Big Pine Lakes is a famous area near Big Pine, CA about 1 hour south of Bishop – and for good reason! The trail brings you to multiple jaw-dropping alpine lakes and because it’s a there-and-back trail, you can turn around whenever you feel like it.
HIKE THE BIG PINE LAKES
If you are heading to the Bishop and Eastern Sierras area, you have probably heard of Big Pine Lakes. It is one of the most famous hikes in the area because of its spectacular views and accessibility.
On a sunny day, the water color is absolutely stunning turquoise. Unfortunately, when we went, it was cloudy. But you can see from the photos that the views were still gorgeous. The Sierras are always in the background and add to the dramatic landscape of the Big Pines Lake area.
Trail Info
Trail Distance: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,900′ up to ~10,000+ ft!
Terrain Rating: Easy Side of Moderate
Hike In: 1PM
Hike Out: 6PM
Dog Friendly: Yes
Bugs: None (in May)
Trailhead: Park at the Big Pine Lakes Campground and then head outside, turn left (away from going downhill)
When to Hike Big Pine Lakes
The best time to hike Big Pine Lakes is from April to October. The weather is generally a lot better, with temperatures warming up to 70 degrees in April.
During the winter, it gets extremely cold up in the Bishop area. After all, Mammoth Ski Resort is not too far away. Of course, it’s still hike-able in the winter, but you will reach completely different conditions and will likely need snowshoes, crampons, etc.
BIG PINE LAKE hike DETAILS
For this hike, we chose the North Fork Trail to go to Lakes #1-2. The entire hike was a little over 9 miles, about 4.5 miles each way. The trails itself is not very hard – there are many switchbacks that make the incline gradual. But for me the altitude was a little tough because we were at sea level in the AM, and 10,000 ft by 4PM! I know I’m not the best with high altitudes (SBN never has any issues) so I took the ascent nice and slow.
The signs for North Fork are well-marked and easy to follow so you shouldn’t need to prep too much beforehand for the hike. The hike starts near these cabins by the Big Pine Campground (but outside of the campground). A few minutes in, you will hit the junction for North Fork and South Fork. Take North Fork. From there you start your switchbacks.
Less than 1 mile in, you’ll hit a wooden post on the ground and a flat dirt road perpendicular to the trail you came on. Make a right here (it’s also written on the wooden post). It’s another mile or so before you hit the John Muir Wilderness sign.
About 2.5 miles after you started your hike, you’ll see a cabin. This means you’re getting close to the first lake! Keep hiking up the switchbacks for another 1.5 miles and you’ll soon see the first lake. There is a good viewpoint if you take the first left out onto a ledge.
The second lake is almost next door to Lake #1. I thought the second lake was a bit more dramatic, so we took a quick snack break at Lake #1 and then went over to the 2nd for proper chill time.
After enjoying the scenery, the turnaround was quick. We only spent 2 hours going back down (vs. 3 hours coming up!)
WHAT TO PACK for Big Pine Lakes
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Having the right shoes is super important. Whether you like lighter shoes like I do or a sturdier hiking boot, Hoka One One and Salomon are my go-to shoes. The Hoka One Ones feel more like a sneaker so they are more lightweight. If I want more stability for my ankles, I will go with Salomon. Big Pine Lake is generally a pretty well-maintained trail, so I would go with a sneaker-type shoe here.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is super important out in Big Pine Lake, even if it is not super sunny out. Given the higher elevation, you will get some sun damage if you aren’t protected.
Water Storage
I personally prefer using an MSR Drom Bag rather than water bottles. It’s easier to drink the water because the tube is right where you need it on your pack. Here are some good options.
Gear for your Dog
Finally don’t forget to keep your dog safe. Big Pine Lakes and the general Bishop and Big Pines Lake area is super dog friendly.
Have you been to Big Pine Lakes before? What did you like about it?
One Comment
Thanks for the write up and photos! This is noted as a May hike — was that last year or some previous year?