The pictures taken from this small rocky outcrop above Second Lake, marked here by a tentsite symbol, are ICONIC. If the pictures above look familiar, that’s because… well.. they are! Temple Crag from across Second Lake is one of the most frequently photographed “scenes” of the Eastern Sierras. Just a quick search on the internet of “Big Pine Lakes” will pull up countless pictures almost identical to each other of this exact lake/peak combo. (Seriously, try it 😂) And honestly, it’s easy to understand why! The setting is otherwordly!

Matthew

December 21, 2023

Running

Every alpine lake has its own qualities that make it stand out, but Second Lake has often been called the most beautiful of the numbered lakes in this part of the John Muir Wilderness. This could be because it's the biggest or because it's the easiest to explore in depth since there is a spur trail that travels between this lake and First Lake.

Matthew

November 21, 2023

Hiking

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best routes to Second Lake and Temple Crag

4.9

(8)

137

hikers

1. First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Big Pine

14.9km

04:51

690m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(6)

133

hikers

2. First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Big Pine

19.5km

06:22

910m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

hikers

3. Second Lake and Temple Crag – Fifth Lake loop from Big Pine

6.05km

01:51

220m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 3,070 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 3 February

5°C

-8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Inyo County, California, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Palisade Creek Bridge - JMT/Middle Fork Kings River Trail

First Lake

Sabrina Lake

Mather lakes overlook

Middle Fork Kings River

Mather Pass Summit PCT/JMT

Lake Majorie

View of Two Eagle Peak and Cloudripper from Fourth Lake

View of Second Lake and Temple Crag

View of the Palisades

View of Mount Alice

Clifftop Tentsites with Valley View, John Muir Wilderness

Second Lake and Temple Crag

1. First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Big Pine

2. First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Big Pine

3. Second Lake and Temple Crag – Fifth Lake loop from Big Pine

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️