Glacial-flour turquoise water beneath the southernmost glacier in the United States, with Temple Crag looming over camp.
Glacial-flour turquoise water beneath the Palisade Glacier. The southernmost glacier in the United States. Big Pine Lakes are among the most visually striking in the entire Sierra. Temple Crag towering over Second Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in California's backcountry. Short approach, huge payoff.
Start: Big Pine Creek North Fork TH
End: Big Pine Creek North Fork TH
Water: Big Pine Creek (after Second Falls), all lakes
The first two miles are fully exposed with no water, so fill up before you leave the trailhead and start early to beat the heat. You'll pass the historic Lon Chaney cabin shortly before Second Falls, where Big Pine Creek comes back into play and stays with you for the rest of the climb. After the falls, the switchbacks steepen and the elevation adds up fast. At mile 4.5, Second Lake opens up with its famous Temple Crag reflection head-on; Third Lake is another 0.7mi beyond at mile 5.2. Both are solid camp options if your legs are done for the day. If you have energy left, push on to Fifth Lake at mile 6.5 for the best position to reach the glacier in the morning. The turquoise color at Fifth is the most vivid in the chain.
Water: Same lakes as Day 1 on the way out
Leave your pack at camp and head up toward Palisade Glacier in the cool of the morning. The terrain above Fifth Lake is open and steep, with the Palisades filling the skyline as you gain the 11,261ft high point. Return to Fifth Lake, break camp, and head out the same way you came in. The lower two miles are exposed and heat up fast once the sun clears the canyon walls, so an early departure off the mountain pays off. On the way down, Second and First Lakes look completely different in the morning light.
Palisade Glacier approach (~7mi RT, +2,300ft from Third Lake, strenuous); Black Lake (short detour at mile 4.5); Upper lakes 4-7 (progressively more remote and rugged)
No campfires allowed anywhere. Permits are among the hardest to get in the Eastern Sierra. First section is hot and exposed - start early. Bugs worst in June/early July. Camp at Lakes 4-5 for more solitude. Big Pine (town) and Bishop are nearest services. Keough Hot Springs nearby for post-hike soak.
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