By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
The Road That Never Stops Giving
There’s a moment—usually somewhere between Big Pine and Mammoth—when the Sierra Nevada just takes your breath away. The shadows deepen in the canyons, the ridgelines sharpen, and suddenly every lake, trail, and dirt road feels like a secret you’re being invited to discover.
I remember one morning, boots laced in the cool dawn air at South Lake, watching the still water mirror the ridgeline above Long Lake. My pack was light, but the sense of anticipation was heavy—because every turn on this trail promises something jaw-dropping. That’s the gift of the Eastern Sierra. The more you explore, the more it gives. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, it humbles you with something you never expected.
In this guide, I’m not just listing places to go. I’m inviting you to step into the stories that have defined my own adventures and the experiences of countless Sierra lovers over the years. From high alpine basins to hidden hot pools, here are 12 jaw-dropping adventures you won’t want to miss on your next journey up Highway 395.
South Lake to Bishop Pass – Granite Majesty Above Long Lake
If there’s one trail that embodies the Eastern Sierra, it’s this one. The climb from South Lake to Bishop Pass is loaded with postcard-worthy moments—mirror reflections at Long Lake, the turquoise brilliance of Saddlerock and Bishop Lakes, and an optional loop through the Chocolate Lakes Basin.
- Distance: ~10 miles round-trip (longer with Chocolate Lakes loop)
- Trailhead: South Lake, Bishop
- Highlight: Sunrise on Long Lake with fish jumping and peaks glowing
Big Pine Lakes – Temple Crag and Turquoise Magic
A hike that feels more like an alpine pilgrimage. Seven glacier-fed lakes, each more surreal than the last. The turquoise tones here are unmatched, especially at Lakes 2 and 3, where Temple Crag rises like a cathedral.
- Distance: ~13 miles round-trip
- Trailhead: Glacier Lodge Road
- Highlight: Lake 2 framed by Temple Crag at midday
20 Lakes Basin – High Country Loop Near Tioga Pass
Off the beaten path and above the crowds, this loop offers a dozen glacial lakes, sweeping meadows, and views of North Peak and Mount Conness. Shamrock Lake is a standout—calm, clear, and almost always quiet.
- Distance: 4–8 miles loop
- Trailhead: Saddlebag Lake, Tioga Pass
- Highlight: Reflection shots at Lake Helen and Conness Lakes
Lundy Canyon – Waterfalls, Ghost Towns, and Fall Colors
This one’s for the explorer at heart. Climb past beaver ponds, crumbling mining cabins, and rushing waterfalls in a canyon that always surprises. In fall, it’s one of the best leaf-peeping trails in the state.
- Distance: ~5 miles round-trip
- Trailhead: Lundy Lake Road
- Highlight: Peak aspen color in early October
Little Lakes Valley – Gateway to Alpine Serenity
A Sierra classic. This high-altitude hike is beginner-friendly but packed with alpine drama. Lakes like Heart Lake, Box Lake, and Gem Lake unfold in a storybook setting under Bear Creek Spire.
- Distance: ~7.5 miles round-trip
- Trailhead: Mosquito Flat, Rock Creek Road
- Highlight: Wildflower meadows in early July
Convict Lake to Dorothy Lake – Classic Meets Hidden
Convict’s mirror surface and dramatic backdrop are iconic—but hiking past it toward Dorothy Lake offers a quieter, wilder version of the Sierra. Follow Convict Creek upstream to alpine solitude.
- Distance: ~8 miles round-trip
- Trailhead: Convict Lake
- Highlight: Early fall aspens at lake level, then rugged peaks above
June Lake Loop – Lakeside Life with Alpine Flair
This 14-mile scenic loop features four lakes: June, Gull, Silver, and Grant. It’s the perfect basecamp for kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing with a cold drink and a Carson Peak view.
- Access: June Lake Loop
- Optional Hike: Parker Lake Trail (3.6 miles)
- Highlight: Sunset from the beach at Silver Lake
Virginia Lakes to Frog or Summit Lake – High Elevation Escape
A stunning cluster of lakes at nearly 10,000 feet. The short hike to Frog Lake is great for families, while the push to Summit Lake offers expansive Hoover Wilderness views—and access to deeper backpacking routes like Green Creek.
- Distance: 2–6+ miles
- Trailhead: Virginia Lakes Road
- Highlight: Wildflowers and alpine tarns in mid-summer
Mammoth Lakes Basin + Crystal Lake Trail – The Overlook Above It All
Instead of sticking lakeside, climb up from Lake George to Crystal Lake. This moderate trail gives you one of the best overlooks of the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin and a gorgeous alpine lake as a reward.
- Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back
- Trailhead: Lake George, Mammoth
- Highlight: Crystal Crag rising behind the lake like a granite throne
Rainbow Falls – Water, Light, and Sound
At 101 feet, Rainbow Falls roars with power and mist. The hike is easy and family-friendly, but the view from the base—where the river explodes into color on a sunny day—is unforgettable.
- Distance: ~3 miles round-trip
- Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #9, Devils Postpile
- Highlight: Mid-morning light arcs a rainbow through the mist
Green Creek Canyon – Solitude in Hoover Wilderness
A lesser-known trail that sneaks you into big scenery. Follow Green Creek through granite-lined meadows to West Lake or Nutter Lake—or keep going for a true Sierra solitude experience.
- Distance: Variable; ideal for backpacking
- Trailhead: Green Creek Road
- Highlight: Wildlife sightings and quiet alpine meadows
Crystal Crag Scramble – For the Ambitious Explorer
Feeling bold? Skip the easy lakeside trails and climb above it all. Crystal Crag is a class 3 scramble from Mammoth Lakes Basin that rewards you with 360-degree views stretching to Yosemite and beyond.
- Distance: ~5–6 miles (some off-trail)
- Trailhead: Lake George
- Note: For experienced hikers with route-finding skills
- Highlight: Summit views over Lake Mary and Crystal Lake
Ready to Hit the Road?
From waterfall hikes to glacier-fed lakes, this isn’t just a travel list—it’s a passport to adventure. Whether you’re camping beneath the stars or driving up for a weekend getaway, these 12 spots offer the very best of the Eastern Sierra.
So go ahead—pack your boots, load the cooler, and pick a few favorites. The next jaw-dropping moment is just a trail away.
#DiscoverMoreSierra | #Highway395 | #SierraRecMagazine
FANTASTIC MAGAZINE! Outstanding articles! Well done kind sir.
Brian Martz