Near Upper Palisades Lake
Taken during the "Cowbell Race Series: Soup in the Snow" event the first Saturday of every February.
Near Upper Palisades Lake
Experience the trail during the winter. Creates a whole new challenge.
Near Upper Palisades Lake
Stay on the trail during the winter months. Up towards the lake it can be belly button deep if you step off the trail!
Near Upper Palisades Lake
Come do this trail in the winter, you'll not believe it is the same easy trail you did in the summer!
Near Upper Palisades Lake
The metal bridge and major turn to the Upper Lake. Don't miss it!

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Upper Palisades Lake

4.8 (10 Ratings)
This out-and-back takes you to the west end of the Upper Palisades Lake.
6.7
mi
Distance
1,450
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedLakeRiver/Creek

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.75mi
Distance
1,450ft
Elevation Gain
348ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
6,667ft
High Point
5,565ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail from the trailhead to the lower lake is relatively easy with a steep section right before you get to the lake (there is some switchbacking at this point). From the lower lake to the upper lake, the first half is fairly flat, while the second half becomes a lot steeper with quite a few switchbacks.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Mt. Baird Out and Back

Hike Route

Mt. Baird Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.04 mi
+3,940 ft
Indian Creek Loop

Classic Hike Route

Indian Creek Loop

Birding
extreme
19.55 mi
+3,970 ft
Yetis Loop

Hike Route

Yetis Loop

Birding
easy
2.63 mi
+314 ft
Taylor Mountain

Hike Route

Taylor Mountain

River/Creek
strenuous
8.54 mi
+3,178 ft
Phillips Pass Trail

Hike Route

Phillips Pass Trail

Views
moderate
4.07 mi
+1,538 ft
Ski Lake Out and Back

Hike Route

Ski Lake Out and Back

Birding
moderate
4.17 mi
+962 ft
Contributors
James Park