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Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

The Trinity Alps' most dramatic lakes sit in granite cirques that could pass for the Sierra, and you'll likely have them entirely to yourself.

Northern CaliforniaTrinity Alps WildernessStrenuous4 daysOut-and-back
Miles
27
Elev gain
5,500 ft
Peak
6,000'
Best months
Jun - Oct

Description

The best the Trinity Alps have to offer. Emerald and Sapphire Lakes sit in dramatic granite cirques that could pass for the Sierra. Except you'll likely have them to yourself. The approach involves significant elevation gain and the trail can be rough in spots, but the payoff is two of the most stunning alpine lakes in Northern California with near-guaranteed solitude.

Trailheads

Start: Stuart Fork Trailhead
End: Stuart Fork Trailhead

Logistics

  • Permit required: Yes (USFS Weaverville Ranger Station - free, no quota)
  • Bear canister: Recommended
  • Shuttle required: No

Key features

  • alpine lakes
  • Sawtooth Ridge
  • meadows
  • scrambling
  • emerald-green water

Day by day

Day 1
Stuart Fork TH→Morris Meadows
9 mi+2,600/-900 ft gain

Water: Stuart Fork

Gentle grade along Stuart Fork — one of the Trinity Alps' finest drainages. The trail stays near water most of the day through alder and conifer. Morris Meadows opens up at mile 9 with views of Monument Peak. Good bear box at camp.

Day 2
Morris Meadows→Emerald Lake
4.5 mi+2,000/-500 ft gain

Water: Emerald Lake, Sapphire Lake

Steep climb above Morris Meadows on rocky trail. Emerald Lake appears dramatically — one of the deepest in the Trinity Alps, intensely blue-green. The final scramble between Emerald and Sapphire is class 2; leave your pack at Emerald.

Day 3
Emerald Lake→Emerald Lake
6 mi+500/-500 ft gain

Water: Emerald Lake, Caribou Lake

Day hike north to Caribou Lake via off-trail terrain (~3 mi one way, 500ft gain) — the largest lake in the Trinity Alps and worth every step. Return to Emerald Lake camp. Can be skipped if time only allows 3 nights.

Day 4
Emerald Lake→Stuart Fork TH
13.5 mi+950/-3,750 ft gain

Water: Stuart Fork Creek

Long descent — knees take a beating below Morris Meadows. The Stuart Fork trail is well-maintained but relentless on the downhill. Afternoon in the lower canyon can be warm; start by 7am if possible.

Side trips

Caribou Lake, Sawtooth Ridge scramble

Notes

Scrambling required between Emerald and Sapphire lakes; not for those uncomfortable with Class 2-3 terrain; free permits no quota. Extend by spending an extra day at Emerald and Sapphire Lakes and day hike to Caribou Lake by scrambling over Sawtooth Ridge. It's about a 7-mile trek roundtrip, and you'll gain nearly 4,000 feet of elevation getting over Sawtooth Ridge.

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