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Lakes Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
12.13 mi
3,126 ft
Widely regarded as one of the most incredible day hikes in the USA!
The "Lakes Trail" moniker belies the grandeur of this 12-mile hike in Sequoia National Park! It routinely tops lists of not only the best hiking trails in California, but even the absolute best hikes in the entire nation!
This "popular route leads to a quartet of subalpine lakes situated in the upper reaches of Tokopah Valley," according to []( "The four lakes in question – Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear – provide excellent frontcountry backpacking options with the kind of scenery that usually requires a lot more effort to reach on the western side of the range," they continue.
While there are indeed a number of campsites located close to the lakes, high up in the valley, these few sites are in very high demand. You must have a permit to camp at them, and due to the competition, obtaining a permit is very difficult. Consequently, your best bet for visiting these four incredible lakes is planning a long day hike.
While the 12-mile hike with over 3,200 feet of elevation gain may be a bit long for some, everyone that's viewed the scenery from the Lakes Trail positively raves about it! Hiking & Walking says that you can expect "amazing views of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah Canyon and four beautiful lakes set amid glacier-carved basins framed by sheer granite cliffs and rugged ridges."
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
The "Lakes Trail" moniker belies the grandeur of this 12-mile hike in Sequoia National Park! It routinely tops lists of not only the best hiking trails in California, but even the absolute best hikes in the entire nation!
This "popular route leads to a quartet of subalpine lakes situated in the upper reaches of Tokopah Valley," according to []( "The four lakes in question – Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear – provide excellent frontcountry backpacking options with the kind of scenery that usually requires a lot more effort to reach on the western side of the range," they continue.
While there are indeed a number of campsites located close to the lakes, high up in the valley, these few sites are in very high demand. You must have a permit to camp at them, and due to the competition, obtaining a permit is very difficult. Consequently, your best bet for visiting these four incredible lakes is planning a long day hike.
While the 12-mile hike with over 3,200 feet of elevation gain may be a bit long for some, everyone that's viewed the scenery from the Lakes Trail positively raves about it! Hiking & Walking says that you can expect "amazing views of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah Canyon and four beautiful lakes set amid glacier-carved basins framed by sheer granite cliffs and rugged ridges."
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Peak Trail - Start | 0.69 mi | 364 ft | 10.0% |
| Emerald Lake | 4.14 mi | 2,044 ft | 8.4% |
| Pear Lake | 5.11 mi | 2,192 ft | 8.1% |
| How far you in? | 2.25 mi | 1,230 ft | 10.3% |
| Aster Lake | 3.44 mi | 1,919 ft | 10.4% |
| Watchtower | 2.76 mi | 1,562 ft | 10.7% |
| Lodgepole Rd Climb | 0.45 mi | 341 ft | 14.1% |
| Lodgepole Rd Climb | 0.58 mi | 515 ft | 16.7% |
| Lodgepole Rd Climb | 0.24 mi | 171 ft | 13.4% |
| Lodgepole Rd Climb | 0.40 mi | 131 ft | 6.1% |
| Lodgepole Rd Climb | 0.35 mi | 223 ft | 12.1% |