Big Pine, California
Big Pine, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures. One must-visit attraction is the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail. This 16.2-mile trail is moderately difficult, offering scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. As you hike, you'll pass by several crystal-clear alpine lakes, including Second Lake and Third Lake, known for their turquoise hues. The trail also features striking rock formations and the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada, the Palisade Glacier. For a shorter hike, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest trail is a 4.4-mile loop near Big Pine. This trail is best known for its ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of which are over 4,000 years old. Both trails offer unique, breathtaking views and are among the best trails and outdoor activities in Big Pine.
Top Spots in and near Big Pine
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Bishop, California
Patriarch Grove Trail
0.44 mi / 95 ft gainPatriarch Grove Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike Pine Creek Pass to Lower Pine Lake
10 mi / 2500 ft gainThe Pine Creek Pass is usable for day hiking and overnight adventures. If you'd like to spend the night, be sure to pickup a wilderness permit! If you plan to bring a four legged friend, make sure to indicate that on your wilderness permit request. There are several lakes you can stop at througho...Read more -
Independence, California
Charlotte Lake via Kearsarge Pass
4.016.38 mi / 4078 ft gainThis adventure begins at Onion Valley Campground outside of Independence, CA. The parking is abundant and the road is snow dependent. Snow will be plowed as long as it is not currently being hit with a massive storm. Dogs are allowed on trail up to Kearsarge Pass (4.5 miles from the trailhead). H...Read more -
Independence, California
Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes
5.026.02 mi / 7106 ft gainThe hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...Read more -
Independence, California
Summit Mt. Gould
9 mi / 3812 ft gainStarting at 9,200 feet at Onion Valley Campground, take Kearsarge Pass Trail. The hike begins immediately with a substantial increase in elevation, switchbacking up the mountain. On the way up rest and enjoy the beautiful alpine lakes, which include Gilbert, Flower, Heart and Big Pothole Lake. Fl...Read more -
Independence, California
Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney
47.35 mi / 11745 ft gainTrip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley. Our fi...Read more -
Independence, California
Flower Lake from Onion Valley
5.04 mi / 1352 ft gainMake sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...Read more -
Bishop, California
Climb White Mountain Peak
4.314 mi / 2000 ft gainNot surprisingly, White Mountain Peak is the apex of the White Mountains, which rise out of the desert floor just north of Death Valley. The White Mountains were aptly named as they are frequently covered in snow.The trailhead starts at 12,000ft and winds it's way over a few hills before the fina...Read more -
Seven Pines, California
Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass
5.026.66 mi / 10653 ft gainThis trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...Read more -
Sierra, California
Rae Lakes Loop
5.039.08 mi / 7316 ft gainDay one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. ...Read more -
Sierra, California
Hike to Mist Falls
4.59 mi / 600 ft gainThe trailhead starts at Roads' End (the end of Hwy 180). Take the Bubbs Creek/Kanawyer Loop Trail and hike east. For the first three miles the trail is relatively flat through an open pine forest. Make sure to look up as there are some great views of the valley. The granite walls on both sides of...Read more -
Independence, California
Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail
5.02.22 mi / 112 ft gainManzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike Morgan Pass to 7 Scenic Lakes
5.010 miTake the 395 North for 20 miles past Bishop and make a left on Rock Creek Road. Follow this road for 10 miles until you reach the free parking area at the Mosquito Flats Trailhead. Even on a holiday weekend, finding parking wasn’t a problem. The trailhead offers easy access to bathrooms and bear ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Fish for a Sierra Grand Slam in Little Lakes
Access to this relatively mellow (for the Sierras) trail can be reached via Rock Creek Road off of Highway 395, north of the town of Bishop, California. Following Rock Creek road southwest until its terminus will take you directly to the parking lot and signed trailhead for Little Lakes Valley.Fr...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack to Ruby Lake
5.04 mi / 1000 ft gainAt 10,200 feet, the trailhead (Little Lakes Valley) for Ruby Lake is one of the highest (if not the highest) in the Sierra. Meaning you get right to the heart of the mountains quickly. Ruby Lake itself is at 11,200 feet elevation.How to get there: At Tom's Place off of Hwy 395, turn southwest int...Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike to Little Lakes Valley in the John Muir Wilderness
5.03.2 mi / 300 ft gainThe Little Lakes Valley located in the John Muir Wilderness provides easy access to spectacular views of High Sierra peaks as well as a long list of beautiful alpine lakes.The area is accessed via the Mono Pass Trail starting from Mosquito Flat/Little Lakes Trailhead. From the trailhead at the e...Read more
