01
High Sierra classic
Bishop Pass Trail from South Lake
Bishop Creek Canyon • Alpine Lake And High-Pass Trail • Best Overall Pick
A big, rewarding climb past a chain of sapphire lakes to a panoramic High Sierra pass.
Starting at South Lake, this trail wastes no time getting you into classic granite-and-lake scenery, with views improving at every switchback. Strong hikers can push all the way to Bishop Pass for sweeping looks into Kings Canyon country, while others can turn around at any of the lakes for a shorter but still stellar outing. Expect thin air, real elevation gain, and some lingering snow early in the season.
02
Scenic half-day hike
Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake
Sabrina Basin • Alpine Out-And-Back Trail • Best For First-Time Visitors
A approachable climb from a roadside reservoir to a classic Eastern Sierra alpine lake basin.
From the Lake Sabrina parking area, the trail follows the inlet and then climbs steadily through granite slabs and pockets of fir into a basin studded with lakes. Blue Lake makes a natural turnaround, with plenty of rock perches for lunch and photos of jagged ridgelines. It feels wild and high-country without committing to a huge mileage day, making it a solid choice for acclimating or mixed-ability groups.
03
High-elevation sampler
Little Lakes Valley via Mosquito Flat
Rock Creek Canyon, North Of Bishop • Gentle Valley Trail Linking Alpine Lakes • Easiest High-Country Access
High elevation, big peaks, and a chain of lakes on a mellow, largely family-friendly trail.
Reaching the Mosquito Flat trailhead involves a scenic drive up Rock Creek, but the payoff is instant access to thin-air scenery with relatively modest effort. The path rolls gently along Little Lakes Valley, passing meadows and a series of clear tarns framed by towering granite walls. You can turn around at any lake to match your energy and the altitude, making this an easy hike to tailor to the day.
04
Turquoise lake showcase
Big Pine Lakes Trail
Big Pine Creek Canyon, South Of Bishop • Steep Canyon Trail To Glacial Lakes • Most Dramatic Scenery
A strenuous canyon climb to vividly turquoise lakes beneath the spires of the Palisades.
The Big Pine Lakes trail gains quickly out of the desert edge into cool forest, then settles into a steady climb along the creek toward the high cirque at the head of the canyon. Above, a string of glacially fed lakes glows an unreal blue-green beneath the Palisade peaks, making the effort feel worthwhile the moment you crest the final rise. It is a big day in terms of elevation and distance, so start early, carry plenty of water, and plan to linger at the lakes if the weather cooperates.
05
Ancient-tree wander
Methuselah Trail, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
White Mountains, East Of Bishop • Subalpine Loop Through Ancient Bristlecone Pines • Best Cool-Weather Outing
A moderate high-desert loop among twisted, ancient bristlecones with big views over the Owens Valley and Sierra crest.
High above the valley, the Methuselah Trail winds through groves of some of the oldest living trees on earth, their gnarled trunks catching late light in striking patterns. The loop undulates over open ridges and sheltered draws, mixing close-up tree time with wide panoramas across to the Sierra. With its cooler temperatures and firm tread, it is a rewarding change of pace when the Bishop Creek trailheads feel crowded or too stormy.