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Expert Review of Lakes Trail

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Parks and Outdoors Review of Lakes Trail

Away Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

Parks Expert Favorite
ParksExpert Rating Recommended for:
Birding,Camping,Day Hiking,Scenic Drives,Trekking and Backpacking

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• If you only have time for one all-day hike in Sequoia National Park, the Lakes Trail may be the best bet. It's equally popular with day-hikers and backpackers, as the trail visits four gem-like lakes and provides wide views of granite cliffs and deep valleys. The trail is 4.2 miles one-way to the first lake; the other lakes lie within another 1.2 miles.
• At the trail split for Hump Trail and Watchtower Trail, be sure to take the latter, which travels along the ledge of the Watchtower, a 1,600-foot-tall granite promontory with views of the Tokopah River Valley below. In early summer, the Watchtower leg may be closed due to snow and ice, so you may be forced to take the alternate Hump Trail to access the lakes.
• Pear Lake, the last of four lakes accessible via the Lakes Trail, has a ski hut that is available for overnight rental in the winter months. In the summer, the hut serves as a backcountry ranger station.