Backpack Buck Lakes Loop in the Emigrant Wilderness

There are many trail options so you can customize the length of the route to the experience you want. We actually sent two separate backpacking groups of 15, I describe our route but the other group did the same backwards and we crossed paths at Buck Lakes which was really awesome. Also, there are multiple places where the trail connects, like from Piute Meadow to Groundhog Meadow and from Gem Lake, which could be used to shorted the route. If we had an extra day, it would have also been an option to camp a night near buck lakes and take a day hike up to Emigrant Lake.

Day 1:Start: Crabtree Trailhead, ~7200ft.First night: Camp at Bear Lake (7691 ft.)

Day 2:Pass Piute Meadow and Piute Creek, (Piute Lake was dry), Gem Lake and Jewelry Lake. We stopped and swam in Jewelry Lake, it was amazing!Second night: Camp at Deer Lake (8461 ft.).

Day 3:Continue to Buck Lakes (~8300 ft.). Absolutely gorgeous! Continue along Wood Lake. We also stopped here for lunch and a swim.Third night: Camp at Groundhog Meadow (~7500ft.) or Grouse Lake (7129 ft.).

Day 4:Take trail back to Crabtree Trailhead (you'll ascend again up to about 7500ft. before descending back to 7200ft.).

This was just our itinerary - it can be modified depending on how much mileage you'd like to do each day, but I'd definitely recommend stopping and appreciating the lakes.

Here's a link to a good map: fs.usda.gov