Barney Lake & Peeler Lake (Hoover Wilderness)

Barney Lake's sandy beach beneath snow-dusted peaks is one of the most photogenic camps in the Eastern Sierra, and the permits are easy to get.

Sierra NevadaHoover WildernessModerate3 daysOut-and-back

Miles

14.5

Elev gain

2,900 ft

Peak

9,623'

Best months

Jul - Oct (best Aug-Sep)

Description

Barney Lake's sandy beach beneath snow-dusted peaks is one of the most photogenic camps in the Eastern Sierra. The approach along Robinson Creek passes through gorgeous aspen groves with views of the Incredible Hulk, a famous rock climbing wall. Push further to Peeler Lake for more solitude and Crown Point views. Easy permits and dog-friendly trails make this a great alternative when Sierra permits sell out.

Trailheads

Start: Twin Lakes / Mono Village (7,162ft)
End: Twin Lakes / Mono Village (7,162ft)

Logistics

Permit required: Yes (Free wilderness permit required via recreation.gov (permit #445856, Hoover Wilderness / Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Bridgeport Ranger District). Reserve online in advance; required for both the Green Creek and Robinson Creek trailheads. Advance reservations open 6 months ahead of entry date (50% of trailhead quota); remaining 50% releases as a late reservation 3 days before entry. Rolling window, not a lottery.)
Reserve permit→
Bear canister: Required
Shuttle required: No

Key features

Barney Lake
Peeler Lake
sandy beach
Sawtooth Range views
Incredible Hulk wall
dogs allowed
easy permits
fishing

Day by day

Day 1

Twin Lakes / Mono Village (7,162ft)→Barney Lake (~8,300ft)

3.5 mi+1,150/-50 ft gain

Water: Robinson Creek, Barney Lake

The trail starts near Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes; if you are hiking outside the resort's summer season, park at the entrance and walk in. Follow the Robinson Creek Trail up through aspen groves, with views of the Sawtooth Range, Matterhorn Peak, and the massive granite face of the Incredible Hulk climbing wall. Barney Lake's sandy beach on the northeastern shore makes a great camp, with snow-dusted peaks as a backdrop. The trail can be buggy in late spring and early summer, but clears up by mid-July.

Day 2

Barney Lake→Peeler Lake (~9,500ft)

3.5 mi+1,450/-250 ft gain

Water: Peeler Lake, Rock Creek

Continue past Barney Lake as the trail steepens and the crowds thin out. Peeler Lake is large and open, sitting below Crown Point (11,346ft), with excellent fishing. Camp on the north shore.

Day 3

Peeler Lake→Twin Lakes / Mono Village

7.5 mi+300/-2,600 ft gain

Water: Same as approach

Retrace your steps all the way back to the trailhead, mostly downhill. You can shorten this to a 2-day trip by only camping at Barney Lake. Bridgeport has restaurants and hot springs for post-hike recovery.

Side trips

Crown Point (11,346ft, class 2-3 from Peeler Lake); Matterhorn Canyon (extended multi-day into northern Yosemite); Buckeye Hot Spring (near Bridgeport, free natural hot spring); Rock Island Pass to Slide Canyon

Notes

Start from Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes (near Bridgeport). Parking in marina lot. Trail goes through resort campground to reach trailhead - can be confusing at start. Dogs allowed in Hoover Wilderness. Bridgeport Ranger Station for permits (easy to get, low competition). Buckeye Hot Spring nearby for post-hike soak. Fall colors spectacular late Sep-early Oct along Robinson Creek aspens. Bridgeport is a charming small town with restaurants, historic hotel.

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