First Lake is one of many reservoirs in this section of the John Muir Wilderness and Inyo National Forest. This is a gorgeous lake that you'll view from above from the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail with Mount Alice towering in the background.

Matthew

December 21, 2023

Running

Amazon

January 27, 2024

Hiking

FIRST Lake is, ironically, the LAST place for this water to rest before heading down through Big Pine Valley as the North Fork Big Pine Creek and entering, as a tributary, the Owens River 6,000ft below! To the east you are offered a lovely view to Mount Alice, while to the south Temple Crag commands your attention! The water in First Lake, as well as the ither Big Pine Lakes, often can be seen with a beautiful teal hue, caused by the refraction of sunlight on particles of glacial silt in the water!

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Nearby routes

Best routes near First Lake

hikers

#1.

Big Pine Lakes Trail

13.3km

04:30

1,080m

40m

Hike the challenging Big Pine Lakes Trail, a difficult 8.3-mile route with 3555 feet of elevation gain, leading to stunning alpine lakes.

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Hard

4.9

(9)

143

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#2.

First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Trout Pond

15.0km

04:53

690m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

hikers

#3.

Second Lake and Temple Crag – Fifth Lake loop from Big Pine Creek Number 2 Dam

6.50km

02:00

240m

230m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 3,040 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 28 March

9°C

-2°C

3 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Inyo County, California, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Fifth Lake

Cross Creek Junction

Junction to Bishop-South

Spectacular Waterfalls

Second Lake and Temple Crag

Chocolate Lake No. 3

Lon Chaney Cabin

View of North Palisade Glacier

Black Lake Shore

View over Kings Canyon National Park

Summit Lake, John Muir Wilderness

North Fork Big Pine Creek Crossing

First Lake

#1.

Big Pine Lakes Trail

#2.

First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Trout Pond

#3.

Second Lake and Temple Crag – Fifth Lake loop from Big Pine Creek Number 2 Dam

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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