Discover the most beautiful alpine lakes to hike in the Eastern Sierra.
If you’re searching for alpine lake hikes that combine epic mountain views, crystal blue waters, and a bit of solitude, it doesn't get any better than California’s Eastern Sierra. This region offers some of the most stunning high-altitude hikes, where every turn feels like a postcard moment. Whether you’re backpacking or just doing a day hike, these ten trails feature some of the most incredible scenery in the Eastern Sierra.
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Here are a few tips for hiking in the Eastern Sierra:
Best Time of Year:
Typically, June through early October is the best time of year for hiking in the Eastern Sierra.
Permits:
Most day hikes in the Eastern Sierra do not require a permit. However, almost all backpacking and overnight hikes do require one. You can find more information about obtaining a permit here.
Alltrails App:
Many hiking trails in the Eastern Sierra region do not have service. It's always a good idea to download the trail ahead of time (while you still have service) for peace of mind. Occasionally, the trail might not be so obvious, and it's always nice to pull out your phone and make sure you are still on track.
Recommended Packing List:
Sunscreen.
A hat for added protection.
Sturdy and preferably waterproof hiking boots.
Extra socks (comes in handy for stream crossings).
Bug Spray.
Snacks/lunch.
Plenty of water (more than you think you need).
Bathing suit.
Camera.
1. Conness Lakes
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Saddlebag Lake Trailhead at Saddlebag Lake Campground.
Length: 6.3 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 928 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Located in the Hoover Wilderness near Yosemite off Tioga Pass, Conness Lakes is one of the most stunning hikes in the Eastern Sierra. Starting at Saddlebag Lake, you'll be hiking on scree (small loose stones) for about 1.5 miles or so, which isn’t particularly fun to hike on, but it eventually opens up to a scenic alpine meadow. You'll pass by Greenstone Lake before crossing a small stream and climbing a few switchbacks next to a small waterfall.
Right before you reach the lakes, there's an unmarked section along big rocks, so I highly recommend downloading the map for this part in particular (there is no service on this trail). Once you reach Conness Lakes, you will be blown away! The glacier-fed lakes are super turquoise and framed by rugged peaks.
Tip: When it's running, you can take the water taxi from Saddlebag Lake Resort across Saddlebag Lake to save a couple of miles—totally worth it!
2. Twenty Lakes Basin
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Saddlebag Lake Trailhead at Saddlebag Lake Campground.
Length: 8 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 889 ft.
Trail type: Loop.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Twenty Lakes Basin is a fantastic loop hike starting at Saddlebag Lake (same as Conness Lakes). You'll pass by several alpine lakes, including Greenstone Lake, Steelhead Lake, and Shamrock Lake (which I think is the most beautiful out of all the lakes along the loop). The trail offers great views with relatively little elevation gain, but again, be prepared for lots of scree along the way.
As with Conness Lakes, you can shorten your hike by taking the water taxi, which drops you off at a dock on the far side of the lake.
4. Duck Pass
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Coldwater Campground.
Length: 10 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 2,148 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
The Duck Pass trail is a bit of a climb, but the stunning views make it worth every step. You’ll pass several lakes, including the incredibly picturesque Skeleton Lake—a great spot to stop and take in the scenery or go for a swim. After passing a few more small lakes, you’ll start the switchbacks to Duck Pass. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the lakes below. From there, you can continue down to Duck Lake and Pika Lake.
4. Ediza Lake
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Agnew Meadows Campground
Length: 14 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 2,286 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Strenuous; long distance with elevation gain.
Located near Mammoth Lakes, the Ediza Lake hike takes you deep into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The trail takes you past glacier-fed lakes and icy streams at the base of the Minarets and Mount Ritter. After 3.5 miles or so, you'll reach Shadow Lake, a beautiful alpine lake that's a perfect spot for a break and some snacks before continuing to the jaw-dropping Ediza Lake.
I have to say, the scenery at Ediza Lake blew me away—at 14 miles out and back it’s a long day hike, but this might be one of the most gorgeous lakes I’ve ever seen in my life!
5. Convict Lake
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Convict Lake parking area
Length: 2.5 miles loop.
Elevation gain: 180 ft.
Trail type: Loop.
Difficulty: Easy; mostly flat with well-maintained paths.
Named after a famous shoot-out involving escaped convicts, Convict Lake, about 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes off HWY 395, is a favorite among hikers and photographers, thanks to its dramatic granite backdrop of Mount Morrison and crystal-clear waters. The lake features an easy 2.5-mile trail that loops around the entire lake as well as a boat ramp you can drive right up to, making Convict Lake one of the best places to paddle board/kayak in the Eastern Sierra.
6. Little Lakes Valley
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Mosquito Flat Trailhead.
Length: 8 miles out and back.
Elevation gain: 1,200 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; slight elevation gain
Little Lakes Valley is one of the most picturesque hikes in the Eastern Sierra. The trail follows a creek and passes a string of alpine lakes before reaching the ultimate reward, Gem Lake. What truly makes the Little Lakes Valley hike special is that the entire trail is incredibly scenic, not just the view at the end. It has everything you could ask for—impressive mountain peaks, streams, meadows, and sparking lakes. Not to mention, the trail is relatively easygoing, although long at 8 miles round trip.
7. Blue Lake
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Sabrina Lake Trailhead at the end of State Route 168.
Length: 7 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 1,380 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard.
Starting at Lake Sabrina, the trail to Blue Lake is about 3.5 miles one way (7 miles out and back). Alltrails.com marks this trail at 5.9 miles roundtrip, but I clocked it at just over 7 miles with the Alltrails app running. The first section of the trail climbs above Lake Sabrina, and there are several overlooks to take in the views. There is a stream crossing, about shin length (this is where those extra socks come in handy) before the trail enters the trees and climbs a series of rocky switchbacks.
Eventually, you will reach Blue Lake which features bright blue, crystal clear water, and impressive snowcapped granite peaks.
8. Big Pine Lakes
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Big Pine Creek Campground at the end of Glacier Lodge Road.
Difficulty: Strenuous; long distance with significant elevation gain
Length: 13 miles roundtrip (from the trailhead to 3rd Lake).
Elevation gain: 2,900 ft.
Trail type: Out & back.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Located near Bishop, California, the Big Pine Lakes hike showcases some of the most majestic scenery in the Eastern Sierra. Known for its turquoise glacier-fed lakes, this hike offers prime views of Temple Crag and the surrounding peaks. The trail has a steady climb and includes seven lakes, with Lakes 1, 2, and 3 being the most scenic.
The Big Pine Lakes hike is popular for backpacking but can be done as a day hike to the 2nd or 3rd Lake. However, at 13 miles round trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s a challenging hike—but the views make it worth the effort.
9. Lamarck Lakes
Hiking Stats:
Trailhead: North Lake Campground.
Length: 4.6 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 1,564 ft
Trail type: Out-and-back.
Difficulty: Moderate.
The Lamarck Lakes hike is a beautiful and challenging trail in the John Muir Wilderness near Bishop, California. The first part of the trail takes you through a forest of pine and aspen trees. After this shaded section, you'll climb exposed switchbacks before reaching Lower Lamarck Lake. The scenery at Lower Lamarck is breathtaking, with vibrant blue water and dramatic granite peaks. You can also continue to Upper Lamarck Lake, which is about a mile above Lower Lamarck.
10. Parker Lake
Hike Stats:
Trailhead: Parker Lake Trailhead at the end of Parker Lake Road.
Length: 3.6 miles roundtrip.
Elevation gain: 646 ft.
Trail type: Out-and-back.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Located near June Lake in Mono County, California, Parker Lake is a short and easy out-and-back trail leading to a gorgeous alpine lake framed by the Sierra Crest Peaks. The first half mile is exposed and slightly uphill, but the rest of the trail is a pleasant, shaded walk through aspen groves along a stream. If you're looking for a short hike with a big reward in the Eastern Sierra, Parker Lake certainly won't disappoint.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best alpine lake hikes in California's Eastern Sierra!
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