The Eastern Sierra has some of the best backpacking in the country — alpine lakes, 14,000-ft granite peaks, and trailheads that put you above treeline almost immediately. Here are five real routes, with the permit details you actually need before you go.
Mosquito Flat trailhead sits at 10,230 ft — one of the highest drive-up trailheads in the Sierra — so you hit alpine scenery almost immediately. The trail passes Mack, Marsh, Heart, Box, Long, and Gem Lakes before reaching Chickenfoot, with an optional push to Mono Pass.
Permits: Day hiking: no permit needed. Overnight in John Muir Wilderness: wilderness permit required May 1–Nov 1, available at Recreation.gov or walk-up from White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop. Quota applies at Mosquito Flat trailhead.
Plan this trip with your group →The North Fork of Big Pine Creek trail climbs through a dramatic glacial valley flanked by the Palisades — one of the longest continuous stretches of 14,000-ft peaks in the Sierra. First Lake's milky turquoise water, fed by Palisades Glacier meltwater, is unlike anything else in California.
Permits: Overnight: wilderness permit required, available on Recreation.gov starting 6 months before entry date ($5/person + $6 transaction fee). Walk-up permits at White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop (limited).
Plan this trip with your group →The Bishop Pass trail climbs through Long Lake, Saddlerock Lake, and Bishop Lake before cresting Bishop Pass at 11,972 ft into Dusy Basin — one of the most dramatic granite bowls in the Sierra. A point-to-point with South Lake is a 6-day classic many Sierra hikers put on their life list.
Permits: Overnight: wilderness permit required for both North Lake (Piute Pass) and South Lake (Bishop Pass) trailheads. Apply at Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance ($5/person + $6 transaction fee).
Plan this trip with your group →Lake Sabrina sits at 9,128 ft with a boat launch, marina, and rental boats — rare among high Sierra lakes. The Blue Lake trail climbs 1,854 ft over 6.5 miles to a stunning basin above treeline. Good for mixed-experience groups: some can stay lakeside while others push into the backcountry.
Permits: Day hiking: no permit. Overnight: wilderness permit required. Available at Recreation.gov or walk-up at White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop.
Plan this trip with your group →The Pine Creek trail is one of the Sierra's best-kept secrets — far fewer hikers than Bishop Creek. Honeymoon Lake at 11,000 ft is 6 miles in with 3,000 ft of gain and rewards with solitude and a stunning cirque. Italy Lake, via Italy Pass at 12,400 ft, is a full-day objective from there.
Permits: Overnight: wilderness permit required, Pine Creek trailhead. Lower quota than Bishop/Rock Creek — generally easier to obtain. Available at Recreation.gov or walk-up at White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop.
Plan this trip with your group →