Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop

Route Description for Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop

As the Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop travels within the alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, you must prepare yourself for the conditions. Make sure that you bring lots of water with you and protect yourself from the alpine sun with lots of sunscreen and a hat. Likewise, the temperature can fluctuate rapidly in mountainous terrain; we suggest bringing extra clothing with you so that you can layer as necessary.

Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop is an incredible route simply because of how breathtakingly beautiful it is. The route traverses stunning alpine terrain whilst bringing you to a number of sublimely charming lakes, making it one of the most scenic trails within Inyo National Forest. Not only is it a beautiful route, but it is also fairly accessible, and rated as moderately difficult - making it a viable option for a large cross-section of the hiking community.

With your vehicle parked, make your way to the trailhead along Saddlebag Lake Road. Having arrived, follow the Saddlebag Lake Loop Trail as it makes its way east alongside the eastern shore of Saddlebag Lake. Here, the terrain traverses rolling hills as the pathway takes you to the northern shore of the lake, where you will arrive at a junction within the trail.

At the junction, follow the northernmost pathway as it makes its way over terrain with a steady incline. After passing to the west of two smaller lakes, and making your way through Lundy Pass, you will arrive at another junction within the trail. Continue on your northern heading, where the trail will then bring you to Lake Helen. Having made it to the northeastern shore of the lake, the trail will once again reach a junction, where you will take the western route towards Shamrock Lake. Passing alongside the northern shore of Shamrock lake, the trail will veer to the south and pass a number of smaller lakes

With these smaller lakes passed, continue on your southern heading while the trail declines in elevation. Ensuring you do not veer off the pathway through the next few junctions, the route will deliver you to the northern shore of Saddlebag Lake. From here, simply follow Saddlebag Lake Loop along the western shore of Saddlebag Lake where, after crossing a dam, you will arrive at the parking lot that you left your vehicle at.

Trail Highlights

Mount Conness

A renowned location for outdoor adventure, Mount Conness attracts people from all over North America who come to ski, rock climb, hike, and scramble along its imposing breadth. Visible throughout the majority of Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop, Mount Conness is picturesque in its aesthetic beauty. Among the largest mountains within the Sierra Nevada Range, it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop.

Insider Hints for Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop

• There is lots of scee along the route, so wear a good pair of hiking boots. Your ankles will thank you!
• The weather can change fast, so make sure you're prepared.
• Shamrock Lake is an excellent place for a picnic!
• Enjoy fishing? Bring your rod as Saddlebag Lake is a great place to catch rainbow and brook trout.