Snow Lake Tail

Overview

Other areas of the Sierras are higher and more rugged, but in my opinion, the area along the northwestern boundary of Yosemite, including the Emigrant Wilderness side, is perhaps the most beautiful area in the Sierras. The air is clearer, the lakes are bluer, the flowers and trees have deeper colors, and you have the orange and reds of the metamorphic rock in the northeastern part and smooth, polished granite in the southwestern part. The Snow Lake Trail is a great example. Snow, Bigalow, and Black Bear are all located in very colorful settings. <br><br>The Snow Lake Trail is somewhat difficult, only because the trail between Snow and Bigalow Lakes is no longer maintained and is now overgrown and hard to follow. <br><br>The Snow Lake Trail leaves the Lunch Meadow Trail in the middle of Summit Meadow. If you can't find it, just head south between the small meadowy lakes and climb a small rise to the ruins of Montezuma Mine above the eastern shore of Snow Lake. Montezuma Mine was one of several mines in the area where small deposits of tungsten were extracted. <br><br>Hike around the lake and then climb the slopes south of the lake to a low point between Quartzite Peak and a smaller peak away from the crest (See picture: Snow Lake looking towards Quartzite Peak). The trail was completely overgrown, and I had to push my way up through the flowers. On the other side of this low point, you drop about 150 feet and then contour along the gentlest part of south slopes, staying well above the creek in the shallow canyon below. You should pick up the trail again as you approach Bigelow Lake because you are forced towards it by the steeper slopes below and above the trail.<br><br>Bigelow Lake has a lot of trees and bushes in the area around the outlet stream, but it is more open for camping once you get away from that. <br><br>The remainder of the trail to Black Bear Lake and Horse Meadows is easy to follow. Just below Black Bear there is a junction with the trail going to Twin Lakes. You'll probably want to visit them

Trail Stats

Photos

Black Bear Lake and Bigelow Peak create a beautiful backcountry scene.

Black Bear Lake and Bigelow Peak create a beautiful backcountry scene.

Snow Lake stands in the shadow of Quartzite Peak. The "trail" to Bigalow Lake goes up the slope to the right of Quartzite Peak.

Snow Lake stands in the shadow of Quartzite Peak. The "trail" to Bigalow Lake goes up the slope to the right of Quartzite Peak.

Snow Lake from near the pass to Bigelow Lake, with Grizzly Peak in the background on the right.

Snow Lake from near the pass to Bigelow Lake, with Grizzly Peak in the background on the right.

Tags