Graveyard Lakes Backpacking

John Muir Wilderness

Graveyard Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California
Graveyard Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California

Graveyard Lakes Backpacking

John Muir Wilderness


Graveyard Lakes

A Classic Weekend Destination

Graveyard Lakes nestle against the grand Silver Divide and Graveyard Peak in the John Muir Wilderness east of Fresno. Even though the lowest lake falls just below 10,000 feet, campfires have recently been banned at all Graveyard Lakes. Only 8 miles from the trailhead on Lake Thomas A. Edison, Graveyard Lakes are a wonderful weekend destination. The approach drive over Kaiser Pass, however, is long enough to justify a multi-day trip into the area.

Fishing is good at all the lakes. Pan-size brook trout are easily caught at the lowest lake while the bigger rainbows are hiding out in the largest of the upper lakes.

Graveyard Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

Lower Graveyard Lake

Graveyard Lakes - Key Facts


Location: John Muir Wilderness, Fresno County, 85 miles east of Fresno over Kaiser Pass.
Trailhead: Lake Thomas A. Edison, elevation 7,700 feet
Graveyard Lakes elevation: 9,940 feet
Elevation gain: 2,240 feet
Hiking Distance: 8 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Best sites around the lower lake's southeastern sides
Popular activities: Hiking, photography, fishing, swimming, peak climbing, wildlife viewing


sign to Graveyard Lakes, 7 miles

Wildlife

Although bears frequent the Graveyard Lakes area, they are not a problem as long as food is hung properly out of their reach or stored in bear-proof canisters. Deer are used to humans in the area and are often sighted lurking around the meadows near campsites. A variety of birds are seen flittering around the tree-tops, including noisy magpies. Rattlesnakes are rare along the trails or near campsites, but travelers should always use caution. Mosquitoes are annoying in the early summer, but by late-August they are usually gone.

Trout - The lower Graveyard Lake has a healthy brook trout popular while the larger upper lakes have rainbow trout.


Lake Thomas A. Edison, John Muir Wilderness, California

Lake Thomas A. Edison


Graveyard Lakes - Key Facts


Location: John Muir Wilderness, Fresno County, 85 miles east of Fresno over Kaiser Pass.
Trailhead: Lake Thomas A. Edison, elevation 7,700 feet
Graveyard Lakes elevation: 9,940 feet
Elevation gain: 2,240 feet
Hiking Distance: 8 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Best sites around the lower lake's southeastern sides
Popular activities: Hiking, photography, fishing, swimming, peak climbing, wildlife viewing


sign to Graveyard Lakes, 7 miles

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Graveyard Lakes Trailhead at Lake Thomas A. Edison

Reach the Graveyard Lakes trailhead at Lake Thomas A. Edison by following Highway 168 east from Fresno, past Shaver Lake and on to Huntington Lake. There the highway ends, replaced by a narrow - often single lane - mountain road that winds up over Kaiser Pass and descends to Edison and Florence lakes. Plan on a 3-hour drive from Fresno.

Destruction caused by the 2020 Creek Fire will be evident. Large sections of the forest around the northwest side of the lake were burned and the Vermilion Valley Resort and High Sierra Pack Station were damaged. The fire did not reach Graveyard Lakes.

Parking

The actual trailhead is a small parking area at the end of a road near the Vermillion Campground.



Nearby Camping and Lodging


Lake Edison has several nearby campgrounds. Vermillion Campground is next to the trailhead. They accept reservations: (877) 444-6777 or
Recreation.gov - Vermillion Campground

The rustic Vermilion Resort offers accommodations in motel rooms, a yurt, and a trailer. They also have a small store with basic supplies and a restaurant. During the summer they operate a water taxi to the far end of the lake as long as water levels are high enough.

High Sierra Pack Station is found at the end of the road beyond the campground.