Name: North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail
Rating: 4.8

“Follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek by lakes 1 through 3”

— Daniel Birdwell

GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

Features: Lake — River/Creek — Spring — Views — Waterfall

Dogs: Off-leash

Description

The trail from the Glacier Lodge slowly climbs into the alpine. You start higher up on the hillside, and then after several miles the trail converges with the creek at a waterfall. Here, the trail takes you through a birch forest and past an old stone cabin.

You'll eventually come out of the forested area into an area several hundred feet above the lakes to the east. You'll also see the impressive Temple Crag on the other side of the lakes. Pass lakes 1, 2, and 3 and enjoy the views as each lake has something new to offer.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Inyo National Forest Office

Aug 13, 2017: Indian Fire Update

Aug 12, 2017: Indian Fire Update

Aug 11, 2017: Indian Fire Update

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4.8 from 4 votes

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Trail Ratings

4.8 from 4 votes

#1

in Big Pine Area Trails

#160

Overall

4.8 from 4 votes

5 Star		75%
4 Star		25%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

222 Views Last Month

1,195 Since Apr 18, 2016

Intermediate

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		20%
		60%
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Conditions

Minor Issues 45 days ago

Mostly Dry, Some Mud

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Photos

Big Pine Creek Trail, California

Temple Crag.

Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) stands across the valley as the trail ascends to the Baker Creek Trail junction.

Palisades from Big Pine Lakes Fourth Lake

Mountains to the north of Cienega Mirth, the place on the trail where actor Lon Chaney had a stone cabin built in 1929 (it's now owned by the USFS).

Big Pine Creek flows strongly after the very wet 2016-2017 winter.

Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) is beautiful when viewed from near the Baker Creek Trail junction.

Third Lake, Temple Crag

Lodgepole pines and sage line the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail.

Mount Alice and Temple Crag.

Temple Crag sunrise.

Big Pine Lakes area, featuring the First Lake and Mount Alice.

Temple Crag and Big Pine Lakes Second Lake.

Norman Clyde Peak over autumn woods

Icicles remain along Big Pine Creek well into summer.

Hiking up North Fork Big Pine Creek

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7.7 Miles 12.5 Kilometers 82% Runnable Singletrack	3,434' 1,047 m Ascent -94' -29 m Descent
11,211' 3,417 m High 7,819' 2,383 m Low	9% Avg Grade (5°) 33% Max Grade (18°)
Minor Issues 45 days ago — Update

North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail

7.7 Miles 12.5 Kilometers

82%

Singletrack

3,434' 1,047 m

-94' -29 m

11,211' 3,417 m

7,819' 2,383 m

9%

33%

Minor Issues

“Follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek by lakes 1 through 3”