8/3 Big Pine Lakes
I set off for Big Big Lakes around 4am from Orange County, intending to hike to the lakes the same day, and stay overnight at a campsite I managed to book at the last minute, just by the trailhead.
It was the first week of August 2025, and it had been over a year since I had been in the Sierra. The hourglass of summertime had been flowing out fast before me. With work, and commitments, I had little time for exploring or road trips this summer, so I was really looking forward to this. I had little sleep the night before, but it didn’t matter. I was determined to make the drive. I had waited too long for the opportunity, and now it was here.
Before long, the miles had flown by, and was on Hwy-395 heading north, the gateway to the sierra.
When I first spotted Mount Whitney again, it towered above like a ghost. Would I make it to this summit again? Only time would tell. I had to stop a moment to admire the peak of all peaks.
Once in Big Pine, it was about 8:30am, as I headed off into the hills, toward Big Pine Lake Campground.
This was my second time on this rugged two lane mountain road. The first time was in February of this same year, when I took a short hike in the snow, during a winter road trip.
I arrived at the campground, accessible only by a bridge, and quickly noticed, there was not much extra parking, and very strict parking rules all around, so much that a local resort was charging for a few spare spots by the bridge. The main problem with visiting here is the parking.
Since my camping spot was still occupied, I parked in the overflow and searched for the campground host to see where I could park today. The host was out to lunch. So I took a chance, left my camping permit on the dash, and headed off on my hike.
It was 10am when I finally was heading on down the trail. It was a late start, but not an impossible time, since it was summer, and days are long. I was welcomed right away by the rushing creek to my left.
Soon I passed over my first bridge, and completed with a tall waterfall cascading down.
The signs on the trail threw me off a bit, and I started hiking toward Brainerd Lake instead, but I was able to backtrack, reconnecting to the trail shortly afterward.
Now I was back on the trail to Big Pine Lakes. There are two options, an upper and a lower trail. I chose the lower trail, along the creek, which had more shade. It was already starting to feel hot out.
The trails were exposed, but flat and non-technical.
The views all around me were expansive, such as Mount Alice off to my left.
After more climbing I found myself hiking alongside a series of cascading waterfalls once again. The fast flowing water was beautiful, but I knew not to get too close. You would not want to fall in here.
I was now standing just above the first of many towering waterfalls along this trail. I was finally entering the John Muir Wilderness once again!
The scene kept changing and transforming. I was now surrounded by an enchanted forest.
I reached my first milestone of the hike, the Lon Chaney cabin.
The scene kept changing from towering forests to mountain vistas of wildflowers and granite.
I was surrounded by peaceful meadows once again with countless varieties of colorful blooms.
It was truly serene to walk through this mix of lush green meadows and tall pine forest, where you could truly smell the scent of pine.
The tumbling creek was an indicator of all the water I would soon be surrounded by, of the famous lakes.
As I climbed higher and higher I truly felt like I had entered the sierra again.
I was now just about a half mile from the first lake, and to my left the tumbling creek was now transformed into a wide and peaceful stream, perfect for fishing.
I could now see the famous Temple Crag, towering above, with just the fainted bit of snow still hanging on in one of its chutes.
There was so much water here, and some of it was flowing over the trail, prompting a bit of hopscotch.
It was now about 1:30pm, and I had been hiking for 3.5 hours. I still had not reached the lakes. I had not gone more than 3.7 miles at this point either. I was truly moving at a snail’s pace. I had not been at an altitude such as this for a very long time, in more than a year.
More water overflowed the trail. You would not need to bring all your water on this hike, that much is clear. I had a sawyer squeeze with me to take advantage of not needing to bring too much water along.
Finally I was on the home stretch so to speak, and at the 4 mile mark, when I reached Big Pine Lake #1.
Wow, I had never seen anything like this.
I had made it there before 2pm, but my hopes of hiking to all the lakes were waning. I was exhausted, and not in shape. I knew I was not getting to all the lakes, but hoped to at least hike to one more.
I hiked another half mile to Second Lake, and decided my true goal for the day was to make it to Third Lake and to find a swim spot to take a dip somewhere. I wanted to also take a break somewhere in the sunshine.
I finally made it to Third Lake by around 2:30pm and it did not disappoint. I explored around the peninsula jutting out into the lake, and found a spot that would not be too challenging to take a dip.
The water was extremely chilly, so I could only manage one dunk, and a few steps each time I went in.
It was some of the coolest cleanest water I had ever experienced in the sierra.
I stayed almost an hour here, before I knew I needed to head back, so I would not be hiking in the dark.
I felt truly renewed after this hike. I did not know if I could make a 10 mile hike to 10,250 feet in elevation, with 2500 feet of gain at that altitude. I had not been on a hike like this in a long time, and I was not sure if I was ready.
The views on the way back were quite stunning, and I made good time on the way back, reaching the trailhead just after 6pm, and my campsite by 6:30, just in time to figure out a dinner plan.
I ended the day watching the creek flow by, and sitting in my camp chair looking at the stars.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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