Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
California
0.8 mi
Distance
82 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Inyo National Forest
3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Gem Lakes
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Gem Lakes is a short and accessible alpine trail perfect for families and casual hikers seeking mountain scenery without extensive commitment. This easy walk gains minimal elevation while showcasing the natural beauty of California's high country, with pristine alpine lakes as the reward for your brief journey.
Long Lake
~1 min drive
Easy quarter-mile walk to a scenic alpine lake.
Morgan Pass
~3 min drive
Accessible alpine pass hike with steady elevation gain and mountain views.
Little Lakes Valley
~4 min drive
Moderate alpine lake hike with steady elevation gain and scenic valley views.
Ruby Lake
~3 min drive
Easy alpine lake walk with minimal elevation gain and scenic water views.
Second Recess
~10 min drive
Alpine lake trail with steady elevation gain and Sierra Nevada views.
Morgan Mine Road
~7 min drive
Steady 6-mile climb on historic mining road with 3,330 ft elevation gain.
Mono Pass
~5 min drive
Quick alpine trail with minimal elevation gain near Mono Pass.
L Lake
~11 min drive
Steady alpine lake hike with 607 ft elevation gain and scenic mountain views.
Third Recess Lake
~8 min drive
Alpine lake hike with steady elevation gain in the Eastern Sierra.
Eastern Brooks Lake
~5 min drive
Ultra-short walk to an alpine lake with minimal elevation gain.