Emerald Lake Trail
![Emerald Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/US-CA-Inyo-National-Forest-Emerald-Lake-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Table of contents
Short in distance and with relatively little elevation incline, the Emerald Lake Trail is ideal for beginner hikers and families with young children. With great scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the route, and lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing, the Emerald Lake Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest.
Route Description for Emerald Lake Trail
Depending on the time of year you plan on the Emerald Lake Trail, the mosquitoes can be rather prolific, so you should prepare yourself accordingly. We recommend bringing lots of bug repellent with you and wearing long sleeves and pants if you plan to do the route in the springtime.
Having arrived at the trailhead, follow the Emerald Lake Trail south as it crosses Coldwater Creek. The route will continue on its southern heading, inclining in elevation as it goes before once again crossing Coldwater Creek from the west. The Emerald lake Trail will begin to veer to the east as the elevation taper off. The route will then deliver you to beautiful Emerald Lake, where you should take some time to enjoy the scenery before backtracking your steps towards the trailhead.
Getting to the Emerald Lake Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for Emerald Lake Trail is located off of Coldwater Creek Campground Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
When to do:
June-November
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Emerald Lake Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Mount Silliman Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mount Silliman Hike
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Alta Peak Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Alta Peak Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Lodgepole and Willow Meadow Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lodgepole and Willow Meadow Hike
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Pear Lake Winter Route Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pear Lake Winter Route Hike
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Tokopah Falls Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CA-Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-Tokopah-Falls-Hike-1709x633-1.jpg)
Tokopah Falls Hike
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Giant Forest Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CA-Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-Giant-Forest-Loop-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Giant Forest Loop Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Heather Lakes and Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Heather Lakes and Lake Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Emerald Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CA-Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-Emerald-Lake-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Emerald Lake Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![General Sherman Tree Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CA-Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-General-Sherman-Tree-Trail1709x633.jpg)
General Sherman Tree Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Heather Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/US-CA-Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-Heather-Lake-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Heather Lake Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Heather Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/US-WA-Mt-Baker-Heather-Lake-Trail-1709x633-Heather-Lake-Trail.jpg)
Heather Lake Trail
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
![Emerald Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Emerald Lake Trail
West Kootenays