Are you looking for a weekend escape in the mountains but don’t want to venture too far from Southern California? Big Pine Lakes hike and a weekend in the Eastern Sierras is the perfect getaway.
The first time visiting Big Pine Lakes, it was almost hard to believe we were in Southern California! The turquoise blue lake and jagged mountain peaks felt like we had been transported somewhere else entirely. We have visited back to Big Pine Lakes many times and have crafted the ideal weekend in the Eastern Sierras! First, breakfast in Lone Pine to fuel up for the hike, followed by a day of hiking, then celebratory drinks at Jake’s Saloon, and ending the day camping in the Alabama Hills.
Where is Big Pine Lakes located?
Big Pine Lakes is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest. It is about a 4 hour drive from Los Angeles.
Do I need a permit to hike Big pine lakes?
No permit is required for a day hike; however, if you are planning a backpacking trip, then a wilderness permit is required. You can reserve a wilderness permit here. These overnight permits can be difficult to get, and that is why we recommend camping in the Alabama Hills.
Best time to visit?
Typically, it is recommended to hike Big Pine Lakes from June to October. The snowmelt can vary each year, and can change the experience. We recommend visiting July to September for the best chance for adequate snowmelt so you can witness the turquoise blue of the lake!
A Weekend in the Eastern Sierras: Itinerary
But first, breakfast
After a 4 hour drive from LA, the first stop on the weekend agenda is breakfast. A trip to the Eastern Sierras is not complete without breakfast at the Alabama Hills Cafe. Enjoy a scramble or hash, and grab a cookie to-go for the hike. Trust us, it will be more than enough food to power you through the start of the hike. From the cafe, it is an hour drive to the Big Pine Lakes trailhead.
Big Pine Lakes Hike
Quick Facts:
- Distance: 12 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,136 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimate time to complete: about 8 hours
The trail starts at the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail at the Big Pine Creek Campground. The trail takes you along a river, through the trees, and crosses a few waterfalls. You will then pass by the first lake until you reach the second lake, about 5 miles in. The second lake is the picturesque vista with the turquoise lake and Temple Crag mountain in the backdrop. This is a great place to enjoy lunch and go for a swim. We highly recommend continuing on to explore lakes four and five to enjoy the tranquility and quietness of the beautiful Eastern Sierras.
Hiking tips:
- Bring hiking poles to help with the steep incline and descent.
- Don’t forget bug spray as there are often mosquitoes near the lakes.
- There are a few very exposed areas of the hike, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Reward yourself with a dip in the glacier water! Note that the water is freezing, but so worth it! We recommend bringing a towel to dry off afterwards.
- Be prepared for the altitude/elevation gain. The trail starts at 7,700 feet and climbs to 10,700 feet. Everyone experiences high altitude differently, some symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. Be prepared with drinking adequate water and electrolytes at least 24 hours in advance! Take it slow and listen to your body.
Check out our All Trails Map
Celebrate, you finished the hike!
There’s no better way to celebrate completing 15 miles of hiking than with an ice-cold drink from Jake’s Saloon. This is a very locals-only dive bar in Lone Pine, which is a 1 hour drive from the trail. This is a great way to escape the heat and celebrate with a cold cider or beer!
Camping in Alabama Hills
After feeling rested, it is time to head to the Alabama Hills to camp for the night. The Alabama Hills are known for unique rounded rock formations at the base of the Eastern Sierras. It is located in BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) and it has plenty of dispersed camping sites, which are free! We recommend camping close to Movie Road for classic views of the Alabama Hills. You can either pitch a tent or car camp for a little more comfort. We typically bring food to cook up for dinner and watch the sunset. Time to reminisce on the day full of activities, complete with Big Pine Lakes hike and a weekend in the Eastern Sierras. We promise you that this weekend will leave you wanting to come back for more!
Tips for camping:
- It can be very hot in the summer months, and it helps waiting until the evening temperatures cool off before heading to the Hills to camp.
- Pack your cooler in advance with food to cook for dinner.
- Wake up early for the sunrise! You will see the pink hue from the sunrise light up Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the contiguous US!)
There are also campsites located near the trailhead, a popular one is Big Pine Lakes Campground. This is a great option due to its close proximity to the trail; however, it is often booked up! Camping in the Alabama Hills makes this weekend very accessible, especially for last minute hiking plans.
