Big Pine Lakes Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness

photo of Big Pine Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California
photo of Big Pine Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California

Big Pine Lakes Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness


Following the Trail to Big Pine Lakes

Map

Morning is the ideal time to set out on the trail leading up to the Big Pine Lakes. The first couple of miles lack shade and can be hot by mid-day. On the plus side, wonderful views of the North Big Pine Creek canyon, waterfalls, and surrounding peaks make the hike enjoyable.

Big Pine Creek to Black Lake Trail Junction,

4 miles

You will be rewarded if you make an early start because there is no shade or water for the first 2 miles. The trail climbs steadily as it traverses the hillside well above the North Fork of Big Pine Creek.

After 2 miles the trail swings over to the creek above the falls. Shade quickly engulfs you. Water is readily available. Shortly you pass a stone ranger cabin. Beyond the cabin the trail alternates between easy forest travel and short sets of switchbacks. Eventually at mile 4 you reach the Black Lake trail junction.

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route up north fork Big Pine Creek, John Muir Wilderness, California

Route Up North Fork of Big Pine Creek


Black Lake Trail to First Lake,

0.25 miles

For those ready to make camp, only ¼-mile from the Black Lake trail junction the main trail passes First Lake. A nice campsite is found in the hollow below the trail and near the lake.

First Lake to Fourth or Fifth Lake,

1.9 miles

Continuing on the trail you soon pass Second Lake with limited camping options and then a little farther along, naturally, you arrive at Third Lake. Watch for some nice campsites down the slope from the trail. Many backpackers, however, prefer to continue on for another uphill mile to either popular Fourth Lake or less-crowded Fifth Lake.

Lon Chaney's cabins beside Big Pine Creek, John Muir Wilderness, California

Lon Chaney's Cabin

Along the Way


Lon Chaney's Cabin

The stone cabin hikers pass along the trail is marked as a Ranger Cabin but was originally owned by actor Lon Chaney, the Man of a Thousand Faces. Chaney is well known for his leading roles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and the Phantom of the Opera (1925), He had the cabin built in the late 1920s for $12,000. The building was designed by noted architect Paul Revere Williams.

Chaney enjoyed fishing. He and his wife Hazel set up housekeeping in the rustic cabin during the summer, their supplies brought in by pack train. Sadly, Chaney died at the age of 47 not long after the cabin was finished.

In 1980 the Forest Service took over the cabin when its lease expired. At first, they intended to remove the structure because it was in a wilderness area, but finally they decided to keep the cabin due to its historic value. Although it is designated as a Ranger Cabin, it is rarely used.

Along the Way


Lon Chaney's Cabin

The stone cabin hikers pass along the trail is marked as a Ranger Cabin but was originally owned by actor Lon Chaney, the Man of a Thousand Faces. Chaney is well known for his leading roles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and the Phantom of the Opera (1925), He had the cabin built in the late 1920s for $12,000. The building was designed by noted architect Paul Revere Williams.

Chaney enjoyed fishing. He and his wife Hazel set up housekeeping in the rustic cabin during the summer, their supplies brought in by pack train. Sadly, Chaney died at the age of 47, not long after the cabin was finished.

In 1980 the Forest Service took over the cabin when its lease expired. At first, they intended to remove the structure because it was in a wilderness area, but finally they decided to keep the cabin due to its historic value. Although it is designated as a Ranger Cabin, it is rarely used.




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map of trail Big Pine Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, CA