Spring hiking can be a challenge in the Eastern Sierra’s, not to mention unpredictable due to varying snow levels and melt. We decided to venture out to Hoover Wilderness near Bridgeport to explore the area around Twin Lakes and hike along Robinson Creek with hopes of making it to Barney Lake.
Of course, the drive along Highway 395 through Bridgeport is incredible in itself. To get to the trailhead, head towards Annette’s Mono Village by taking Twin Lakes Road right inside of town.
Twin Lakes Road is a very scenic road that winds around both Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. On this particular day, both lakes were exceptionally picturesque as they were both beginning to thaw and made for some stunning scenery with great views of the Eastern Sierra’s towering above.
Once we arrived at Annette’s Mono Village, we hiked out to the trailhead which starts within the village. Snowshoes were not needed for the beginning portion of the hike, but we carried them with us knowing we might need them further along the trail. As we entered the shade from the forest, snow was still covering the trail and the snowshoes were much needed.
The trail winds through the forest alongside Robinson Creek, which I highly recommend taking some time to enjoy as it flows quite heavily in the spring.
We continued on the trail into Hoover Wilderness for approximately another mile before coming upon the slide path of what appeared to be a fairly recent avalanche in the area. The force from the avalanche had been strong enough to take down trees and cause considerable damage. At approximately 2 miles in, we decided to turn around and head back to the trailhead as we weren’t fully prepared for avalanche danger. As we know, anything can happen in the Sierra’s during spring regarding avalanches, especially following a record-breaking snowpack as we had this year.
Overall, we hiked around 4 miles total with an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet. The complete trail to Barney Lake is 8.3 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,223 feet.
I definitely plan to return to Robinson Creek Trail this summer to experience Barney Lake. Until then, let’s enjoy the warming temperatures and what spring has to offer us!
Read more of Craigs trips here
Additional Sierra Rec Bridgeport Region Hikes
