Ten-plus named lakes with minimal elevation gain starting at 10,000ft just outside Yosemite's east entrance. The lake-lover's loop almost nobody knows about.
Ten-plus named lakes, minimal elevation gain, and you start at 10,000ft. The 20 Lakes Basin is a lake-lover's paradise just outside Yosemite's east entrance. The colorful metamorphic geology (rust reds and oranges mixed with granite) sets it apart from every other Sierra hike. This is one of the easiest ways to experience genuine high-alpine scenery in California. Dogs welcome.
Start: Saddlebag Lake Campground (10,066ft)
End: Saddlebag Lake Campground
Water: Greenstone Lake, Wasco Lake, Excelsior Lake, Shamrock Lake - all along trail
Hike counter-clockwise; it is the same loop with far less climbing than going clockwise. From the west shore of Saddlebag Lake, pass Greenstone Lake, where the colors and the North Peak views are the first real payoff, then Wasco Lake, easy to miss since it barely looks like a lake. Continue past Excelsior Lake to camp at Shamrock Lake, with its scattered bays and islands. Camping is not allowed around Saddlebag Lake itself; you need to be past Greenstone and inside Hoover Wilderness.
Water: Lake Helen outlet, Odell Lake, Hummingbird Lake
Climb out of Shamrock Lake to Lake Helen, a big, unmistakably blue lake you will skirt before the climb over Lundy Pass (10,393ft), the high point of the loop and, despite the elevation, not a hard climb. Odell Lake, just past the pass, is the best-looking water on the entire trip. Pass Hummingbird Lake on the descent and follow the east shore of Saddlebag back to the trailhead. Rocky, scree-heavy terrain the whole way; bring trekking poles. A seasonal water taxi from Saddlebag Lake Resort can shortcut the return if it is running.
Conness Lakes (day hike from Greenstone, cross-country into Hall Natural Research Area - day use only); Lundy Canyon descent from Lake Helen (strenuous); extend to Virginia Lakes Basin (longer loop); Saddlebag Lake fishing
Access via Saddlebag Lake Road off Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) - road closes in winter when Tioga Rd closes. Water taxi from Saddlebag Lake Resort shortens loop by ~3.8mi (seasonal, check if operating). NO camping in Hall Natural Research Area (Conness Lakes area - day use only). Rocky/scree terrain dominant - ankle-turning potential, wear sturdy boots. Dogs allowed in Hoover Wilderness but paw protection recommended (sharp rocks). Campfires may be restricted - check current regulations. Tioga Pass Resort and Lee Vining for meals/supplies.
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