California · Lake fishing · Near Bear Valley

Chain Lakes

May–Oct
best months

Is Chain Lakes open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Chain Lakes, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Chain Lakes is a 6-acre lake in California, at about 7,598 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Crabtree Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 2.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Locals Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Chain Lakes

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 32°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 31°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 32°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 36°

      8 wet

    5. May

      58° / 43°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 52°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 60°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      75° / 59°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 54°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      60° / 46°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 37°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 32°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yosemite Village 12 W, CA, 26.7 mi away at 6,620 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

More spots nearby

Keep exploring — more waters worth the drive

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Rosasco Lake

~5 min drive

Rosasco Lake is a 5-acre lake near Pinecrest, California, at about 7,914 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Pinecrest Day Use

~12 min drive

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Highway 108 Corridor

~27 min drive

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Granite Lake

~6 min drive

Granite Lake is a 7-acre lake near Pinecrest, California, at about 8,621 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Y Meadows Reservoir

~8 min drive

Y Meadows Reservoir is a 17-acre reservoir in California, at about 8,593 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Kole Lake

~9 min drive

Kole Lake is a 7-acre lake near Pinecrest, California, at about 8,399 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Boundary Lake

~10 min drive

Boundary Lake is a 53-acre lake in California, at about 7,529 feet. It is managed by the National Park Service.

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Kibbie Lake

~11 min drive

Kibbie Lake is a 118-acre lake near Groveland, California, at about 6,513 feet. It is managed by the National Park Service.

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Pruett Lake

~11 min drive

Pruett Lake is a 7-acre lake in California, at about 7,964 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Red Can Lake

~11 min drive

Red Can Lake is a 9-acre lake in California, at about 8,317 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.