Beautiful Lake! and GREAT view from the summit. Good for…read moregeneral hikers to go to May lake. To climb up Mt. Hoffmann is not for easy hikers. The last part was rocks and adventurous but fun. Incredible view from the top! Coffee was so tasty there.....

This hike starts from 8710 feet at the May Lake parking lot, goes through the lake (9270 feet) and…read morethen goes all the way to the peak of Mt. Hoffmann (10845) The last part of the ascent needs some care since there are several trail climbing to the top. The view of Cloud Rest, Half Dome, Lambert Dome and all the other mountains around is very, very nice. The north side has an impressive cliff. I went there with my kids (13 and 10) with no problem. We swam at the lake on our way back (chilly!) Prepare to share the summit with hungry marmots.

Rainbow Falls may be the more popular waterfall in Mammoth Lakes. However, Twin Falls is just as…read moreimpressive, and you see it without paying for the shuttle to ride into the park to see it during the summer months. It's very scenic and drains into one of the Twin Lakes. I had difficulty finding a convenient place to see it up close in the lake campground area during my recent visit there (unlike my prior trip there in 2005 from what I recall). However, one good place to see it is at a small parking lot off Lake Mary Road west of the tunnel. One can look straight at the waterfall with the nice lake in the foreground. Also, there's a point further uphill on Lake Mary Road where it passes the top of Twin Falls and one can look down it.

This was my first official hike in Yosemite after coming here for years. Usually, my friends or…read moreHubs just want to do the usual sights around Yosemite Village, maybe walk to a waterfall or marvel at El Capitan, but not try a proper hiking trail. This trip, I am with a friend who came from France to REALLY see Yosemite. We chose this hike based on location, convenience and the "easy" rating it was given. The third was an exaggeration, but we didn't know. From the parking lot, it took us about 2 hours just to get to the lake, over terrain that was rocky and mostly sunny. My friend needed to stop frequently to monitor and slow her heart rate during the 1.2 mile ascent, which climbs about 500 feet above the approximate 8,710 ft elevation of the trailhead entrance in the parking lot. Speaking of the parking lot.... On this day, the Wednesday after Labor Day Weekend, the lot wasn't full and we easily found a spot. Wear sturdy shoes, have plenty of water, a hat and take your time. You'll be rewarded with a stunning lake and a cool dip before your descent, which took us less than 25 mins. Cheers! "CC"

This was a beautiful, short hike that's located off Tioga Road. If you're driving east towards…read moreTuolumne Meadows, the turn off to the trailhead is before Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake. The road leading to the trail is narrow and riddled with potholes. You'll need to take it slow and yield to cars coming the opposite direction. The lot was rather full on a Friday afternoon, but I snagged a spot of someone leaving. The hike itself is 2.4 round trip with a steady, but not too steep climb to the lake. Beautiful views of Mt Hoffman on the way up, along with Yosemite's high country. The lake itself is magical and serene. No swimming allowed, as it's labeled as a public water source. It's a popular spot not only because it's a relatively short and easier trail to access a Sierra lake, but it also has one of the High Sierra Camps for back packers. Still, winding away from the camp along the shore, there was solitude to be found with a few nice rocks to relax on and and enjoy a snack before heading down. Well kept trail to a beautiful lake, in less hectic, quieter part of Yosemite (relatively speaking.)

How we even stumbled upon this trail is beyond me. Probably the highlight of my trip there. Was…read morepretty easy flat trail getting there. Took some time though just on account of going off the trail and seeing as much as possible. Nice trail and the views are spectacular!!!

This is one of the best hikes I've ever been on…read more To get here, you go to glacier point and go off towards the sides and there is a sign that tells you how long each trail is. I think you can also get to Nevada falls but it was about 5 miles away (one-way). It says on the sign that this hike is 1.5 miles (one way)....THAT IS A LIE. I swear it's about 2-3 miles!! It's completely downhill but don't let that fool you! The trail can get very rocky and unstable so watch your step!! Some parts are also very steep so don't slip! And don't forget that you have to climb all the way back up to get back to glacier point!! When we reached the bottom, you get to a bridge and then you see Illilouette Fall. It's not your typical waterfall, where you see the water coming off the cliff. It's more off a cascade of water going downwards, beautifully glistening off the rocks. It just looks like a piece of art, the water gently gliding down the very smooth rocks. Be careful about stepping into those part because its very slippery! At the bottom of the fall, there is a pool of water, perfect for swimming!! I just love how you can literally sit next to the waterfall, dipping your feet in. Just laying there made me feel so rejuvenated. I went in mid-late July so there wasn't as much water. This is probably why I could sit next to the waterfall on some of the smooth rocks. The hike back up was such a mind game. It was so steep on some parts that I had to just remind myself to take it one step at a time. Remember, it's all uphill when you go back!! It's weird though, it took us 1.5-2 hours to get down to the falls, but 1 hour to get back! I guess when you really put your mind to it, going uphill isn't so bad!!

We did the first two miles of this trail in and out. Unfortunately the lakes don't start until much…read morelater, but we enjoyed the beautiful views and nicely maintained trail for the part that we did. We did this hike to look for the American goshawks that nesting around mile two. We heard two young calling to each other and we saw and heard many other birds along the way. Nice wildflowers around as well.

16.00.00. 2nd Trip to here…read more Multiple small lakes and ponds. The sweeping northern sierra view ... Before the final descend to the 1st lake is BREATH-TAKING Warning ... Moderate to slightly hard There are multiple lakes ... but not 10 lakes ... long story The main largest lake does contain pretty good size trouts. One of the nice semi deep backpacking spots. Plan on spending several days here and explore there other lakes in the basin and do some fishing.

Altitude: 4,657 ft. Lake Type: Reservoir…read morePrimary: Eleanor Creek Surface Area: 953 Acres Water: 26,100 acres ft Surface Elevation: 4,657 ft. The lake was formed in 1918 by damming Eleanor Creek as part of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir system, constructed to supply water and power to the city of San Francisco. Lake Eleanor is situated on the site of a smaller, natural lake of the same name. The lake was named after the daughter of Josiah Whitney, leader of the California Geological Survey in the 1860s. The lake now provides opportunities for angling, hiking and camping. It's an easy 2 mile hike from Miguel Meadow. You will see two gushing falls from across the lake in May and early June. So beautiful. Words can not express the serenity and admiration it brings to one when exposed to such sight. The water is amazingly clear and the tiny islands in the middle of the lake evoked such curiosity in me.

Best Fishing ever. My dad worked the boat/fishing shop at Twin Lakes for a few years, and we have…read morebeen going every year as a family. Beautiful, Serene. Quiet and great fishing. This lake is amazing for Fishing and getting away from it all

Stopped by on a "lake tour" of the easy to access lakes of this area. It wasn't too busy and it is…read morean easy road to access this location. We only stopped at Little Virginia Lake - but it had a quaint little store and a few fisherman sprinkled along the shore. It was so pretty and I couldn't believe how clear the water was. Simply beautiful. I'd like to stop again in the future with a bit more time to enjoy the serenity.

One of the most beautiful places in the area and that's saying a lot. Amazing trail starting a Big…read moreVirginia Lake and climbing to above 10000 ft and passing several more. It's like something you would see in the movies. As far as trails go they are good and well kept. Starting at Virginia which is seemingly the only one around and before you know it You've passed several lakes, Big Valley, Blue Lake, Green Lake, Trumbull Lake and Moat Lake a far piece up the trail. This particular trail is about 10miles out and back but you can push on or go back at any time. If you only walked 1 mile you would enjoy. Amazing views. Two bald eagles near the 10ft level as well as other wildlife. Even an old miners cabin that is said to be from the 1800s. My first time on this hike but not my last. Highly highly recommended.

HAD I KNOWN THIS WAS THE LAST TIME…read more.. Those who know me, know that I'm not much of a backpacker. The whole idea of sleeping in a bag, on air, in the cold, without a morning shower just doesn't appeal to me. All the years I've been hiking, decades, I only recently started backpacking. Goes back to the words of dad, "how can you say you don't like it if you don't try it?" Of course, he was referring to food, I'm the one that applies it to everything else. Hiking SisTa researched and planned to lead this trip for 10 crew members. Why only 10? Cuz she was able to obtain a permit for 10 people. Yes, a permit is required. Our first night was spent at Trumbull campground, half mile from the Virginia Lakes Trailhead, in the Hoover Wilderness, where she reserved a group campsite, for a reasonable fee. As the sun rose, so did we. With coffee brewin', oatmeal stewin', we prepped our gear for a seven mile trek with a gain/loss elevation of 1,500 ft. Trailhead sits at 9,805ft, with the highest point being Summit Pass at 11,100 ft. With the sun glowing in the bluest of blue skis, the brisk air was a sure sign it was going to be perfect weather for this heavy duty hike. The first lake we came across, but didn't cross, was Blue Lake. This lake separates two mountains & runs longer than it does wide. Just above the lake is an old dilapidated miner's cabin. Miner's sure were short & thin, the entrance was barely big enough for me to fit through, let alone full grown men. The interior is decorated with all things left behind; old furniture, including a table which still has items sitting on it. Did ya pack your fishing pole? At 10,240ft, big boulder create a frame for Cooney Lake. The first fishing hole since the trailhead. About another 100ft of elevation gain from Cooney, is Frog Lake. Rightfully named, we could hear the frog choir, ribbiting songs of the frog. Ok, enough stunning views of amazing lakes, we found ourselves in a green meadow. Smh, This trek is so amazing, can't believe it's real, but it is, & it's spectacular. Till we hit the switchbacks up the summit. Ugh!!! Visions of the 99 switchbacks hiking up to the summit of Mt. Whitney filled my mind. Pinch me, I can't believe my eyes, I'm so on top of the world. At 11,000 ft. the top of the summit Mother Nature is spread out, all virgin like, virtually untouched by man, she is so astonishingly beautiful. Trekking down the switchbacks heading toward a green meadow & super tall pine trees, was entirely the reward we needed after a strenuous ascent up the other side, to keep calm & hike on. Ok, well, we didn't really keep calm. Gasps, ooooh's, aha's, & all things expression, comprehensive sentences were just not. Hiking along a lake, we took a sharp right, just a few feet in, we were "home". We got really lucky, having met & chatted up a ranger on the way in, she told us where the estate sized campsite was, we found it, and it was unoccupied. Woo hoo!!! Perfect!! Not a minute to breath, we set up camp and prepped for dinner. As the sun set, the air turned crisp & shadows danced across the arid mountains creating dramatic performance by nature. Sitting around the campfire, in such peaceful surroundings, set the scene for reflection, appreciation, and memories that will last a lifetime. Bonds between all of us got even greater. This trip, especially, will never be forgotten, for it was the last time I would see & spend time with Beloved Mark, Linda, and Muku. I'm so glad I set my distaste for backpacking aside, otherwise I would have lived a day with regret. Had I known this would be the last time I see Mark, Linda, and Muku, I wouldn't have done anything different. Well, maybe I would have taken a swig of Fireball from Muku's flask, MAYBE. The following day was a slow and cold start. After a splash of frigid lake water on the face, a hot, hearty breakfast, we packed our day packs and headed to Green Lake, West Lake and Bergona Lake. The saying, once you've seen one lake, you've seen them all, does not apply here. Each lake offers distinct perspectives. From its location, to its surroundings, each lake seemed to get more & more stunning. IN A LOOP: While this trek is not a loop, it is a remarkably breathtaking backpacking trip. One I will never forget. The views, the experience, the quality time spent without the hustle and bustle of city life is simply invaluable. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing.