Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)

Start by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance.

To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this road for about 30 minutes, following signs that point towards Crabtree Trailhead (7,200 ft). There's an overflow parking lot there with ample spots, which I've never had an issue with. The actual trailhead can be difficult to spot depending on where you parked, but it's in the NW corner of the lot.

Once you cross a small bridge, stay right for the trail to Bear Lake. Soon after, you'll start your uphill climb for about a mile but it smoothes out nicely after that. At around 2.5 miles in, you'll reach Camp Lake - a great place to stop for lunch but camping is not allowed. Keep walking through the forest for another mile until you hit the rocks on the western side of Bear Lake (7,700 ft).

If you navigate along a narrow trail to the northern section of the lake, you'll find a variety of established campsites with soft and flat ground. You can camp out on the first rocky area you hit, but the ground is a bit tougher. Take a walk around the lake or go for a cold swim once you're all set up. Sunset is gorgeous over the lake as the sun cuts through the mountains around you.