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.
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
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.
