Big Five Lakes Trail

Overview

The Big Five Lakes Trail, itself, is not difficult, but reaching it requires a long, strenuous hike, no matter which trail or route you take. Little Five Lakes are much better known because they are on Blackrock Pass. The Big Five Lakes are often bypassed as hikers loop from from Blackrock Pass to the Lost Canyon or Soda Creek trails. However, the Big Five Lakes basin is among the most beautiful in the Sierras. It should be a prime destination in itself, and you can have your campsite or even the entire basin to yourselves.<br><br>Coming down the Lost Canyon Trail, at about 9,600 feet, just after crossing the creek below a gently sloping meadow, you reach the signed junction with the Big Five Lakes Trail. This trail climbs up moderately steep switchbacks through a scattered coniferous forest, then climbs more gradually as it passes a pretty, but shallow pond, and finally climbs again for a total of about 800 feet. Near the top, it is possible to hike off-trail a few hundred yards northeast for a overview of almost all of the Big Arroyo, Kaweah Ridge, and Red Spur. From the high point, the trail drops steeply about 400 feet, to pass by Lake 9,830, the lowest of the Big Five Lakes. This is a large, beautiful lake with several good campsites and is the only Big Five Lake where campfires are allowed.<br><br>The trail then climbs about 600 feet to a signed junction near the top of the ridge that separates the Big Five and Little Five Lake basins. Continuing straight ahead leads to the Blackrock Pass junction at Little Five Lakes. This trail is the left branch, which drops through the trees less than 200 feet to reach Lake 10,260, the first of four lakes in the main part of the basin. <br><br>The basin is surrounded on three sides by high granite ridges. It is wide and fairly level, with less than an 80 feet of elevation difference between any of these four lakes. The first two have trees, rocky peninsulas and good campsites. A branch trail goes along the northeast side of Lake 10,192, the largest lake. Another branch

Trail Stats

Photos

Lake 2 of Big 5 Lakes is beautiful.

Lake 2 of Big 5 Lakes is beautiful.

Morning reflections on pond along Big 5 Lakes Trail

Morning reflections on pond along Big 5 Lakes Trail

Mt. Kaweah, Red Kaweah, Black Kaweah, and Big Arroyo are beautiful from the trail. It's possible to head down Big Five Creek and up the draw below Mt. Kaweah. It's very steep, but thankfully there's no exposure.

Mt. Kaweah, Red Kaweah, Black Kaweah, and Big Arroyo are beautiful from the trail. It's possible to head down Big Five Creek and up the draw below Mt. Kaweah. It's very steep, but thankfully there's no exposure.

Lake 9830, the lowest of the Big 5 Lakes.

Lake 9830, the lowest of the Big 5 Lakes.

The 4th Big 5 Lake is in the foreground. The 5th is barely visible at base of cliffs in the background. The basin is spectacular and uncrowded.

The 4th Big 5 Lake is in the foreground. The 5th is barely visible at base of cliffs in the background. The basin is spectacular and uncrowded.

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