20 Lakes Basin Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Take one of the ferries from Saddlebag Lake Resort for $13/adult roundtrip. The ferries generally run every hour July - September. You need to reserve your return time, but if you miss the ferry, you can take a later one... if there is one. This trail starts at about 10,100 ft and climbs to about 10,300 ft, but every step is worth it. North Peak dominates the skyline to the West with streams and lakes at every turn. After exiting the boat, take a very short jaunt up the banks of the lake and start the trail clockwise to view the first lakes to your left.

Smaller paths wander off to each lake if you choose, or you can just stroll along the wide dirt path. The trail begins the return at Lake Helen about 3 miles. The second part of the trail or "return" is much steeper out of Helen lake to Steelhead lake. The path runs up and down meadows but does not include the scenery of the western side of the trail. There is a steeper decline back to the boat dock (about 300 feet) and if you just want to see beautiful lakes this path is not as satisfying.