Three Bears and Lots of Lakes

Your chances of seeing a bear on the Bear Lakes Trail aren't all that high; but your chances of seeing spectacular High Sierra scenery on this 3-mile hike? Guaranteed! Located in the Lakes Basin area, about a 30 minute drive from Sierraville, this hike rewards as you gain a little elevation and pass a quartet of emerald lakes: Big Bear, Little Bear, Cub, and Long lakes. From the parking area you'll see two trailheads: Bear Lakes Trail and Silver Lake Trail. Start on the Bear Lakes Trail and make a big clockwise loop returning on the Silver Lake Trail. Within a half-mile you'll reach your first lake, Big Bear, and its striking feature of striated rock surfaces in the background, caused by glacier movement. In another half-mile comes Little Bear Lake, then Cub Lake. After 1.5 miles of hiking, you'll be at a “T” intersection, with Silver Lake a quarter-mile to the left and Long Lake a quarter-mile to the right. If you'd like to see another glacier-scooped lake, make a detour to Silver Lake; otherwise go right to Long Lake. Continue hiking along its east shore. Living up to its name, Long Lake is long! There are plenty of great places to take a break and picnic along the banks here.

NOTE: Check conditions before embarking on this hike to ensure recent snowfall hasn't made this trail impassable or difficult. At our last check, snow was expected to melt, but it's best to follow up before embarking on this adventure. If it rains again in the next several weeks, it can affect this trail. From Bassetts/Hwy. 49, go north on the Gold Lake Hwy. 8 miles. The trailhead is in the Lakes Basin Campground at the end of the road. Follow the directions above for a 3-mile hike. Dog-friendly!