Near Meysan Lake Trail
Near Meysan Lake Trail
Near Meysan Lake Trail
Near Meysan Lake Trail
Near Meysan Lake Trail

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Hike Route

Meysan Lake Trail

4.5 (2 Ratings)
A challenging hike in the John Muir Wilderness leading to a beautiful lake with access to Lone Pine Peak climbing routes
9.4
mi
Distance
3,976
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedLakeLess CrowdedViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.44mi
Distance
3,976ft
Elevation Gain
3,976ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
11,648ft
High Point
7,897ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting at the Meysan Lake Trailhead near Whitney Portal, just a short drive from Lone Pine, the trail begins with a moderate climb through forests of ponderosa pine, aspen, and juniper. After crossing Meysan Creek, the ascent becomes steeper as the trail gains elevation quickly, weaving through rocky terrain.As you climb higher, the landscape grows more rugged, offering expansive views of the valley below and distant peaks. Higher up, the trail passes through subalpine meadows and rocky switchbacks.The final stretch leads to Meysan Lake (10,750 feet), tucked in a cirque below jagged Sierra peaks. The trail becomes less maintained and less obvious approaching the lake. Once at the lake, enjoy the crystal-clear waters surrounded by granite cliffs -- a perfect place to rest, set up basecamp, take in the views, and perhaps dip your toes in the cool waters.

Route Conditions

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Nearby Hike Routes

Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail

Hike Route

Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail

Lake
moderate
6.08 mi
+1,801 ft
Mount Whitney via Mount Whitney Trail

Hike Route

Mount Whitney via Mount Whitney Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
21.17 mi
+6,658 ft
Mount Whitney via Mountaineer's Route

Hike Route

Mount Whitney via Mountaineer's Route

Lake
extreme
9.58 mi
+6,144 ft
Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake

Hike Route

Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake

Birding
moderate
6.01 mi
+1,792 ft
Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Hike Route

Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Views
strenuous
7.91 mi
+2,513 ft
Lone Pine Campground to Meysan Lake

Hike Route

Lone Pine Campground to Meysan Lake

Lake
extreme
16.1 mi
+6,038 ft
Contributors
Lani Advokat