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Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin

Bishop, California

Details

Distance

8.53 miles

Elevation Gain

2165 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sara Kaiser

Gorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. 

There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it can be difficult to find the trail but there is one, look for it toward the right after you pass the stream where the outlet of the lake is--if you can't find it you can usually wander your way onto it as long as you roughly follow the shoreline of Blue Lake). 

There will be a sign for Donkey Lake and Dingleberry Lake. Go left toward Donkey Lake. (Donkey Lake is easier to get to but not as cool.) Continue straight when you see the Donkey Lake sign telling you to go left. Now things get pretty steep and the trail can be faint so stay alert. Eventually you will be able to see Donkey Lake to your left, below. Soon after that you will reach the top of your hike and see Baboon Lakes a couple hundred feet below. The trail dissolves quickly so just head for the shore. You can walk around to the back of the second lake and explore the area. It took me about an hour to get from Blue Lake to Baboon Lakes.

You can see Donkey Lake pretty well from one of the granite features and if you're feeling adventurous it is possible to get to it cross-country. Do not do this if you are not an experienced hiker who is familiar with the mountains. It took me 45 minutes to do this and I had people with me. Otherwise, simply retrace your steps back to Blue Lake (or add Donkey Lake in via the proper trail).

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Features

Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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