Ten favorite Sierra Nevada Discoveries

Ten Trails to Tranquility: My Sierra Backpacking Bliss – Anniversary Edition

Every summer, I lace up my boots, shoulder my pack, and disappear into the granite embrace of the Sierra Nevada. Backpacking has become more than just a hobby; it’s a soul-stirring ritual, a chance to truly connect with the wild heart of this magnificent mountain range. After a decade of exploring, I have found a common theme to the places that leave a deep impact on my life. Though they are not completely void of people, they offer a level of solitude and quiet reflection that i find uniquely calming.

It’s in the quiet solitude of the backcountry, the rhythm of winds in the alpine landscape, the lush meadow shorelines contrasting with the fractured granite scar, and the endless expanse of sky that I find a profound sense of peace. It’s here, amidst the raw beauty of the mountains, that my life feels perfectly aligned, my worries dissolving into the crisp mountain air.

While I know there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered, these ten destinations have become my personal havens, each offering a unique tapestry of sights and experiences.

• Upper Youngs Lake: Imagine a crystal-clear lake cupped in a granite cirque, the air alive with the chirping of marmots. Pure serenity. The Upper lakes falls of like an infinity pool into Ragged Peak and I have often found myself napping in the Meadow shores, soaking in the vitamin D and cooling my feet in the Alpine lake.
• Nelson Lake: A photographer’s paradise, Nelson Lake boasts mirrored reflections of snow-capped peaks and wildflower meadows teeming with life. This secluded off trail experience is part of the Cathedral Range and is a dream for backcountry fishing and relaxing with no crowds.
• Lake Azure: The name says it all. This gem-toned lake nestled amongst towering granite walls of Desolation Wilderness are stunning. The lack of featured trail access keeps crowds to a minimum and the afternoon swimming a delight.

• Avalanche, Pitt, Ropi Lake, Desolation Lake: This interconnected chain of lakes offers endless exploration opportunities, from sun-dappled shores to dramatic waterfalls. Horsetail Falls provides just enough of a challenge to keep the crowds low, and the endless waterflow of Pyramid creek running across Desolation from Aloha lake into these beautiful lakes is so soothing.
• Green and East Lakes: The hoover wilderness hides so many great secrets. Green Creek to East lake is a surprising day hike that can also be added to an amazing loop with Virginia Lakes. In the fall this is our surprise best fall hike experience. Beaver activity on the trail is also an amazing experience.
• 20 Lakes Basin (Steelhead and Shamrock Lakes): Twenty sparkling lakes await in this high-alpine basin, a paradise for those seeking solitude and breathtaking views. Spend the entire day above 10,000 feet and witness the remains of glacial beauty in the High Sierra

• Parker Pass Lake: I personally think this might be the prettiest water I have seen in the Sierra. With no Trail or signs to point the way, many travelers heading over Parker Pass miss this stunning clear blue water lake feed by late season snow melt. Wildlife crawl the meadows near by and the stunning rugged ness of the Eastern Yosemite landscapes reflect perfectly in this cold pool.
• Tuolumne Falls: Hike alongside the cascading Tuolumne River, until its starts its plumet into the grand canyon of Yosemite above Glen Aulin High Camp. Tuolumne Fall is highly under rated water fall along the trail. Spend time here sitting face to face with this great waterfall drop in the Yosemite Wilderness.
• Lost Lake: True to its name, this secluded lake offers a feeling of complete escape, a place to truly get lost in the beauty of the wilderness. A place of historical reference with the original survey crews of the Sierra. Lost lakes neighbors near Silliman Pass are more highly visited, but pale in comparison for secluded beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.
• Townsley Lake: A hidden fisherman’s hideout, this stunning lake located above Fletcher lake in Vogelsang high Camp was an instant highlight for our crew as we backpacked this region. The water color reflecting off marbled granite and beautiful meadow entrance still today was one my favorite surprise finds while backpacking.

These are just a taste of the magic the Sierra backcountry holds. With every new trail, a new vista unfolds, a new sense of peace washes over me. And while I can’t wait to discover the next 50 hidden wonders this mountain range has to offer, for now, my heart belongs to these ten special places. They are my trails to tranquility, my connection to the wild soul of the Sierra Nevada.

A few additional Locations that just missed the list