4 min
Overview
Just outside the town of Bishop is a gorgeous canyon filled with alpine lakes, jagged peaks, glaciers, and some of the most reliably beautiful fall foliage in the entire state of California. You can strap on a backpack and spend days wandering in the John Muir Wilderness – or you can enjoy the scenery on a day hike and camp or stay in a nearby rustic mountain resort. Any way you slice it, this is a must-see hike – especially when the aspens are turning. As you’re driving up to the trailhead, be sure to leave some extra time to get out of the car to take some photos along the way. You’re not going to be able to pass up scenery like this: When I hiked this trail I started from my base at nearby Sabrina Camp – and instead of driving to the trailhead I just walked along the road and was treated to some beautiful golden aspens and babbling brooks. If you’re driving all the way in, just look for parking near the clearly-signed Sabrina Basin Trailhead. There aren’t a whole lot of parking spaces here – especially during peak foliage – so you may get to walk a bit back to the trailhead anyway. You are hiking and camping inside the John Muir Wilderness so there are some extra restrictions on this trail – but if you’re day hiking you won’t need any permits. If you’re overnighting, you’re allowed to camp anywhere you’d like as long as it’s at least 200 feet away from water or trails. Not a bad deal, if you ask me. The first mile of this trail starts off very pleasantly, walking on a mostly flat section near Lake Sabrina’s northeastern shore. You’ll pass through more aspen while catching glimpses of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Sabrina itself (which, depending on the level of precipitation we’ve had, may be more of a low reservoir than a lake. Although the trail is fairly easy for the first mile, you are still up above 9000 feet so if you haven’t had time to acclimate you may find yourself a bit more sluggish than you’re used to. Don’t worry, though – just enjoy the hypnotizing rattling sound of the leaves through the aspen t
Trail Stats
11.6 km
524 m
3184 m
2760 m
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