Davis Lakes #2501

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No campfires are allowed.

The lower Davis Lake is only 0.8 miles from the John Muir Trail with a 300-foot elevation gain. It must be because the trail was so easy, that I simply don't remember it. But I remember the lake. Although it is slightly higher than Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes, the lower Davis Lake is much more colorful, with less of the scoured alpine look.

The east side of the lake has gentle slopes with some rocks and trees, but it is mostly open, deep-green meadows that are covered with innumerable patches of colorful wildflowers. There is a gorgeous view across the lake of the nearby peaks of the Ritter Range. Again, it is very beautiful, but lacks the awesome cliffs seen from Thousand Island or Garnet Lakes. There are small scattered campsites near the lake, and larger campsites on the stream below.

Upper Davis Lake can be reached by running off-trail around the south end of the lake and climbing the steep, flower-covered slope to the west.