Eastern Sierras: Top 5 Day-Hikes for Beginner to Moderate Hikers

Alpine lakes, snow-laced mountains, sunset glows-- these were basically the themes of my summer full of California road trips due to travel restrictions outside of the USA.

This summer has brought in so many new hikers due to COVID since large gatherings were prohibited. With that, a lot of people turned to the outdoors for adventure and new experiences-- particularly in areas such as the Eastern Sierra Mountains. With some National Parks requiring permits, the Sierras make for a perfect on-a-whim weekend getaway since it has many incredible day-hikes.

For all of the hikers new to this area, these mountain ranges are STUNNING. It's a place where you can get those backcountry views within a few miles of hiking. But before you decide to plan a trip, please be responsible as a visiting human, and be aware of your impact on these environments. Remember to do full research on:

• The area you intend on visiting - specifically, campsite, food storage, waste accountability, and fire restrictions
• The location's COVID-19 policies 
• The Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles 

Basically, just be a decent human being and take out all your trash, do you research on camping regulations and trail conditions, be respectful to other hikers, don't feed or scare the animals, and dispose of your own human waste properly 💩

Note that the below hikes do not require a permit if you're just day-hiking them. But if you choose to backpack, permits may be obtained through recreation.gov. 

Note: Brace yourself, because I'm about to say the word "lakes" 17 times in this entire post.

TJ Lake via Lake George

Mileage: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 314 ft

Difficulty: Short, but moderate due to the quick elevation gain in half a mile

Features: Beautiful Lake George and serene TJ Lake

Terrain: Trail

Parking: Large parking lot

Dogs: Allowed

This hike starts at Lake George. which is just incredible. Imagine this wonderfully aquamarine body of water sitting in front of Crystal Crag. This lake is THE place to chill-- you'll find picnic-ers, paddleboarders, hikers, and hammock-ers hanging out by its shore. It's an amazing place to camp too, if you're able to find permits for it. Anyway, this hike is a great short activity to do if you're pressed for time. It's about a 1.5 mile round-trip hike, with all of its elevation gain in the last half. TJ lake is rewarding though!

Treasure Lakes Trail

Mileage: 4.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,463 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: 3 lakes, with an spectacular view of Mt Gilbert and Mt Johnson

Terrain: Trail + some streams

Parking: Medium parking lot - get here early if you're hiking in the morning

Dogs: Allowed

I did this hike towards the end of the day, but have heard that this parking lot gets pretty packed since the trailhead leads to a web of different trails. This trail was sooo scenic-- it starts at South Lake, and the path will take you on a gradual climb up the mountain. If you turn around, you'll see a panoramic view of the lake. You'll then head into an area with trees and streams. Once you're out of there, BOOM. Beautiful blue lakes and pointy mountain tops

 

Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes

Mileage: 7.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 994 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: Stunning line-up of mountains. Lakes on lakes on LAKES. Oh, and also several creeks that roll passed two wooden bridges. 

Terrain: The trail is straightforward, with some parts that may be rocky. There are also a few fun stream crossings

Parking: Medium parking lot - get here early if you're hiking in the morning. 

Dogs: Allowed (leashed)

If you only have half a day to spend on the trail, and are looking for a chill hike with rewarding views, I'd say this should probably be on the top of your to-do list. What I loved most about this hike was the amount of little lakes you can pass by, how gradual the incline is, and how beauutifully turquoise the last Gem Lake was -- it was ICE COLD since it is a glacial lake. You bet I took a dip.

 

Duck Pass and Pika Lake

Mileage: 9.5 mi

Elevation Gain: 2,132 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: Lakes on Lakes on .. OH HELLO Duck Lake + Pika Lake.🔥  Also, a panoramic view of more lakes when you climb up Duck Pass.

Terrain: Trail + rockiness

Parking: Large Parking lot

Dogs: Allowed

This hike took my breath away. I actually backpacked this one, but this is totally a doable full-day hike if you spend your time wisely at each lake. The best part about this trail was definitely the classic Mammoth postcard image -- a backdrop of snow-laced mountain ranges with the deep blue water of Duck Lake sparkling in front of it. If you're able to go to Pika Lake during your trip, do not miss it either! It's a quick hike around Duck Lake, and you'll be greeted by a nice icy, turquoise lake to swim in. 

Big Pine Lakes to Second Lake (Temple Crag)

Mileage: 9.2 miles 

Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Features: Alpine lakes so vibrant in color that it puts Gatorade to shame.

Terrain: Trail + rockiness

Parking: Two Parking lots (one for overnight backpackers, one for day-hikers)

Dogs: Allowed

The Second Lake at Big Pine Lakes is the crown jewel of the Sierras. This hike gets so many visitors due to the incredible color of its alpine waters and its epic backdrop of Temple Crag. This is a heavily trafficked trail for day-hikers and backpackers. A permit is needed to backpack here, and I'd say that the rangers are pretty on top of it when they check for reservations. 

Although summer is coming to an end, temperatures in the Eastern Sierras will remain relatively warm till early October. And after that, Fall colors will start to show in the leaves, and you'll find me making a trip down again for a different kind of scenery 🍁 🍂  

Hope you get an opportunity to visit soon. Enjoy the outdoors responsibly!