrise.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Big Pine Lakes

4.5 (2 Ratings)
Granite-clad landscape dotted with azure lakes and a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees beneath the Palisade crest.
12.8
mi
Distance
3,710
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.76mi
Distance
3,710ft
Elevation Gain
3,710ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
10,852ft
High Point
7,723ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
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

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Lani Advokat