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Big Pine Lakes

Inyo National Forest · Inyo · Managed by Inyo National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 46/100 · Strenuousout and back#alpine-lakes#palisades#eastern-sierra#photography
Distance
13.5 mi
Total gain
7,086 ft
Net gain
3,462 ft
Net loss
3,462 ft
Elevation
7,721–11,237 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Big Pine Lakes is the classic Palisades backpack: a steady 6.75-mile climb from Glacier Lodge past turquoise lakes to Sam Mack Meadow, in the shadow of the highest peaks in the range. With three 14,000-foot summits — North Palisade, Mount Sill, and Middle Palisade — hanging overhead, it is the most dramatic lake basin on the east side.

Highlights

  • The Palisades' three 14ers towering over the upper basin
  • Emerald-blue lakes fed by the Palisade Glacier's meltwater
  • Temple Crag's fluted towers over Second and Third Lakes
  • Glacier-clad walls at sunset from Sam Mack Meadow

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Big Pine Creek Trailhead (Glacier Lodge) (7,721 ft · parking: End of Glacier Lodge Road, west of Big Pine)
  • Water: Big Pine Creek the entire way, plus the lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Big Pine has groceries and lodging at the base of the canyon.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Big Pine Creek North Fork entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: 60% of quota released six months out, 40% two weeks out, at 7 a.m. PT.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are allowed in existing rings unless current Inyo NF fire restrictions are in effect. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: The lower lakes melt out by mid-June; Sam Mack Meadow holds snow into July.

Heat: Cool on the trail; Big Pine below can exceed 100°F in summer.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 3,400 feet of climbing in under 7 miles — start early in summer heat
  • Bear canisters are required; this is active bear country
  • The final mile to Sam Mack Meadow is loose and steep
  • Permits are quota'd; reserve early for summer weekends

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 20520133 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / U.S. Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262. Accessed 2026-09-07. Year-round permit requirement, quota release schedule, and food-storage rules.
  2. Inyo National Forest alerts and fire restrictions. U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions-effect. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Current Stage 1 fire restrictions affecting campfires and stoves.
  3. North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail route relation 20520133. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/20520133. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; distance and elevation statistics computed from this track.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.