Hike to George Lake
Details
Distance
9.2 miles
Elevation Gain
1050 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Mick O'Hare
About 2 hours from Fresno and a 4.6 mile hike will lead you to jagged towering peaks, scenic vistas and a handful of lakes.
The hike to George Lake starts out about 4 miles after you turn off 168 onto Kaiser Pass Rd. You'll want to park at the parking lot right before Badger Flat Campground. The parking lot is easy to notice and it is located on the right hand side of the road, two pit toilets and bear lockers are located here as well.
The trailhead is across the road (north-side) with a map detailing a section of the trail. The trail is easily marked and pretty worn down. Cattle and Horses frequently use the trail so the trail may get sandy in some parts. You'll want to follow the signs that point towards Twin Lakes. You'll start out with a slow ascent towards Potter Pass, which is about halfway to George Lake. You'll be rewarded with views of Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner as well as the Minarets to the northeast. The trail descends and you'll eventually come across a trail post telling you to turn left towards Twin Lakes. Another small ascent will take you up towards Lower Twin Lake and Upper Twin Lake shortly after. Once you arrive at Upper Twin Lake you'll only have about another mile left to George Lake.
Continue along the trial and follow the trail post telling you to turn left towards George Lake. The Twin Lakes area is quite popular but George Lake holds a bit more solitude. You'll know you have arrived at George lake as you'll see an unnamed peak towering in front of you.
If you plan on camping here be sure to pick up a Wilderness Permit at the High Sierra Ranger Station in Prather, CA.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Lakeshore.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Lakeshore.
Reviews
Leave a ReviewGeorge Lake is Spectacular
I use to be a Camp Counselor in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and we would spend our days off camping at this beautiful place! Awesome memories here. I wrote an "adventure" about Doris Lake. You should give that spot a visit the next time you're in this area.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.