Mid Sierra Musings: Day Hike To Brainerd Lake Along The South Fork Of Big Pine Creek

Dale Matson

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Ambit 3 Route

Garmin Map 64 Route

This is about an 11-mile round trip hike with about 3,000 of gain to 10,200’. If you have already hiked the more popular route along the north fork of Big Pine Creek, this is another route that will take you to a view of the Middle Palisade and Clyde Glaciers as you approach Brainerd Lake. The north fork takes you to a view of the bigger Palisade Glacier. Most of the hike is a good trail except for the many switchbacks that ascend over 1,000’.

This trail is accessed out of the town of Big Pine (14 mile south of Bishop CA). Turn west on Crocker Street which becomes Glacier Lodge Road. Take this road to the end unless you are backpacking. There is a place before this for backpackers to park before you get to the stables. I paid a small parking fee and parked near the Glacier Lodge store. I got a late start and began the route incorrectly. I waded across the south fork and began climbing the road. I had not taken the proper route that crossed the bridge at “First Falls”. Fortunately, I noticed the sign indicating the south fork trail. It was probably a shortcut of sorts if you didn’t mind wet feet.

There is a place along the trail where you will cross the creek from the north to the south side. Go to where the trail ends on the north side and cross there. You may get wet feet! It is also a good place to resupply water if you have a means to purify or filter it. I'm not sure this part can be crossed earlier in the year. It seems as if the switchbacks will never end and you cross some boulder fields. As you look back you begin to see the yellow fall colors begin to appear.

Once you finally top out from the climb, the Glaciers begin to appear along with Middle Palisade, Clyde Peak, The Thumb to the west and possibly Disappointment Peak and Mt. Jepson to the north. As you continue, you will pass a junction sign that will indicate a trail to Willow Lake. Some camp here overnight and continue the next day. Willow Lake can be seen from above later on the Brainerd Lake Trail.

The trail becomes less clear the closer you get to the lake so pay attention. You will cross a small creek on two logs which is also another place for water resupply until you get to the lake. Also, you will pass a muddy pond prior to Brainerd lake. Brainerd Lake, is quite green. This is caused by glacial silt runoff. This is a similar color to the green lakes on the north fork of Big Pine Creek.

I had considered climbing from Brainerd Lake up to Finger Lake (another 600’) which is a wonderful view but it is a steep climb with no trail. I was already tired from my late start. I actually drove from my home in Fresno that morning! I didn’t get back to my truck till nearly 7pm and slept in my truck till morning. I also had to take a 40-minute nap by Tenaya Lake on the way home.