McCabe Lakes Trail

Although most people approach the McCabe Lakes from the east via a bushwhacking overland route up from Saddlebag Lake, this route to one of the lower McCabe Lakes starts at the Pacific Crest Trail and approaches from the west. From the PCT: Tuolumne Meadow to Sonora Pass section of the Pacific Crest Trail, follow the trail alongside McCabe Creek as it meanders near the base of Shepherd Crest. Turn away from this cliff and into the serene lake basin that holds one of the larger, lower McCabe Lakes. Trees encroach around part of this lake with a scree field around the other part. The high Sierra views of craggy granite peaks here are spectacular. Upper McCabe Lake is around the corner to the east. Also, fishing is reported to be good in these lakes.