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The Best Backpacking in Owens River

Looking for the best backpacking in Owens River? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Owens River. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Owens River

  • Big Pine, California

    Fourth Lake via Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail

    4.0
    12.6 mi / 3205 ft gain
    From Big Pine, you'll turn onto Crocker St. to head towards the mountains. Once you are about 11 miles down the road you will see a sign and a turnoff on the right for trailhead parking. That is where you are going to want to park if you are staying overnight but you can continue to where the roa...
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  • Big Pine, California

    Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake via North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail

    15.46 mi / 3780 ft gain
    Seventh Lake and Sixth Lake via North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Pine, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Glacier Lodge to Brainerd Lake

    8.37 mi / 3087 ft gain
    Glacier Lodge to Brainerd Lake is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Big Pine, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Long Lake via Bishop Pass

    5.51 mi / 991 ft gain
    Directions The trailhead for Long Lake starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head th...
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  • Bishop, California

    Climb Columbine Peak's NE Ridge

    15 mi / 5000 ft gain
    Directions This Bishop Pass Trail starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head the rest ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack into the Palisades from Bishop Pass

    18 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Drive up to the trailhead near South Lake from the town of Bishop (you can get directions at the Ranger Station when you get a permit). The hike goes from approximately 9,000 ft. to 13,000 ft. over the course of 9 miles.The first approximately 6 miles are on trail to the top of Bishop Pass. From ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Bishop Pass from Dusy Basin to South Lake

    13.72 mi / 2933 ft gain
    Bishop Pass from Dusy Basin to South Lake is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Big Pine, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail

    52.67 mi / 9173 ft gain
    Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Bishop Pass to Kearsarge Pass via John Muir Trail

    60.12 mi / 12671 ft gain
    Bishop Pass to Kearsarge Pass via John Muir Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Bishop Pass Trail -South Lake to LeConte Canyon

    21.57 mi / 5433 ft gain
    Bishop Pass Trail -South Lake to LeConte Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Bull Lake via Bishop Pass

    3.98 mi / 942 ft gain
    Bull Lake via Bishop Pass is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Treasure Lakes Trail

    5.0
    5.79 mi / 1375 ft gain
    The Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...
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  • Bishop, California

    Evolution Basin via South Lake

    35.66 mi / 7769 ft gain
    It’s been called the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of the entire 211-mile John Muir Trail. Whatever superlatives are used to describe it, Evolution Basin is undoubtedly one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever explore. There is a small catch, though: There is no easy ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Hike the Chocolate Lakes Loop

    7.4 mi / 1633 ft gain
    Begin at the South Lake Wildflower Trail and head toward Chocolate Peak (the brown peak on the horizon). Take note that the trail is not maintained once it leaves the main trail by long lake. Previous hikers have left rock cairns along the path to indicate the proper direction to take. It is sugg...
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  • Bishop, California

    Photography in the ButterMilks

    5.0
    The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...
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  • Bishop, California

    Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin

    8.53 mi / 2165 ft gain
    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 ...
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