01
Iconic alpine classic
Big Pine Lakes via North Fork (First and Second Lakes)
Big Pine Creek North Fork Canyon • Full-Day Alpine Lake Hike • Bucket-List Adventure
The signature Big Pine hike, climbing to shockingly turquoise lakes backed by the high Sierra crest.
Starting from the Big Pine Creek trailhead west of town, this route climbs steadily past waterfalls and pine benches to the first two Big Pine Lakes. The elevation gain is real, but the payoff is those glacially fed, bright-blue basins framed by Temple Crag and a skyline of 14ers. Go early for cooler temps and better parking, and plan a full day so you can linger at the lakes instead of racing the descent.
02
Best glacier views
Palisade Glacier via Big Pine Creek North Fork
High Basin Above Big Pine Lakes • High-Elevation Glacier Approach • Best For Strong Hikers
A demanding extension past the Big Pine Lakes to the last active glacier in the Sierra Nevada.
From the same North Fork trail, you continue beyond the main lakes on rougher, steeper terrain to reach the moraine below Palisade Glacier. The air gets thinner, the crowds thin out, and the landscape shifts from forest and meadows to stark rock and ice. This is a long, strenuous day that rewards fit, well-acclimated hikers with a truly wild, high-alpine feel that’s rare in California.
03
Quieter canyon alternative
Big Pine Creek South Fork to Brainerd Lake
Big Pine Creek South Fork Canyon • Forest-And-Meadow Canyon Trail • Peaceful Alternative To The Main Lakes
A less-traveled route up the South Fork drainage to a pretty timberline lake and wide-open views.
While most visitors head for the North Fork, the South Fork trail offers similar granite walls and creek sounds with far fewer boots on the path. The climb is steady but more gradual, threading through forest, open clearings, and pockets of wildflowers before topping out at Brainerd Lake. It’s a great choice if you want big scenery with a bit more solitude and don’t mind a longer, moderate-effort day.
04
Best shorter outing
First and Second Falls from Glacier Lodge Area
Above Glacier Lodge Near Trailhead • Creekside Waterfall And Cabin Walk • Best For Families And Acclimation
A shorter hike that follows Big Pine Creek to airy viewpoints over cascades and old cabins.
Leaving from the Glacier Lodge area, this route climbs along the creek past historic stone cabins and shady benches to overlooks of First and Second Falls. You still get that classic Big Pine granite-and-water combo without committing to the full lakes loop. It’s ideal for families, late starts, or a first-day acclimation walk before tackling bigger mileage higher up the canyon.
05
Low-key valley option
Bishop Creek Canal and Buckley Ponds Loop
Owens Valley North Of Big Pine • Gentle Canal And Pond-Side Path • Best Easy Walk With Views
A mellow loop along an irrigation canal and ponds, with broad Sierra views and plenty of birdlife.
A short drive north toward Bishop brings you to flat, easy walking along the Bishop Creek canal and the Buckley Ponds. This is a great choice when high trails are snowy, when you need a recovery day, or if you’re hiking with mixed abilities. Expect big open-sky vistas of the Sierra wall, frequent anglers and waterfowl, and sunsets that turn the range pink while you stroll on mostly level ground.