Mid Sierra Musings: Day Hike From South Lake To Chocolate Lakes

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Day Hike From South Lake To Chocolate Lakes

Dale Matson

Click On Photographs To Enlarge

Hike Route

South Lake At Sunrise From The Dam

Take Highway 168 (Line Street) West out of Bishop CA. After a bit of a drive, turn left to go to South Lake. There is a big sign at the intersection. If you miss the turnoff, you will end up at Sabrina Lake. If you arrive early, you can park in the day use parking on the same level as the trailhead. There are several parking areas lower down which require you to walk up to the trailhead. The trailhead is above the top of the dam. There is a bathroom and trash cans.

This hike is about 8 miles round trip with about 1,450’ of elevation gain overall. I averaged a tad more than 1.2 miles an hour but I took over 100 photos. It is a great hike if you are fit and pay attention to where the trail goes. Have a GPS and/or map and compass. The mosquitoes are still out in force! There is plenty of water along the way for resupply if you have a means to treat or purify it.

Follow the trail toward Bishop Pass. Much of the climb is along South Lake. At about 2 miles, you will come to where the Chocolate Lakes trail cuts off to the left. The trail can be faint at times through the marshy areas that are still a tad wet. There are four lakes with the first lake called Bull Lake. If you look at your map, the trail generally follows along the shorelines of the lakes. When you are at the third Chocolate Lake, Thunder and Lightning Peak (AKA Vagabond Peak 13,336’) can be seen above the lake. This name is not included in some topographical maps. To the right of this is Cloudripper at 13,525’).

I used a Sony A7R3, 16-35mm 2.8 GM and 24mm 1.4.
Caveat: If you are a poor navigator, I do not recommend this hike.