California is packed with lake hikes that will blow your mind, especially in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. The best part of lake hiking in the Eastern Sierra is the access. From remote lakes tucked days away in the mountains to roadside lake hikes, any hiker can find something for themselves during a visit to the Eastern Sierra. As a kid, I grew up in the foothills of Lake Tahoe wandering around the Eastern Sierra, exploring lake hikes, and embracing the often chilly mornings while searching for gorgeous landscapes. So, what happens when you put the calm of a cold morning and an extraordinary lake hike together? Beauty.
The Best Lake Hikes of the Eastern Sierra are:
Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe
Yosemite Falls on Cook Pond
Rae Lakes Loop
Mount Tyndall on Alpine Lake
North Palisade on Dusy Basin Lake
Third Lake of Big Pine
Evolution Range on Lake Sabrina
Bonsai Rock on Lake Tahoe
Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley
Read on to discover where these incredible hikes start, how long the hike takes, the best season to visit, and so much more about the best lakes hikes of the Eastern Sierra.
Overlooking Emerald Bay from Eagle Falls at sunrise in Lake Tahoe, California. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Eagle Falls in lake tahoe
Where can you see this Eagle Falls in lake tahoe view?
Eagle Falls is a cascading waterfall that can been seen from the road, or hiked to, from the Eagle Lake trailhead.
Click here for directions to Eagle Lake Trailhead
Best Season to enjoy this view of eagle falls:
The best season to visit Eagle Falls is in the spring. Eagle Falls flow is created by snow melt, making spring season (February to April) the best time to see Eagle Falls flowing into Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe.
How long is the hike to see Eagle Falls in lake tahoe?
The hike to Eagle Falls is about .5 of a mile and takes 5-10 minutes depending on where you park. Hiking to Eagle Falls in the Eastern Sierra Mountains is a well maintained trail that is easy to hike. With that said, this hike is not wheelchair accessible.
The parking lot and road side parking fills up fast, so make sure to get there early if you want a get a spot.
The best Time of Day to see this Eagle Falls in lake tahoe view:
My favorite time to visit Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe is at sunrise. Why sunrise? If you look at the image above, the sun rises off in the distance, creating a golden glow on the waterfall. This effect makes sunrise special. Additionally, if you arrive for sunrise there will be very few people at Eagle Falls.
What makes hiking Eagle Falls in lake tahoe special?
Hiking Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe is special because the sunrise view is extraordinary when the waterfall is flowing. A golden glow, few people, the grandiose blue waters of Lake Tahoe, and the brisk air make a splendid combination for all hikers visiting Eagle Falls. Also, as you walk around Eagle Falls, you will notice a few spots that make the falls look as though the cascading water pours directly into Emerald Bay… mind blowing!
Yosemite Falls reflecting a seasonal pond while hiking the Valley Loop trail in Yosemite. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Yosemite Falls on Cook Meadow Pond
Where can you see this Yosemite Falls Reflection?
During high snow years, Yosemite Valley floods creating pools of water that often reflect Yosemite Falls. While you hike the Valley Loop trail into Cook Meadow, this reflection will leave you breathless.
Click here for directions to Cook Meadow
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of Yosemite Falls:
The best seasons to enjoy this Yosemite Falls hike around Cook Meadow is during the spring season. This seasonal pond requires a heavy snow year in California. During the spring months, the snow melts and creates a small flood filling the pond centered in Cook Meadow.
How long is the hike to see this reflection of Yosemite Falls on Cook Meadow Pond?
You can access this seasonal pond in Cook Meadow several different ways, but the hike, regardless of where you park, should not take more than 30 minutes. The hike is a flat and paved path called Cook’s Meadow Loop. This loop is 1 mile long and is wheel chair accessible.
The best Time of Day to see this Yosemite Falls reflection:
The best time of day to see this Yosemite Falls reflection while hiking the Cook’s Meadow loop is late morning into the afternoon. During sunrise and sunset, Yosemite Falls is in the shade.
What makes hiking Yosemite Falls on Cook Meadow Pond special?
Yosemite National Park is a national icon that attracts a record number of tourists annually. Luckily, most tourists enjoy their morning cup of coffee, warm shower, and time with a significant other. If you are chasing the sights, skip the shower, convince your partner to join you, and hike with your coffee to see the beautiful reflections that are abundant during a flood year in the late spring of Yosemite Valley. Most likely, you will only see a few others who brave the morning chill.
Cooking breakfast while backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Rae lakes Loop
Where can you see this Rae lakes view?
There are two ways to access Rae Lakes Loop; Kearsarge Pass and Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The most popular way access point being Sequoia and Kings Canyon, but this trailhead often fills up. So, I suggest starting on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Kearsarge Pass.
Click for directions to Kearsarge Pass Trailhead
Best Season to enjoy this view of rae lakes:
The best season for hiking into Rae Lakes is the fall, before the snow hits the mountains. The fall in the Eastern Sierra provides a golden light that gets caught on the mountains and illuminates them at sunset is not to be missed.
How long is the hike to see Rae lakes?
The full Rae Lakes loop is 40 miles long and will take several days, however there are shorter day hikes that can be made to a single lake.
The best Time of Day to see this Rae lakes view:
The best time of day to see Rae Lakes is at sunset because the mountains capture the orange glow of the evening light on the mountaintops surrounding the lakes.
What makes hiking Rae lakes Loop special?
The Rae Lakes loop is a special lake hike because it is challenging and remote, yet tranquil. While the trip will leave you huffing and puffing over mountain passes, once you reach the lakes, there is an overwhelming solitude that drops you into a meditative state.
I suggest coming out here to camp for a few nights so you can embrace the solitude that I speak of. Addtionally, if you want to see the light show at sunset, you will want to sleep here as the trek out will be long and in the dark.
Mount Tyndall reflected in an alpine lake while hiking over Shepard's Pass in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Mount Tyndall on Alpine lake
Where can you see this Mount Tyndall Reflection?
Mount Tyndall is one of California’s 14,000 foot peaks and is the 10th highest mountain in California. Beginning at Shepard’s Pass, you will hike about 14 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain to get to the base of the mountain. This hike is a BEAST!
Directions for Shepard’s Pass Trailhead
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of Mount Tyndall:
The best season to hike Mount Tyndall is in the early fall before the snow blankets the high country of the Eastern Sierra. If you are feeling courageous, head up the pass with some skis and go winter camping in the Tyndall and Williamson basin.
How long is the hike to see Mount Tyndall on Apline lake?
Hiking to Mount Tyndall is a 35 mile out-and-back hike that takes roughly 20-22 hours. Most people turn this very long day hike into a three day backpacking trip because of the length and elevation gain (roughly 10,000 feet) of Mount Tyndall.
If you would like to summit Mount Tyndall, there is a 3rd class route up the Third Rib of Mount Tyndall. The route is called the third rib because many say Mount Tyndall looks like a dinosaur.
The best Time of Day to see this Mount Tyndall reflection:
The best time of day to see Mount Tyndall reflected in the alpine lake is the early morning because the mountain face of Mount Tyndall faces east, catching the morning light.
What makes hiking Mount Tyndall on Apline lake special?
If you enjoy suffering, then this lake is for you! Sheppard’s Pass has been one of the most difficult hikes for me in the Eastern Sierra. I have now done this hike three times and every time I question my motives. From the parking lot to this lake is 13.6 miles and over 10,000 feet of vertical gain. This hike could have been 9,000 gain, but there is a random 1,000-foot decline around 1/3 the way to the pass.
If you can secure a backcountry permit, take advantage of the opportunity and spend a few days up here. You can summit Mount Tyndall and Mount Williamson, both of which are 14,000-foot peaks!
North Palisade reflected on Dusy Basin Lake while hiking over Bishop Pass in the Eastern Sierra Mountains of California. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
North Palisade on Dusy Basin Lake
Where can you see this North Palisade Reflection?
The northwest aspect of the Palisade Range is home to the most 14,000 foot peaks in California and can be accessed from Dusy Basin. Dusy Basin is 7 miles into the Ansel Adams wilderness if you leave from the South Lake trailhead of Bishop’s Pass. Dusy Basin houses several lakes that are great for swimming, soaking, refreshing, and photography.
Directions to Bishop Pass Trailhead (south lake)
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of North Palisade:
The Eastern Sierra, specifically the area around North Palisade receive a lot of snow, so exploring this area during the late summer is the best for safety reason, but also an incredible time as the late summer light will take your breath away at sunset.
How long is the hike to see North Palisade on Dusy Basin Lake?
Starting at the South Lake trailhead for Bishop’s Pass, hiking to Dusy Basin Lake is 15 miles round trip, taking an average of 7-8 hours to complete. Since this hike gains roughly 3,000 vertical feet during those 15 miles, several hikers make this trip over two days. The benefit of making this hike an overnight trip is the ability to watch the sunset light glow on North Palisade.
The best Time of Day to see this North Palisade reflection:
The best time of day to see North Palisade reflected on Dusy Basin Lake is in the evening. During sunset, the orange glow will light up North Palisade. This glowing orange mountain is one of my favorite sights in all of the Eastern Sierra.
What makes hiking North Palisade on Dusy Basin Lake special?
Ansel Adams coined the Eastern Sierra the “Range of Light” and for all those who venture into the glacial carved range, they will surely agree. In the mornings, the light bounces off the east-facing walls and for sunset, the west-facing aspects glow in a golden light. Hues that range from burnt orange to purple are often a single frame. The views are unparalleled to any I have experienced thus far.
Additionally, when you hike to the base of North Palisade massif and look up from Dusy Basin Lake, you are starting at the largest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in California. This incredible sight humbles the soul from the magnitude of the size of these mountains. For climbers and peak baggers alike, this range is sought after and completing a full traverse of the Palisade Ridgeline is one the climbing gems of the Eastern Sierra.
Enjoying the sunrise view at Third Lake while hiking in the Eastern Sierra along the North Fork of Big Pine. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Third lake of Big pine
Where can you see this Third lake of Big pines view?
Starting at the North Fork of Big Pine trailhead, you will huff and puff your way along the 15.2 miles out-and-back hike which takes you past a chain of alpine lakes, most notably Third Lake, which are all glacially fed, giving them a turquoise color. The Eastern Sierra hike to Third Lake is difficult, gaining almost 4,000 vertical feet, but the view is worth it!
Driving directions to North Fork of Big Pine Trailhead
Best Season to enjoy this view of third lake:
There are two ideal seasons for hiking into Third Lake; late-summer and winter. If you are capable to winter camping and navigating in the snow, you should make the trip out to Third Lake for a winter wonderland. However, if you are an avid hiker, but snow isn’t your ideal camping/hiking conditions, make you hike to Third Lake during the late-summer for the wildflower blooms.
How long is the hike to see Third lake of Big pines?
Hiking to Third Lake from the Big Pine Trailhead will take 8-9 hours round trip, covering 15.2 miles and 4,000 vertical feet of gain. This fantastic Eastern Sierra lake hike is a classic, must-do hike.
The best Time of Day to see this Third lake of Big pines view:
The best time to be at Third Lake is for sunrise. Why? When you are at Third Lake, you will see a jagged mountain peak across the way, this is called Temple Crag. During the sunrise, Temple Crag will catch the first glimpses of sunrise and turn a bright red.
What makes hiking to Third lake of Big pines special?
Third Lake of Big Pine is a special hike because the lakes are breathtaking, their turquoise color reminds me of jade. More than the color, the camping at Third Lake is secluded, but growing in popularity, so you can still get permits easily to see this splendid location.
I have been to Third Lake twice and I am already planning the third trip because this spot is amazing. The colors, the tranquility, the access to rock climbing, and the variety of other lakes in the area makes the North Fork of Big Pine a special place. Toss in a hike that will get your heart pumping… what a treat!
Lake Sabrina reflecting the Evolution Range in the Eastern Sierra while hiking around Bishop, CA during the early winter months. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Evolution Range on Lake Sabrina
Where can you see this Evolution Range Reflection?
Lake Sabrina is a quick drive from Bishop, CA and provides easy access to boating and paddling activities most of the year. While the parking lot has great views, there is a ton of hiking in the area that will provide excellent views of the Evolution Range in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.
Driving directions to Lake Sabrina
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of the Evolution Range:
The most beautiful season to be a Lake Sabrina and hike around the Evolution Range is in the early winter before there is significant snow on the ground. While the temperatures will be cold, there will not be many people and the light dusting of snow creates a wonderful atmosphere to hike around Lake Sabrina.
How long is the hike to see Evolution Range on Lake Sabrina?
Hiking from the trailhead to Lake Sabrina is .25 of a mile, however the trailhead provides access to 100s of miles of trails for all those who wish to immerse themselves within nature. So, decide what you would like to do and embark on an enjoyable hike in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.
The best Time of Day to see this Evolution Range reflection:
The best time of the day to be at Lake Sabrina is the morning. The lake will be still, so the reflection of the Evolution Range will be clear on the surface of the lake. Also, there will be very few boaters, or fisherman, on the lake.
What makes hiking Evolution Range on Lake Sabrina special?
Hiking around Lake Sabrina is a special hike in the Eastern Sierra because this is an access point for many of the most striking mountains in the high sierra. From Lake Sabrina, you can hike a very short distance, or long ways. Either way, you will be surrounded by wilderness that is raw and beautiful.
If you are considering going to Lake Sabrina in the winter, here is a fun story from one of my many trips there: The thermometer read 10F, my snot was starting to freeze to my nose, and I was bundled in four layers. My gloved hands held the camera as steady as possible, but I made sure to have a high shutter speed because the shivering was inevitable. I have never been a fan of the cold, however, I have come to enjoy being warm in cold places. There is something magical about the muted sounds of a snow-filled environment. The head is quiet. The lungs fill with crisp air. Often, you have these typically busy places to yourself.
Bonsai Rock in lake tahoe
Where can you see Bonsai Rock in lake tahoe?
Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe is located on the eastern short near Incline Village along Highway 28. This spot is a road side attraction that offers access to the water’s of Lake Tahoe where large granite boulders show in the shallow clear water.
Driving directions to Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of Bonsai rock:
Bonsai Rock is amazing year round, however the slopes to access the water are difficult in the winter months when they are covered in snow. Many people prefer to access Bonzai Rock in the summer because the days are warmer and the lake is enjoyable to swim in.
How long is the hike to see Bonsai Rock in lake tahoe?
Hiking to Bonsai Rock from the parking area is .25 of a mile and will take about 10 minutes. If you are carrying a cooler, or paddle-board, please be careful as the hill has loose sand and it is easy to slip.
The best Time of Day to see this Bonsai rock reflection:
The best time of day to visit Bonsai Rock is sunset or early-morning. Sunset is a splendid time to be at Bonsai Rock as the rocks will glow orange as the sun sets behind the Emerald Range of the West Shore. However, during sunset, the wind can be significant and there are often several people around. So, if you are looking for a quiet and intimate time at Bonsai Rock, I suggest packing some coffee and heading out in the early morning. There is nothing to see during sunrise, as Bonsai Rock will be in the shade, but the lake will be still and you will have the area to yourself.
What makes hiking Bonsai Rock in lake tahoe special?
Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe is special because the water is clear, there are submerged granite boulders, you can enjoy the water, jump off Bonsai Rock, lay in the sun like a lizard on a summer day, and paddle around on a SUP, or kayak. Essentially, I am trying to let you know that you can do almost anything you want at Bonsai Rock.
Bonsai Rock is a well known location that many people come to everyday to see the spectacle. If you are trying to have time alone, take a short hike along the coastline, you will find some secluded beaches that are a wonderful place sit alone and reflect.
Mirror Lake reflecting Mount Watson in Yosemite Valley during the late winter months. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
mirror lake in yosemite valley
Where can you see mirror lake in yosemite valley?
Mirror Lake is a popular hike at the eastern most point of Yosemite Valley and covers 4.4 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain along a well maintained trail.
Driving directions to Mirror Lake Trailhead
Best Season to enjoy this reflection of Mirror lake:
Late spring into early summer is the best season to for Mirror Lake. Since Mirror Lake is fed by snowmelt, this lake can dry up as early as the late summer.
How long is the hike to see mirror lake in yosemite valley?
The hike to Mirror Lake is 4.4 miles round trip and take 1-2 hours if you stay on the paved path. However, most people take 2-3 hours as there are several side trails and viewing points that you will want to stop. If you have the time, go slow and enjoy this special location in Yosemite Valley.
The best Time of Day to see this mirror lake reflection:
Mirror Lake is most calm in the morning, creating the best reflection, however the morning light is bland. If you have a windless day, the evening will be the best time to watch sit by Mirror Lake and take in the beautiful reflection of Half Dome catching the sunset glow.
What makes hiking mirror lake in yosemite valley special?
Mirror Lake has little water much of the year becoming more of a Mirror Meadow than a lake, but in spring and early summer, the shallow lake refills. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Additionally, this is also a great option for biking. You can bike nearly the whole trail to Mirror Lake except for the last 1/4 mile. You will see bike racks at the point in the trail when bikes are no longer allowed.
With a fresh perspective looking up at Half Dome directly from its base, you'll be rewarded with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, Washington Column, and more. This reflective pool is a magical place to sit and ponder. I would suggest bringing a sack lunch and a journal to sit alone for a little TLC.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Eastern Sierra in California are stacked with some of the best lake hikes. This is a wide range of lake hikes, tucked away in the Eastern Sierra mountains, allows for any level of hiker to find a beautiful landscape to blow their mind. From Lake Tahoe down to Mount Whitney, the Eastern Sierra might have the best lake hiking in all of the United States, at least that is my opinion. What are your thoughts?
