Leavitt Lake in Stanislaus National Forest

Situated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. 

Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to Leavitt Lake, but a high clearance vehicle is required. Route 077 is located 3.8 miles east of Sonora Pass on Highway 108. The road entrance is not marked, but there is a gravel pullout with parking that is visible from where Highway 108 bends at Leavitt Creek. 

The best time to visit Leavitt Lake is late spring or early summer. The road is usually closed to vehicles well into the summer due to snow which decreases the amount of people visiting the lake. 

The trail/road roughly follows Leavitt Creek for three miles and ends at the gorgeous alpine lake flanked by a large mountain bowl that is usually covered in snow. For such a relatively short hike, the lake lies at an elevation of roughly 9500 feet and emanates the Sierra high country feel. 

Permits are not required for camping at Leavitt Lake, but if you plan to use this lake as a launch point into Emigrant or Hoover Wilderness, Wilderness Permits can be obtained at the Pinecrest Ranger Station. You can also do a great day hike up to Leavitt Peak to be rewarded with sweeping views of Emigrant, Hoover and Yosemite Wilderness. 

This lake also offers great fishing opportunities as the lake is full of Brooke and Rainbow Trout.