Big Pine Lakes

This past weekend, I set out on a hike to Big Pine Lakes in the Eastern Sierras, and it was one of those trips where everything felt like an adventure—both in the best ways and the unexpected ones.

Big Pine Lakes: Where to Find Them and What to Expect

Big Pine Lakes is located near the town of Big Pine, California, about an hour from Bishop. The full trail is a 16-mile round trip that takes you past seven stunning alpine lakes, but most people, including me, aim for Lake 2. It’s an 11-mile round trip to get there, with a 3,000-foot elevation gain, reaching about 10,700 feet. The first two lakes are known for being the most breathtaking, so it's a popular turnaround spot for day hikers.

If you're planning to hike beyond Lake 2, keep in mind that most people who go further are camping overnight, which requires a permit.

The Hike and the Unexpected Weather

The hike started out warm, with temperatures in the 70s, and both Lakes 1 and 2 were lit by sunny, clear skies. The lakes are truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen—vibrant shades of turquoise that almost seem unreal, like someone turned up the saturation on nature. By the time we made it to Lake 2, we took a break to have lunch, soaking in the views for about 20 minutes.

Then, out of nowhere, we noticed clouds rolling in faster than I’ve ever seen. One minute, it was sunny, and the next, thunder rumbled in the distance. That was our cue to start heading back. As we started walking away from Lake 2, the sky opened up, and we got hit with a mix of hail and rain. It made for a pretty dramatic exit, but that's the Sierras for you—always keeping you on your toes!

A Stop at Lon Chaney’s Cabin

On the way back, we passed Lon Chaney’s cabin, which sits right along the trail. The cabin, once owned by the silent film star, has become a bit of a landmark, and a lot of hikers stopped there to sit on the porch and wait out the hail, snow, and rain. It’s a great spot to take a break and soak in the history while you’re surrounded by some seriously beautiful scenery.

Fall Colors: A Beautiful Bonus

While the lakes were the true stars of the show, the fall colors were a beautiful bonus. The aspens were bright yellow, and the reds and oranges popping against the rugged mountain backdrop made every part of the trail feel special. If you’re a fall foliage fan, this hike won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts

Even though I didn’t get to Lake 5 thanks to the storm, Big Pine Lakes was still worth every step. Between the otherworldly colors of the lakes, the dramatic weather, and the vibrant fall landscape, it’s a hike I’ll definitely remember. If you’re heading to the Eastern Sierras in the fall, make sure Big Pine Lakes is on your list—but maybe pack for all four seasons just in case!