The 4½-mile trail from the South Lake trailhead to Baboon Lakes feels more like 6 miles due to the high altitude and a steep, 2,000-foot climb. Some hikers prefer to split the hike into two days, while others take it all in a single gulp.
Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake, 2.9 miles
The first mile of trail traverses the side of Lake Sabrina at a mild grade, but soon afterward the trail climbs steeply, often with switchbacks.
At mile 1.2, pass the trail to George Lake, 1.5 miles to the southeast. Continue on the main trail toward Blue Lake and cross a small stream. The switchbacks come in sections, some long and shaded, others exposed with views back toward Lake Sabrina. Blue Lake arrives with spectacular views of the Thompson Ridge and 13,500-foot Mt. Thompson along the Sierra crest.
Blue Lake
Blue Lake to Baboon Lakes, 1.6 miles
A short distance beyond Blue Lake watch for a sign to Baboon Lakes, indicating a trail veering off to the right. This relatively new trail does not show on many older maps. Once you turn onto the Baboon Lake trail, you will be bypassing Donkey Lake.
The trail angles and switchbacks up the hillside, climbing steadily above the valley. As you climb, views of Donkey Lake across the valley appear. About ½-mile
from Baboon Lakes, the trail reaches its highest point - a ridge overlooking the lakes - and descends to the shoreline of Lower Baboon Lake.
Upper Baboon Lake
Editor's 2 Cents
Before setting out on the trail, spend at least one night at a campsite or local resort close to Lake Sabrina to help adjust to the elevation. Parchers Resort near South Lake has small, bunk-bed style cabins that can be rented for the night at reasonable prices.
Drive down to Bishop for dinner at one of their many excellent restaurants. We have been fans of Amigos Mexican Restaurant and its neighbor El Ranchito, but there are many other excellent choices in town.
Spend at least one night at Baboon Lakes camped out under the stars. Without the intrusion of city lights and low elevation pollutants, thousands of stars appear crisper and brighter than you may ever have ever seen them before.
Editor's 2 Cents
Before setting out on the trail, spend at least one night at a campsite or local resort close to Lake Sabrina to help adjust to the elevation. Parchers Resort near South Lake has small, bunk-bed style cabins that can be rented for the night at reasonable prices.
Drive down to Bishop for dinner at one of their many excellent restaurants. We have been fans of Amigos Mexican Restaurant and its neighbor El Ranchito, but there are many other excellent choices in town.
Spend at least one night at Baboon Lakes camped out under the stars. Without the intrusion of city lights and low elevation pollutants, thousands of stars appear crisper and brighter than you may ever have ever seen them before.
Local Pack Stations
For those who would prefer to lighten their load while hiking up to Baboon Lakes, consider one of the local pack outfitters. They offer a variety of services beginning with spot trips where they pack your supplies in to your camp on their stock while you hike with a light daypack. They can then return for your gear at a designated date. They also offer trips where the wrangler stays with you and moves your camp from site to site. Some even offer full-service base camps where they do almost all the work from packing to cooking.
