Mountain Lakes of the High Sierra

Trying to determine exactly how many mountain lakes are scattered across the High Sierra would be almost impossible. This dramatic mountain range rises above 14,000 feet in places and stretches for roughly 200 miles across eastern California, extending from the Lake Tahoe area to locations south of Sequoia National Park.

Along the way, it encompasses Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks as well as several extensive national forest wilderness areas. Some estimates suggest there are approximately 1,000 named glacial lakes, but that figure leaves out countless smaller lakes and tarns known only by their elevations, along with many bodies of water that have never been given names. In reality, the number of lakes is almost certainly in the thousands.

Discovering the Lakes of the High Sierra

A backpacking trip through almost any part of the High Sierra, one of the largest continuous wilderness regions in the Lower 48 states, is likely to take you past an astonishing number of clear mountain lakes. Many of these shimmering bodies of water are beautiful enough to make an ideal backcountry campsite. Over more than three decades, I have encountered and photographed many of the most impressive examples during backpacking trips throughout the High Sierra. Those journeys have taken me through all of its national parks, major wilderness areas, and along the John Muir Trail. My experience also includes a decade working as the Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine, followed by an even longer period of operating this blog.

Other Mountain Ranges With Beautiful Lakes

The High Sierra is not the only American mountain range filled with spectacular alpine lakes. I am also a longtime admirer of places such as Wyoming's Wind River Range, the Tetons, the Cascades, particularly the North Cascades, and Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. These ranges offer their own collections of remarkable wilderness lakes and scenic campsites, and they are well worth exploring for anyone who enjoys mountain landscapes and backcountry travel.

Why the High Sierra Stands Apart

Even with all those other impressive mountain regions, very few can rival the High Sierra when it comes to the sheer abundance of freshwater lakes and the extraordinary beauty of what John Muir famously called the "Range of Light." The combination of rugged peaks, expansive wilderness, and seemingly endless alpine water makes this part of California particularly special.

Planning a High Sierra Wilderness Trip

The national parks and forests throughout the High Sierra begin accepting wilderness permit reservations several months before a planned departure, including permits for trips along the John Muir Trail. Demand can be extremely high, especially for the most popular trails and destinations. However, some areas reserve a portion of their permits for travelers who apply only a week or two before their intended starting date. This can provide another opportunity for hikers who were unable to secure an earlier reservation.

Remote Lakes Across the Wilderness

The collection of lakes featured in the original gallery includes both famous destinations and much less familiar bodies of water hidden deep within the wilderness. Some may be names you recognize, while others may be completely new to you. None can be reached by car. Every one requires traveling several miles into the backcountry on foot or by horseback, making the journey part of the experience.

Exploring More of the High Sierra

The High Sierra offers an enormous range of opportunities for backpackers, from Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks to the John Muir and Ansel Adams wilderness areas and the celebrated John Muir Trail. There are numerous detailed stories covering these destinations, including information about backpacking routes, individual hikes, and wilderness travel. Many of those resources are available through The Big Outside's paid subscription and include expert advice as well as practical information for planning multi-day adventures. Additional expert e-books also provide guidance for longer hikes in Yosemite and other national parks.