Best Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trips
This page may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our "About Us" page.
Best Backpacking Hikes in the Eastern Sierras
The Sierra Mountains in California are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the planet – these jagged granite peaks have inspired awe over generations. It’s an extremely popular destination for day hikers, overnight backpackers, and long distance hikers doing the Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail or the High Sierra Trail. Permits are needed for most hikes, and these can be difficult to obtain, so in this article we’re going to try to feature some of the best backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra region that don’t require a hiking or overnight permit. Some of these do require a permit though, so it’s best to do a bit of research before packing your backpack for an overnight excursion.
We will break the chosen hikes into sections by the closest town (working our way northward from Lone Pine to Mammoth Lakes), where you can get food, accommodations and supplies. Also, there is wildlife to use caution with – rattlesnakes, bears and cougars all live in the area, so keep an eye out for them.
1. Lone Pine
Mobius Arch Loop Trail
Located just a few miles west of Lone Pine, this popular trail is a great way to enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra range, including Mt. Whitney, with little effort. This well-maintained foot path allows you to enjoy views of the rounded rock formations, natural arches and eroded hills formed over 100 million years ago. At just less than a mile, this trail has just over 40 feet of elevation gain, and is a great option for people of all ages, and is dog and horse friendly. There is camping available if you want to enjoy this area for a longer period of time.
Total Distance: 0.6 miles
Meysan Lake Trail
While this trail can easily be done in a day, you’ll experience just over 4,000 feet of elevation gain that just goes up, up, up. After driving up to Whitney Portal you’ll enjoy hiking in the heart of the Sierra Mountains. After hiking through trees for a while you’ll soon emerge above treeline, so make sure you have sun protection as it gets hot and there is very little shade for most of the trek. You’ll also have elevation to contend with so take it slow and steady, and remember to breathe – Meysan Lake is at an elevation of 11,500 feet. This is a great option for an overnighter, as there are campsites at 5 lakes along the way (which require a backcountry permit from Inyo National Forest), so if high-altitude camping is a bit much for you, there are lower elevation options. While it’s tempting to hike Mt. Whitney since it’s so close, this lesser-known hike has similar visual rewards and is much easier to get a permit for if you wish to camp.
Total Distance: 11 miles
2. Independence
Robinson Lake Trail
Located west of Independence, this hike doesn’t see too much traffic, likely due to it’s proximity to the Kearsarge Pass trail that hooks up with the PCT. However, if you are looking for a short, moderately challenging hike with mountain and lakeside views, this one is a great choice. While it’s lightly maintained, enough people hike it to make the path easy to follow. It is a high-elevation hike though, starting at over 9,000 feet and climbing 1,300 feet from there. If the climb, and heat, start to get to you there are opportunities to cool off in Independence Creek, or at the final destination of Robinson Lake. You can camp at the trailhead, but if without permit requirements at the lake, it’s worth bringing a pack and camping there.
Total Distance: 2.5 miles
Golden Trout Lake Loop
The Golden Trout Lake Loop is actually a “lollipop loop” hike, as the first two thirds is an out-and-back trail, with the loop at the end. This doesn’t see quite as much traffic as the Kersarge Pass trail, which also starts at the Onion Valley parking lot, but the rewards are nearly equal. Starting at over 9,000 feet you’ll want to be prepared for high altitude hiking, as this gains nearly 2,300 feet in reaching the lakes. Also, the trail should be considered only by expert hikers, as there are sections with loose gravel, rocks and even some boulder scrambling. It’s worth the effort, as a day hike or an overnighter, but just be aware that due to the elevation, elevation gain, and trail condition you should only attempt this if you are looking for a challenge.
Total Distance: 5.0 miles
3. Big Pine
McMurry Meadows Loop
Located just southwest of the town of Big Pine, this is a hike that is firmly rated as “moderate”. You’ll experience moderate crowds, moderate elevation gain over a moderate length. However, the views are the one thing that isn’t moderate – you’ll enjoy views of the eastern Sierra, the White Mountains and Crater Mountain. It’s primarily a road walk, and is used equally by mountain bikers, but is a great training hike or again, a moderate day hike to stretch your legs on.
Total Distance: 9.0 miles
4. Bishop
Druid Stones Hike
If you enjoy wide open desert mountain hikes with amazing views, this one comes highly recommended. It’s challenging, as you’ll face over 2,000 feet of elevation gain and there is little-to-no shade, but the views of the Sierra and White Mountains, as well as the town of Bishop, are well-worth it. The trail is rocky and there are sections where your feet will slip around, so trekking poles aren’t a bad idea. The Druid Stones, made of coarse monzonite, are popular with boulderers so you may see some in action while you take in the views.
Total Distance: 5.0 miles
Sierra Viewpoint Trail
Now for the shortest option on our list of best Eastern Sierra backpacking trips. This is for those looking for something quick with amazing views, people with creaky knees, or those with small kids. Located east of Bishop in the White Mountains, you’ll only climb 40 feet or so on this hike, but you are at elevation (9,000+ feet) so take it slow and steady if you find yourself short of breath. The effort is worth it, as you’ll have an expansive view of the Inyo, White and Sierra mountains. Why not bring a lunch and enjoy it while taking it all in – there are rocks and benches to sit on at the end of the trail.
Total Distance: 0.3 miles
Horton Lake Trail
With this hike there are a couple of options – one is difficult, and the other is even more difficult. If you are looking for a decent hike in the Sierra mountains to an alpine lake, with moderate elevation gain, then hiking to Horton Lake is for you. However, if you are a peak-bagger, you can go up another 2,000 feet to the summit of Mount Tom. The former can be done by intermediate-to-advanced hikers, while the latter should only be done by experts. Much of the lower trail is an old mining road, and you will see remains of former mining operations along the way. Camping is allowed at the lake, and as this area is lightly trafficked, it’s likely you’ll have it all to yourself.
Total Distance: 10 miles (Horton Lake) / 14 miles (Mount Tom)
5. Mammoth Lakes
Valentine Lake Trail
This trek up to Valentine Lake is located just south of the town of Mammoth Lakes, and is quite popular with day hikers and overnighters. The elevation gain is moderate, at just over 1,900 feet, and most of the hike is in the trees so while it may still be warm, you won’t be endlessly exposed to the sun. If you are looking for a shorter outing you can opt to stop at Sherwin Lakes, located near the half-way point. However, by this time you’ve also conquered most of the elevation gain, so as long as you have the time it’s worth pushing on to Valentine Lake. Once there you will enjoy the clear, cold water where after a quick cool-down, you can sit back and enjoy the view. Overnight camping is an option too (backcountry permit required).
Total Distance: 9.0 miles
Crystal Lake Trail
Firmly rated as a moderate trail, this is a short hike with less than 1000 feet of elevation gain, with rewards that far outpace the effort required. The trail is well-maintained and stays in the forest most of the way, making for a perfect summer outing. Once you reach the lake you’ll enjoy gorgeous alpine views and the enticing, clear waters just begging for a quick wade or swim. Unlike most of the hikes we’ve covered in this article, camping is not allowed at Crystal Lake. If you are looking to extend your hike, there is a trail to take you up to the base of one of the most prominent features in the area, Crystal Crag. From the shores of Crystal Lake it’s about a mile round-trip, and the views are pretty amazing from its base.
Total Distance: 3.0 miles
Best Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trips - Conclusion
The California Eastern Sierra region is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the planet, and feature an assortment of the best backpacking trips around. With a variety of short as well as long hikes to choose from, it should be easy to find a little bit of something for everyone. If you’re looking for more activities in the California area and are up for a challenge, be sure to check out our article “Hardest Hikes in Southern California“. Safe journeys and happy travels!
