Hike It Off Magazine Issue Two

SIX Incredible Day Hikes in the Eastern Sierra

By: Emily Pennington

We can't get enough of the Sierra! It's one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world and we have put together a list of six of the most incredible day hikes in the Eastern Sierra!

Photo by Yolanda Nowicki

With its jagged, toothy crags, shimmering aquamarine lakes, and multitude of back country camping options, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Eastern Sierra. Home to the tallest point in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney, the trails here range from mellow day treks to gargantuan mountaineering quests. Though drier and less green than the west side of the mountain range, the trip options are vast and varied, offering up a chance for solitude seldom encountered in the National Parks to the west. Look out, Yosemite.

I’ve created a list a few of my favorite jaunts in the Eastern Sierra. They vary greatly in terms of difficulty and elevation, leaving a little something for everyone to explore.

ONE.

CONVICT LAKE LOOP

Just two miles off the 395 highway lies a gateway to one of the most majestic alpine lakes in the entire Sierra range. Convict Lake takes its grim name from an incident in 1871 in which a group of convicts escaped from prison in Carson City. Sheriff Morrison organized a posse to track them down, and he was killed in a shootout near the tarn. The towering, back face of Mt. Morrison that dominates the southern edge of the lake was named after him. This mellow, 3-mile loop trail seems to make all the “top ten” lists, and it’s easy to see why. From the paved

parking area, hikers traverse a relatively flat trail that circumnavigates the lake’s shore, taking in jaw-dropping views of Laurel Mountain, Convict Canyon, and Mt. Morrison along the way.There are ample boulders to stop, rest, fish, or simply enjoy thescenery. A .25-mile wheelchair accessible trail extends across the lake’s southeastern border from the parking lot. There’s not a bad view in the whole place, and the trail is suitable for families with small kids.

Hit not one but two iconic Mammoth landmarks on this 5.5- mile round-trip hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This hike can be a bit of a bear to get to, due to the strict shuttle system to get down the road during summermonths, but don’t let that deter you! It is well worth the effort. Begin by grabbing a Reds Meadow shuttle ticket at the Mammoth Adventure Center, across from the Main Lodge. Wait in the queue and then take the 20-30 minute shuttle ride own a steep hill with spectacular views of the sharp shark’s teeth of the Minaret Range. Hop off the shuttle at the Devils Postpile stop and stay a few minutes for the ranger-led presentation, if you’re lucky enough to catch one!

From here, it’s an easy and flat halfmile (each way) trek over to Devils Postpile itself. Hikers who want to go chasing waterfalls (don’t say I didn’t warn you!) will continue south for a little over two miles, veering right at the junction towards Rainbow Falls. This 101-foot cascade of roaring water creates a rainbow arc when the sun hits it just right, and I highly recommend strolling down the steep path to check out the view from the bottom of the falls too.

When you’re ready, just turn around and head back up the way you came, this time turning towards Reds Meadow at the junction and taking the shuttle back from there.

TWO.

DEVILS POSTPILE & RAINBOW FALLS

THREE.

LAMARCK LAKES

Often overlooked by popular overnights out of South Lake and Lake Sabrina, the steep, dusty trail up to Lamarck Lakes is an epic half-day hike for anyone looking to get in a leg-busting workout before lunchtime. Park in the North Lake lot and take a half-mile stroll down the dirt road leading towards the North Lake Campground. You’ll nab a commanding view of Mt. Emerson’s imposing crags along the way. Then, follow signage in the campground to the trailhead and get ready to climb! The hike to Upper Lamarck Lake may only be 2.7 miles, but in that short distance, hikers will find themselves gaining over 1,700 feet of elevation. Add on the fact that the trail starts at 9,300 feet above sea level, and you’ve got a recipe for a pretty breathless hike.

The path zigs and zags through groves of quaking aspen trees that shuffle in the wind, eventually spitting hikers out at the first of the two impossibly blue tarns. There are some phenomenal backcountry campsites to be found on the east side of the lake, if you’re looking to overnight it. After you’ve checked out the lower lake, you’ll amble past a small waterfall descending from Upper Lamarck Lake, pass through a field of wildflowers, and rock hop across a stream before reaching your final destination.

FOUR.

DUCK LAKE

Though many people choose to backpack overnight on this trail and sleep at Pika Lake, I’m of the opinion that it makes for a pretty stellar all-day excursion as well. The 10.3-mile journey passes through a series of pristine, aquamarine lakes and up and over a high mountain pass. It pack so much into such a short mileage that it’s truly one of those “only in theSierra” hikes. From the Duck Pass Trailhead (ample parking and flush toilets – woohoo!), follow signs pointing towards Duck Pass. You’ll climb uphill under a canopy of towering lodgepole pines and quickly find yourself passing a series of side trails leading down to Emerald, Skelton, and Barney Lakes. Make sure you’ve got enough water at this point, because the hardest part is yet to come!

Slowly hike uphill across several switchbacks cleverly cut into a talus field leading up towards Duck Pass. Once you’ve reached the top, rejoice! You’ll have an incredible view of the bright, teal water of Duck Lake. Skip down the remaining trail to the water’s edge and maybe stop here for a lunch break before the long journey home.

FIVE.

CRYSTAL LAKE

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At only 3.2 miles, this trail somehow manages to pack in the best of Mammoth Lakes into one tiny package, giving hikers an amazing view of one of the area’s premiere rock climbing destinations – Crystal Crag.

From the Crystal Crag Trailhead, hikers will steadily ascend a series of well-maintained switchbacks, shaded by a multitude of massive, green pine trees. Be sure to turn around once in a while and check out the view as you climb. When the weather’s good, you’ll be able to see Lake George, Lake Mary, and the town of Mammoth Lakes. Turn left at the junction and continue on to Crystal Lake.

If you’re looking to relax and have an afternoon picnic, I recommend traversing the banks of this glittering tarn around to the east side of the lake, where it’s much flatter and easier to hang out. The trail itself is an out-andback, so just turn and head back to your vehicle when you’re ready.

You know it, you love it, you’ve probably seen it all over Instagram. The North Fork of Big Pine Creek is one of the most infamous hikes in the entire Sierra Nevada. Hikers from across the country trek the 9-mile out-and-back trail to snap epic selfies and postcard-worthy panoramas of themselves in front of the climbing mecca itself – Temple Crag. The trail is actually much longer than the 9-miles I’ll describe here, offering fantastic opportunities for multi-day backpacking trips and hikes out to see the Palisade Glacier and several other glacially fed alpine lakes in the area.

Begin at the trailhead at the end of Glacier Lodge Road, carefully turning towards the north fork of the creek at the signed junction. From here, you’ll climb up, up, up a series of switchbacks, passing rushing waterfalls bursting with snow melt, groves of quaking aspens, and an old, abandoned cabin that once belonged to Lon Chaney.

Just under 4 miles in, you’ll come across the first of the famous Big Pine Lakes. This lake also boasts a magical view and is a fine place to turn around if you’ve had enough of the altitude. But, if you’re looking to get that iconic shot, head on up the trail to the Second Big Pine Lake and find yourself a large boulder to bask in the sun in celebration.This journey is an out-and-back, so just turn around and head back down the mountain when you’re ready to go.

SIX.

NORTH FORK OF BIG PINE CREEK