Move over Big Sur! The Golden State reaps lakes, beaches and mountains… but the best of California hikes are those undisturbed.. and undiscovered. I packed up my backpack for a weekend camping (meh… somewhere between camping and glamping) in the Eastern Nevadas. We hit Alabama Hills before taking on Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail to unplug — a much needed digital detox. The Inyo National Forest, just a drive from Mammoth or Sequoia National park was well worth the four hour drive from Los Angeles.
In this post:
– Directions to Big Pine North Fork.
– John Muir Wilderness Printable Map.
– Inyo National Park rules.
– Where to stay.
– Day Hike packing list.
– Pictures of everywhere we stopped.
– Similar hikes you might like.
Directions to Big Pine Fork in Inyo National Park
The closes town in the Eastern Sierra Nevada is Big Pine. Data and phone reception is inconsistent. If you’re afraid to lose access to your network, I suggest getting directions to Big Pine ahead of time:
From Big Pine, go west on Crocker Avenue which becomes Glacier Lodge Road. Follow until the end of the road. There’s an alternate trail start point at the pack station and parking lot with cabin restrooms (the only ones available). Parking is for day use.
Inyo National Forest provides a printable map oh John Muir Wilderness with details.
Route distance:
The North Fork of Big Pine Creek is said to be a 9 mile hike. However, between all of the wandering in Inyo National Forest, my friends’ step-o-meter recorded over twelve miles of walking.
Big Pine Creek North Fork Rules:
- Dogs are okay (yay).
- Bring in what you bring out.
- Treat the water before drinking it.
- Day parking only.
- Camping okay with permit from Inyo National Park visitor’s center.
- If you see an animal, leave it alone. Store food and trash properly.
- No campfires (on the trail, campground fires are okay).
- John Muir Regulations apply.
Where to stay:
- Nearest Campground: Big Pine Creek Campground
- Closest Lodge: Glacier Lodge
- Other: We camped at the nearby Tuttle Creek Campground and caught sunrise before heading over to the foot of the hike.
Learn more about Inyo National Forest on their official website.
En route to the lakes, pause at the first falls.
If there was ever a hike worth nine miles, it’s the Big Pine Creek North Fork.
View of first lake.
Inyo National Forest gets hot. The aspens provide shade to and from the glacier lakes, but there are several stretches throughout the hike that don’t provide any shade.
Shore at second lake.
View at second lake. Photo collaboration @TiffPenguin and @JonathanBasiago
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIWcyzShrai/
Day-Hike Packing List + Tips
The sun is hot! Most of the trail has shade, but you will get sunburnt. I packed my Maui Jim sunglasses, not just because they’re one of my sponsors, but because they’re the most light-weight pair of sunglasses I own and they have a polarizing lens which enhances colors (and provides UV protection). This means that your eyes aren’t only safer, but you get a better view. Think of it as walking around with your favorite Instagram filter veiled across your eyes. This is particularly important in such a bright, exhausting hike.
There didn’t seem to be any mosquitoes that were biting us, but there were a plethora of bugs (and mice) I’d never seen. We wore inspect repellant just in case.
Unless you want to hike the first 5 miles with a gallon of water, you should consider a compact water filter. There are plenty of creeks along the way to the main lake. My friend packed the Sawyer water filtration system. The Sawyer is not as fast as the pump or gravity assisted ones, but it’s the most compact — and with longer hikes, the less you carry, the better.
Pictured Right @Axelle_Claire
Reminder: there aren’t any porta-potties or cabin-style restrooms on the trail. Please do your business away from natural water sources and carry all of your trash outside of the park upon departure.
- Snacks / Lunch
- Shoes for water and hiking
Important note: I took my regularly running shoes and they fell a part. Seriously, they tore.
Men’s Hiking Shoes: (light), (heavy)
Women’s Hiking Shoes: (light), (heavy)
The United States Department of Agriculture has set out a warning that there is an “increase in bear activity.” Inyo National Forest is no exception.
- Backpack + fanny pack / waist band (optional)
I find it convenient to have my iPhone in a fanny pack, so that I don’t have to take off my entire backpack for a photo or Snapchat. Don’t judge me, it’s a part of my job and I do love photos.
- Swimsuit
- Travel towel (optional)
- Light sweater (optional)
- Hiking poles (optional)
Day-Hike suggested photo equipment:
- GoPro
- Oslo Clip for your smart phone
- iPhone battery pack
- Mini Trip-Pod + iPhone Tripod case
Check out these articles for more details:
Read: The Ultimate Guide to iPhone Photography
Read: The Ultimate Guide to GoPro Accessories and Tips
Posts You Might Like
Big Sur Road Trip / Highway 101 – No Clever Title Necessary (Photos)
Unplug: Goodbye Technology, Hello Yosemite National Park
California Winter: Ski, Surf, and Avocado (Photos)
Desert Vibes: Everything You Want to Know About The Wave, Arizona (Photos)
Arizona & Utah Road Trip (Photos) – Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Devil’s Garden
S H O P
I’m a Californian who’s never been to Inyo. It looks like you caught perfect if hot, weather as well. The views are well worth it the travel.
Whoa. That looks like Canada. (not that I’ve been there). But this is drop dead gorgeous and you just gave me some major #hikegoals (albeit a tough one!)
Thanks for sharing this post Stephanie – being on the East Coast, I had no idea that Inyo exists!
Never heard of this place, but when/if I make it to California any time soon I would definitely love to do this hike. The views are simply stunning and I love the never ending blue water that looks surreal!
Wow, what a beautiful part of the world! And I live so close… how have I never been?! Beautiful post, thanks for sharing :)
I lived in those mountains for two seasons, doing trail work :) loved every minute of it.
Not a bad office! Thanks for reading. c
Thank you for all the info! It’s super helpful. When did you go and around what time were those beautiful photos taken? I’d love to see that turquoise water.
I just skipped content for photos.Lovely shots,cannot keep my eye off
I really love this post, you have a great collection of pictures. Always found of the beauty of the nature. Thanks mate for this great info, really appreciate. Looking forward to take a trip over there.
I really loved your blog, you have a great collection of pictures. It is tempting me to explore soon.
Big Pine North Fork is beautiful. The colors are amazing. You look like you’re alone in the wold Great post
Honestly, Stephanie, The pictures were even great with you in it !!! ;-)
Great info and photos, thank you for sharing !
It was very useful during my visit to the States.
This is a beautiful post about the place. I have actually lived in California for 2 years and visited once the Big Pine North Fork. It was an amazing experience, To anyone who has not visited I would suggest they should :)
“This article really captured the beauty and adventure that awaits in the Inyo National Forest. The photos are absolutely stunning and the author’s descriptions of the trails and scenery make me want to pack my bags and hit the road. It’s great to see tips on how to prepare for the hike and what to expect along the way. I also appreciate the emphasis on respecting the natural environment and leaving no trace. Overall, this article is a wonderful resource for anyone planning a trip to Inyo National Forest, and has definitely inspired me to add it to my own travel bucket list!”