Glacier Lodge to Palisade Glacier

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This High Sierra route passes beautiful lakes and winds its way under tall peaks, all in an alpine environment. If this doesn't sound enticing enough, it culminates at a view of one of California's few remaining glaciers.

This route is largely within the John Muir Wilderness, so wilderness permits from Inyo National Forest are required for all overnight trips. Search Recreation.gov for more information.

This is a fairly long route, but it's quite reasonable in terms of elevation gain. The trail from Glacier Lodge slowly climbs into the alpine along the side of a valley. After several miles, it converges with the creek at a waterfall. Here the trail takes you through a birch forest and past an old stone cabin, originally built by actor Lon Chaney in 1929-1930, in the area known as Cienega Mirth.

You'll eventually come out of the forested area into a basin several hundred feet above the lakes to the east. The impressive Temple Crag is on the other side of the lakes. Pass lakes 1, 2, and 3 then take an eastern fork of the trail towards the glacier.

This is where the steep hiking starts. After the first section of steep terrain you'll find the Sam Mack Meadows. These flat meadows provide a good place to camp for your first night. After Sam Mack Meadows, expect a little more difficulty finding the trail, as there is a lot of rock and very little soil. The route continues to climb steeply over several ridge lines and finally onto the Palisade Glacier. Once at the glacier, enjoy the view! When you've had your fill, turn around and retrace your steps back to the lodge.

Trees: lodgepole pine, Jeffery pines, whitebark pine (at highest elevations). Wildflowers along streams and in meadows: tiger lily, red-orange paintbrush, white rein orchis, red columbine. Wildflowers at high elevations: alpine columbine, white heather, blue sky-pilot.