Land Acknowledgment: Payahuunadu has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra and the tribes who remain here today.
Tucked away in the rugged glory of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Lakes feels like a hidden gem for those in the know—though, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly a secret anymore and for that reason let’s first talk about responsible recreation.
Leave no Trace
It is paramount that you approach this hike with a “Leave no Trace” mindset meaning what you pack in, you pack out. Don’t leave traces of your lunch for wildlife, and leave your trash in town (purchase something from the business owner) vs dumping your trash at trailhead trashcans, as it makes the Forest Service jobs that much harder. Ensure that you camp on durable surfaces, camp 100’ away from a water sources, and don’t cut switchbacks. This list goes on and on, buy do what you can to be aware and not impact the environment or anyone else’s experience. Learn more on “Leave No Trace” principles here.
The Basics
• Trailhead: Big Pine Creek Campground, just a quick drive from Big Pine, CA.
• Distance: Around 15 miles round trip to Lakes 1-7, depending on how much of a hero you want to be.
• Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet (translation: your legs will know they worked).
• Permits: Yep, you need one for overnight trips. Check Recreation.gov.
What Makes It Special
Let’s talk about turquoise. The star of the show here is Lake 1 (creative naming, I know), with its unreal, glacial-fed, bright-blue water. As you keep climbing, Lakes 2-7 offer more jaw-dropping views, each with its own personality and charm. Pro tip: If you can only make it to a few, Lakes 2 and 3 are absolute stunners.
Towering over it all is Temple Crag, a jagged granite beast that looks like it’s auditioning for a spot on a fantasy movie poster. You’ll also catch glimpses of Palisade Glacier if you’re feeling ambitious and go the extra mile—literally.
The Hike
It kicks off with a steep climb but the scenery makes up for the burn. You’ll pass waterfalls, wildflowers, and some shady spots perfect for a breather (or just an excuse to stare at the view).
After about 5 miles, you’ll hit Lake 1, and the payoff is immediate. From there, the trail continues up to Lakes 2-7, each more photogenic than the last. If you’ve got the energy, keep going—you won’t regret it.
Note: In the summer this hike can be hot and dogs struggle.
Pro Tips:
Start Early: This trail is popular, and the parking lot fills up fast. Plus, you’ll want to avoid the midday heat.
Bring Layers: The weather in the Eastern Sierra is about as predictable as a soap opera plot twist. Mornings can be chilly, and afternoons might roast you.
Snacks: Pack more than you think you need. Trust me, you’ll want a trail mix break staring at that turquoise water.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: There’s water along the trail, but unless you’re carrying a filter, you’ll need to bring enough to get through the day.
Leave No Trace: Have respect. Keep it pristine.
Backpacking
If you want to stretch the experience into a backpacking trip grab a permit and plan to camp near one of the lakes. Stargazing here is next-level, and waking up to that alpine glow on the peaks, is unmatched.
All in all… Big Pine Lakes is a rewarding hike that has become super popular due to social media and the internet. We encourage you to do your part, and practice leave no trace principles, so we can enjoy this hike for generations to come.
çTucked away in the rugged glory of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Lakes feels like a hidden gem for those in the know—though, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly a secret anymore and for that reason, let’s first talk about responsible recreation.
Leave no Trace
It is paramount that you approach this hike with a leave no trace mindset meaning what you pack in, you pack out. Don’t leave traces of your lunch for wildlife, and leave your trash in town (purchase something from the business owner) vs dumping your trash at trailhead trashcans, as it makes the Forest Service job that much harder. Ensure you camp on durable surfaces, camp 100’ away from a water source, and don’t cut switchbacks. This list goes on and on, buy do what you can to be aware and not impact the environment or anyone else’s experience. More on “Leave No Trace” principles here.
The Basics
• Trailhead: Big Pine Creek Campground, just a quick drive from Big Pine, CA.
• Distance: Around 15 miles round trip to Lakes 1-7, depending on how much of a hero you want to be.
• Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet (translation: your legs will know they worked).
• Permits: Yep, you need one for overnight trips. Check Recreation.gov.
What Makes It Special
Let’s talk about turquoise. The star of the show here is Lake 1 (creative naming, I know), with its unreal, glacial-fed, bright-blue water. As you keep climbing, Lakes 2-7 offer more jaw-dropping views, each with its own personality and charm. Pro tip: If you can only make it to a few, Lakes 2 and 3 are absolute stunners.
Towering over it all is Temple Crag, a jagged granite beast that looks like it’s auditioning for a spot on a fantasy movie poster. You’ll also catch glimpses of Palisade Glacier if you’re feeling ambitious and go the extra mile—literally.
The Hike
It kicks off with a steep climb but the scenery makes up for the burn. You’ll pass waterfalls, wildflowers, and some shady spots perfect for a breather (or just an excuse to stare at the view).
After about 5 miles, you’ll hit Lake 1, and the payoff is immediate. From there, the trail continues up to Lakes 2-7, each more photogenic than the last. If you’ve got the energy, keep going—you won’t regret it.
Note: In the summer this hike can be hot and dogs struggle.
Pro Tips:
Start Early: This trail is popular, and the parking lot fills up fast. Plus, you’ll want to avoid the midday heat.
Bring Layers: The weather in the Eastern Sierra is about as predictable as a soap opera plot twist. Mornings can be chilly, and afternoons might roast you.
Snacks: Pack more than you think you need. Trust me, you’ll want a trail mix break staring at that turquoise water.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: There’s water along the trail, but unless you’re carrying a filter, you’ll need to bring enough to get through the day.
Leave No Trace: Have respect. Keep it pristine.
Backpacking
If you want to stretch the experience into a backpacking trip grab a permit and plan to camp near one of the lakes. Stargazing here is next-level, and waking up to that alpine glow on the peaks, is unmatched.
All in all… Big Pine Lakes is a rewarding hike that has become super popular due to social media and the internet. We encourage you to do your part, and practice leave no trace principles, so we can enjoy this hike for generations to come.
A message from AWE
In the ’80s, tossing trash out of car windows was commonplace—until the “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign came along and changed behavior on a massive scale. At AWE, we believe the same power of messaging can transform how people care for the places we love to travel and explore. Most people are good, and travel is inevitable—every hike, swimming hole, and climbing spot is just a few clicks away. As content creators, we believe we have a responsibility to weave Leave No Trace principles into everything we share, inspiring travelers to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the incredible places so many of us cherish.
Your actions matter: where you walk, how you park, how you treat locals, and even how loud you play your music. It all makes a difference. Search “Leave No Trace” to learn more about responsible recreation and how you can help protect the wild spaces we love and share.
AWE Disclaimer
Recreation activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, wildlife encounters, and other unforeseen hazards. Visitors should check with local land management agencies or authorities for up-to-date information on trail conditions, access, permits, and regulations before planning their trip.
Always prioritize safety by being prepared, carrying adequate supplies, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Respect local rules, private property, and other visitors. This post is for informational purposes only, and participation in any activity is at your own risk.
