Charlotte Lake Trail

Overview

This beautiful and very popular lake has many great camping spots along the entire length of the northwest shore. The Charlotte Lake Trail itself is easy: just a little over a 300-foot drop from the John Muir Trail and a little over a mile to the far end of the lake.<br><br>However, getting to the trail over Kearsarge Pass is a strenuous, full-day hike. The Charlotte Lake Ranger Station, about two-thirds of the way down the lake, was active when I was there. There were hand-written signs telling of unusually high bear activity at this and several other lakes in the area. There are bear bins toward the far end of the lake.<br><br>In the past, the trail extended beyond Charlotte Lake to Gardiner Basin via Gardiner Pass. However, that portion of the trail has not been maintained for a very long time and a number of avalanches have made it near impossible to follow.

Trail Stats

Photos

Charlotte Lake, with many great camping spots the entire length of the right side.

Charlotte Lake, with many great camping spots the entire length of the right side.

Charlotte Lake

Charlotte Lake

Charlotte Lake shortly after sunrise

Charlotte Lake shortly after sunrise

Charolette Lake, looking south east on a clear morning

Charolette Lake, looking south east on a clear morning

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