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The granite precipice known as the Sierra Crest is
popular with climbers and mountaineers, yet holds hidden
treasures for the hiker as well. The trails in the Bishop
area all begin at a relatively high elevation, thereby
affording the day hiker easy access to this grand and
mighty escarpment.
Nestled at the base of the many high peaks are numerous
lakes where the elusive Golden Trout can be found. In
fact, The Golden Trout found here in the mountains near
Bishop could be the biggest anywhere in the range. The
variety of lakes and streams makes it impossible to
tell you exactly where to go, but this page will help
you get started on an adventure of your own.
Besides the opportunity to fish, there are also many
other options available. Nearby peaks offer climbing
routes of various degrees, ranging from steep hiking
to the overhanging sport climbs favored by the younger
set.
The opportunity to capture the picture of a lifetime
can happen anywhere in this scenic wonderland.
No matter what you choose to do in this glorious setting
you will certainly be rewarded with a memory not soon
forgotten!
The Bishop Pass Trail
6 Miles
Trailhead Elevation (South Lake) — 9,800'
Finish Elevation (Bishop Pass) — 11,980'
Gain — 2,180' (363' per mile)
This is the most popular trail in the area and after
hiking here, you will know why. Starting at the highest
trailhead in the Bishop area, this trail wanders amongst
wildly serrated cliffs and polished glacial valleys.
Excellent campsites can be found everywhere. At the
outlet area of Long Lake is a spring with some refreshingly
pure water.
The Treasure Lakes Trail
3 Miles
Trailhead Elevation (South Lake) — 9,800'
Finish Elevation (Main Treasure Lake) — 10,650'
Gain — 850' (283' per mile)
This is an easy hike with BIG rewards. The visitor
will be impressed with both the scenery and the quality
of the fishing. Only 3 miles from the road, this area
is popular as well. With a little adventuring, many
off-trail lakes in the Treasure Lake Basin can be found.
Campsites abound in this area, and this is a great beginner
hike. Access to the summit of nearby Mt. Gilbert is
from the upper Treasure Lakes basin.
Sabrina Basin Trail
7 Miles
Trailhead Elevation (Sabrina Lake) — 9,125'
Finish Elevation (Hungry Packer Lake) — 11,070'
Gain — 1,945' (278' per mile)
This is perhaps the ultimate Sierra setting. Jagged
spires of pure granite form a scenic backdrop to the
numerous high alpine lakes. Many of the lakes have Golden
Trout, the California state fish. Mt. Darwin dominates
the region and with no easy way up, it is prized by
many mountaineers. Bighorn sheep can occasionally be
spotted high above the valley floor. There are many
lakes and campsites to choose from, with little distance
separating them.
Lamarck Col Trail
7 Miles
Trailhead Elevation — 9,300'
Finish Elevation — 12,880'
Gain — 3,580' (511' per mile)
This is considered an off-trail route, but there is
a great path which detracts from the off-trail experience.
The path goes left just before Upper Lamarck Lake and
crosses the creek which flows down into Grass Lake.
From here, it ascends a steep open slope and crosses
into a hanging valley on the way to the wide, sandy
valley beyond. At this point, continue up the valley
until the saddle (Lamarck Col) is encountered. Go through
any of the notches to Darwin Canyon, or go right to
the summit of Mt. Lamarck.
Paiute Pass Trail
5 Miles
Trailhead Elevation — 9,300'
Finish Elevation — 11,420'
Gain — 2,120' (424' per mile)
This is the trail to the heartland of Golden Trout
country. Access to Humphreys Basin and the west side
of the Sierra. Cascading rivers and giant cliffs fill
the desolate canyons of this region. The Humphreys Basin
is a barren landscape with superb views and some of
the biggest Golden Trout you can imagine. Not to spoil
the fun, you will have to search the many lakes on your
own. No tips here, other than the fish like the talus
for cover.
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