Cinko Lake Trail and Map

Hoover Wilderness

photo of Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California
photo of Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

Cinko Lake Trail and Map

Hoover Wilderness


Hiking the Trail to Cinko Lake

The trail to Cinko Lake leads past several nice lakes which beckon hikers to stop for a few hours or perhaps overnight. Most backpackers plan on two days to reach Cinko Lake, allowing time for fishing or simply resting in camp.

Leavitt Meadow to Lane Lake,

4 miles

After crossing the bridge at Leavitt Meadow Campground, climb a small hill and then descend into Leavitt Meadow for a long trudge up its length. Near the end, the trail climbs to a junction with the Secret Lake trail and then descends to pretty Roosevelt and Lane lakes, a good choice for an overnight camp. The best camps are on the southern side of Lane Lake.

trail through Leavitt Meadow, Hoover Wilderness, California

Leavitt Meadow

Lane Lake to the Fremont Lake Trail Junction,

3.7 miles

Climb away from Lane Lake and follow the river before a slight descent to the Fremont Lake trail. Using the stock crossing is the best choice if going up to Fremont Lake. Our trail, however, continues up the valley without crossing.

Shop Amazon for: Hiking Poles


Roosevelt Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

Roosevelt Lake


Fremont Lake Trail to Walker River Crossing,

3.1 miles

The trail climbs and crosses a low ridge before returning to the river valley again. Watch for a sign to cross the West Walker River. Campsites are found among the trees a short distance to the north.

River Crossing to Cinko Lake,

3.2 mils

The steep climb confronts hikers as the trail works its way up Cascade Creek. Watch for the junction for Cinko Lake to the right and then less than a mile later another turn, this time to the left. Good campsites are found almost immediately along the shore of the lake.


Alternate Trails

Instead of hiking on the most direct route to Cinko Lake, backpackers can take an alternate route that includes a number of nice lakes. By turning uphill at the Fremont Lake trail, hikers can make their intermediate camp at this popular fishing lake. Then, the next day, head up the trail to Chain of Lakes and wander them to the upper end of the valley. There, another trail heads up to Cinko Lake.

For those who want to explore a little on their way at the beginning of the trail, instead of dropping into Leavitt Meadow, stay on the trail to Secret Lake and reconnect with the main trail just north of Roosevelt Lake.

Alternate Trails

Instead of hiking on the most direct route to Cinko Lake, backpackers can take an alternate route that includes a number of nice lakes. By turning uphill at the Fremont Lake trail, hikers can make their intermediate camp at this popular fishing lake. Then, the next day, head up the trail to chain of lakes and wander among them to the upper end of the valley. There, another trail heads up to Cinko Lake.

For those who want to explore a little on their way at the beginning of the trail, instead of dropping into Leavitt Meadow, stay on the trail to Secret Lake and reconnect with the main trail just north of Roosevelt Lake.




California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra, see

California's Best Camping website logo


Sierra Day Hikes

Enjoy great day hikes in Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite, and around Lake Tahoe.

Sierra Day Hikes website logo

map of trail to Cinko Lake, Hoover Wilderness, CA