Are dogs allowed on North Lake to South Lake Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on North Lake to South Lake Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike North Lake to South Lake Trail?

No, North Lake to South Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is North Lake to South Lake Trail?

North Lake to South Lake Trail is rated expert. It is 52.6 miles long with 13,563 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

ExpertPoint to Point

California

North Lake to South Lake Trail

Bishop, California

52.6 mi

Distance

13,563 ft

Elev. Gain

22h 31m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The backpacking route takes in the John Muir Wilderness and the Kings Canyon National Park. The route can be started at either end. Reservations can be made via reservation.gov. Permitting can be obtained at the trailhead.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,454 ft

Max:3,652 ft

4,134 ft

3,998 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context