Do it for the ‘Gram!

I had a free weekend back in August and decided it was time to get back to the Eastern Sierra. Big Pine Lakes was another hike I’d been wanting to explore for a long time, and I finally had a chance to do it.

It’s one of those hikes you see all the time on Instagram. Beautiful turquoise water with jagged peaks as the backdrop. #nofilter is most likely listed in the hashtags. It’s impossible to get a bad photo here.

Since it’s about 5 hours from Fresno, I turned it into an overnight. I was really excited to test out my new “camping” setup (details later).

If I recall correctly, I actually slept in a bit on Saturday and didn’t get to the trailhead until 10 AM or so. The first lake is four miles in, so I booked it up the trail for a nice workout. The scenery was nice along Big Pine Creek, but it was similar for the first hour or two so I didn’t mind the fast pace.

The first couple of lakes are stunning and one after another. Palisade Glacier meltwater contributes to the bright aqua coloring, and I’ve seen very few lakes like this (I’d compare it to Lake Louis in Canada). I hiked around First Lake for a bit and took heaps of photos.

I’d argue that Second Lake is the most photographed. Temple Crag is an incredible backdrop against the tranquil water. I had my hammock with me and planned to hang it near this lake and have lunch. I completely forgot until I had already been basking on the perfect shoreline rock for an hour, digesting my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Oops.

I continued my trek past Third Lake, which was also a beautiful turquoise color. It’s slightly longer and up several switchbacks before reaching Fourth Lake. Fifth Lake is a quick sidetrack from Fourth. The colors in these lakes aren’t nearly as vibrant as the first few.

It’s about a mile to the Sixth Lake. I went about halfway there, checked the time, and decided to head back. I would love to see them, but I wanted to catch sunset and get to bed semi-early even more. At least I got to a high point on the trail and had a fantastic view of Palisade Glacier.

Summit Lake is only a few tenths of a mile off the main trail, but I also skipped that one. There was one more lake on the way back, and I figured seeing 6 out of 9 wasn’t too shabby. The trail goes right along Black Lake, and it was the cherry on top of a spectacular day.

I drove back down Highway 395 to Lone Pine. This is always my go-to place to camp since it’s surrounded by BLM land. It was dark by the time I did the short hike to Mobius Arch, and the last group of hikers were leaving as I arrived. Other than a mouse, it was incredibly deserted and almost eerily quiet. I took a few photos and walked the half mile back to my car.

I found a nice pullout off the dirt road in the back of Alabama Hills. I could see several other campers, but I was far enough away to not be disturbed. Perfect.

Now for my new setup! I never sleep well in tents for whatever reason. I assume it’s because I’m a sprawler – my mummy sleeping bag doesn’t allow me to sprawl out, and I’m limited to rolling over on (or off of) my narrow pad.

I never use a tent when I go on solo adventures, but instead lock myself in my car in popular campgrounds. Using my sleeping bag and pad in my car is still uncomfortable, so I made a solution. I had just gotten a twin air mattress that supposedly would fit in the back of my car. I also cut screens to the size of my back windows, and would attach them with magnets. I also brought my bamboo pillow. For someone who is as “granola” as me, I sure will go out of my way to have a luxurious glamping experience.

The temperature was in the 80s when I went to bed, so having my back windows down a bit for a cross-breeze was amazing. The air mattress fit. I wasn’t stuck shaped like a pencil. Yes!

I was woken up at 2 AM by a very loud car, racing down the grated road at a high rate of speed, with high beams blazing. I was shocked because I wasn’t on a main part of the road. They drove to the dead end, turned around, and raced out again. I was not happy to be woken up. Rude!

I eventually fell back asleep and woke up at first light. It’s an amazing sight to see when you open your eyes (and find your glasses). Beautiful dawn light starting to illuminate the highest peak in the Lower 48. Since I had chosen my parking space in the dark the night before, I had no idea what my view was. I was so lucky to wake up to Mt. Whitney!

I hiked back out to Mobius Arch for sunrise. There was already someone there when I arrived with his camera set up. We chatted for a good hour about amazing hikes in the area. He was a biologist from Switzerland and in the US for a conference. You just never know who you will meet in the middle of the desert!

I didn’t have anything else planned for the day, so I hit the road to get back to CL. This hike was well worth the wait, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Despite its popularity, it never felt too crowded and it wasn’t trashed like so many “Instagram destinations.”

Next time, I’ll wake up earlier and make it to Palisade Glacier. 🙂