Lakes Trail

Overview

From the Watchtower Trail/Hump Trail junction, the trail skirts the northern shore of Heather Lake before ascending a few switchbacks to the top of a small ridge. Look for marmots and pikas as the trail becomes increasingly rocky before descending towards Emerald and Aster lakes. Pass a spur trail to Emerald Lake on the right where it sits beneath sheer granite walls. Camping is permitted but limited, and a permit is required. <br><br>The trail continues past Emerald Lake looking down to deep blue Aster Lake on the left before beginning its final ascent to Pear Lake. Look for Alpine Columbine and Indian paintbrush along the rocky trail in mid-summer, and enjoy the view back down the Tokopah Valley into which the water from all four lakes drains to form the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. At 1.6 miles the trail begins to curve to the east and passes a junction to the Pear Lake Ranger Station. Continue along the main trail for another 0.5 miles to reach Pear Lake at 2.1 miles. Camping is permitted at the lake but is limited to 10 sites and requires a permit. <br><br>Enjoy a swim in this alpine lake or take in the views to the south of Alta Peak and the expansive surrounding smooth granite slabs and twisted pines before heading back.

Trail Stats

Photos

Pit toilets at Pear Lake, looking west at sunrise

Pit toilets at Pear Lake, looking west at sunrise

Looking west over Aster Lake

Looking west over Aster Lake

Emerald Lake Campsite entrance on Lakes Trail.

Emerald Lake Campsite entrance on Lakes Trail.

Glacier Ridge

Glacier Ridge

Mt Silliman

Mt Silliman

Pear Lake drains into Marble Fork Kaweah River

Pear Lake drains into Marble Fork Kaweah River

Heather Lake

Heather Lake

Heather Lake

Heather Lake

Mt Silliman from Lakes Trail

Mt Silliman from Lakes Trail

Pear Lake

Pear Lake

View across Aster Lake towards Mt Silliman

View across Aster Lake towards Mt Silliman

Pear Lake outlet stream. Also the stream to you need to cross to access half of the campsites and pit toilets

Pear Lake outlet stream. Also the stream to you need to cross to access half of the campsites and pit toilets

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Aster Lake and Mt Silliman

Aster Lake and Mt Silliman

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Emerald Lake Basin

Emerald Lake Basin

Gently sloping granite slabs around Pear Lake.

Gently sloping granite slabs around Pear Lake.

Aster Lake

Aster Lake

Emerald Lake Campsite on Lakes Trail.

Emerald Lake Campsite on Lakes Trail.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Heather Lake on Lakes Trail.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Pear Lake - June 2015

Pear Lake - June 2015

Aster Lake from the Lakes Trail

Aster Lake from the Lakes Trail

Aster Lake on Lakes Trail.

Aster Lake on Lakes Trail.

Pear Lake, looking south across the lake at sunrise.

Pear Lake, looking south across the lake at sunrise.

Fishing on the lake, looking south/west as sunset. Lots of fish in the lake.

Fishing on the lake, looking south/west as sunset. Lots of fish in the lake.

Lakes Trail overlooking Aster Lake

Lakes Trail overlooking Aster Lake

Pear Lake

Pear Lake

Pear Lake - Sequoia National Park.

Pear Lake - Sequoia National Park.

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