Big Pine Lakes via North Fork Trail

The North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail offers some of the best high alpine scenery in the Sierras. As the peaks of the Palisades pierce the sky with its craggy span of summits you will find it is as picturesque and dramatic as any in California. Nestled beneath these giant peaks are the glacier scoured basins, namely the largest Palisade Glacier, holding the scenic turquoise waters of Big Pine Lakes.

This semi-loop hike follows the North Fork trail to the magnificent waters of lakes 1-5 and continues on to the Black Lake Trail where you will descend and close the loop portion of the trip. With over 3000’ of elevation gain/loss at over 10,000’, most day hikers should find the 12.5 mile semi-loop to be plenty challenging. But extremely strong hikers will find trip extensions beyond the loop and to the Palisade Glacier well worth the extra time and energy.

An early morning start is best to avoid the heat of the first couple miles of arid hillside. The trail then cuts over to the creek where it stays mostly among trees. Soon the trail opens up offering views of rugged peaks especially the dramatic face of Temple Crag. To ensure you get an early start, it's best to reserve at campsite at Big Pine Creek Campground.

Trip extensions include a side trip to Sam Mack Meadow and the Palisade Glacier via the Glacier Trail. Along the way you get the most spectacular view of the Lakes 1-3. Only the most adventurous and experienced may continue on to climb steeply over talus, boulders, and slabs to reach an overlook of the Palisade Glacier. Another optional side trip includes a moderately steep climb and cross country route to Lakes 6-7 and Summit Lake. Follow the west shore of Fourth Lake to the open meadow like terrain around these lakes which afford great views of high mountain peaks, as well as the more distant Temple Crag.

Permits:

For overnight trips, wilderness permits are required. These can be reserved on recreation.gov. Permits can be reserved on recreation.gov 6-months in advance of the day you want to make the trip. They become available online at 7am PST. The remaining 40% (10 permits) become available 2-weeks before the trip date.

To get here:
From the US Highway 395 in the center of Big Pine, CA, turn west at Crocker Street and proceed out of town, as the road becomes Glacier Lodge Road. Follow the two lane road past campgrounds and the overnight parking for another three quarter of a mile to the day-use lot near the end of the road. Here you’ll find the trailhead for the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail.

Want to make this a longer backpacking trip? Check out Backpack to Fourth Lake.