Big Pine Lakes, CA - 3 Day Trip

Please read the entire hike description. New participants will be required to sign a waiver similar to the Disclaimer below.

Questions: text Jim at 702-515-9824

This event is in September 2026 but if interested, join the Waitlist now and immediately find lodging (motel, Airbnb, Vrbo, campsite). No one will be moved to the Going list without having secured lodging.

I currently have a reservation at Starlight Motel in Big Pine with 2 queen beds and I would be happy for one more person, male or female, to share the cost.

The three towns listed below are all small, so options are limited. There will be plenty of time next summer to get in shape during the Charleston Series. The important thing right now is lodging.

Big Pine is 15 minutes from the trailhead.
Bishop (north of Big Pine) is 30 minutes from the trailhead.
Lone Pine (south of Big Pine) is 60 minutes from the trailhead.

Day 1 (Fri): drive from Vegas to Big Pine (240 miles, 3 hr 50 min); eat lunch; do a short/easy hike somewhere in the area; check-in to lodging after 3pm

Day 2 (Sat): meet at the Big Pine Creek day hikers parking lot early to get parking; hike out and back to Lake 3 or Lake 5; have dinner together at a restaurant or Airbnb

Day 3 (Sun): check-out before 10am; do a short/easy hike somewhere in the area; drive back to Vegas

📌 Big Pine Lakes North Fork Trail is a well established route that passes creeks and waterfalls on the way to seven glacier-fed alpine lakes with breathtaking views. Google it if you want to learn more.

HIKE QUICK STATS:

• Trailhead: Big Pine Creek
• Distance: Third Lake 12 miles RT; Fifth Lake 14 miles RT
• Elevation Gain: Third Lake 2,450 feet; Fifth Lake 2,900 feet
• Altitude: 7,814 to 10,282 Third Lake; to 10,750 feet Fifth Lake
• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Pace: Slow to Moderate
• Class: 1
• Exposure: None
• Duration: 9 hours (includes breaks at each lake)

For Reference: Griffith Peak is 10 miles; 3,500 feet of gain; altitude 7,586 to 11,064 feet. So this event is a little longer distance, but less elevation gain so less steep, and a lower finishing altitude.

GEAR:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
• Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
• 2-3L of water, water filter, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes, bug spray
• Carry a windbreaker/rain jacket, warm gloves, and hat when hiking in the Eastern Sierra's

Meet in Santa Fe Casino East parking garage 3rd floor, turn left, section 3F. Carpools will be pre-determined. We will caravan for the drive to Big Pine, CA. Each passenger will be expected to pay their driver an amount to be determined.

•• Disclaimer ••
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.