75 photos
Perhaps the best place in the Eastern Sierras to get acclimatized for high-elevation hikes is the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail. With the trailhead starting at over 10,000 ft and climbing to nearly 11,000 ft over approximately 4 miles (one-way), it provides a moderately difficulty hike through stunning scenery. The trail features an extensive chain of serene lakes (Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake, Chickenfoot Lake, and the appropriately named Gem Lakes). The valley of lakes is framed by the spectacular 13,000 ft peaks of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills. In summer, wildflowers line the trail and fill several meadows along the way.
This is a popular route, and parking can be difficult to find at the trailhead. In the middle of the day during summer, it is common to find families and groups, meaning the trail does not always offer seclusion and quiet. But an early start and a late finish will help avoid most of the crowds (and make it possible to find a parking spot).
We arrived early, bringing our breakfast with us and enjoying it at the picnic tables located across the stream from the parking lot. Even arriving before 8 am, we took the last parking place. But we started after most of the early crowd had already made their way along the trail, and forested trails and the sound of the rushing stream gave us a feeling of having the trail to ourselves. The trail climbs steadily but gently before plateauing, and it passes by several meadows, some of them filled with wildflowers. We climbed over boulders to reach wonderful overlooks of the lakes, and we followed side trails that took us along the shore of some of the lakes. These side trips added over two miles to our hike totals, but they provided some exquisite views and peaceful moments to soak in the scenes. The trail climbs again as it reaches Gem Lakes, and not being accustomed to the elevation, it seemed a demanding incline. At Gem Lakes we took a break beneath the rugged peaks that rise out of the crystal-clear emerald waters, taking in the breathtaking scene and appreciating the unique beauty of this alpine lake.
Waiting until late afternoon to start the trek back down the valley, we encountered few people, allowing us to walk in silence, soaking in the beauty that surrounded us. The soft light on the peaks and calm surfaces of the lakes filled our entire being with calm and inspiration. It was a good prelude for the hikes that lay ahead.
This is a popular route, and parking can be difficult to find at the trailhead. In the middle of the day during summer, it is common to find families and groups, meaning the trail does not always offer seclusion and quiet. But an early start and a late finish will help avoid most of the crowds (and make it possible to find a parking spot).
We arrived early, bringing our breakfast with us and enjoying it at the picnic tables located across the stream from the parking lot. Even arriving before 8 am, we took the last parking place. But we started after most of the early crowd had already made their way along the trail, and forested trails and the sound of the rushing stream gave us a feeling of having the trail to ourselves. The trail climbs steadily but gently before plateauing, and it passes by several meadows, some of them filled with wildflowers. We climbed over boulders to reach wonderful overlooks of the lakes, and we followed side trails that took us along the shore of some of the lakes. These side trips added over two miles to our hike totals, but they provided some exquisite views and peaceful moments to soak in the scenes. The trail climbs again as it reaches Gem Lakes, and not being accustomed to the elevation, it seemed a demanding incline. At Gem Lakes we took a break beneath the rugged peaks that rise out of the crystal-clear emerald waters, taking in the breathtaking scene and appreciating the unique beauty of this alpine lake.
Waiting until late afternoon to start the trek back down the valley, we encountered few people, allowing us to walk in silence, soaking in the beauty that surrounded us. The soft light on the peaks and calm surfaces of the lakes filled our entire being with calm and inspiration. It was a good prelude for the hikes that lay ahead.
© Sustaining Images, All Rights Reserved