Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail is an excellent trail where you can enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful mountains of the East Sierra Nevada Mountains. [Can you die without walking! Trip to American National Parks (37)]
Written by Sayaka Kato
This project introduces special American hiking trails by an authentic American tour guide.
This time, we'll be returning to the Yosemite National Park area for the first time in a while, and introducing the stunning view trail "Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail" located just outside the park, just before entering the East Gate on the east side (outside the park).
This course is a stunning spot that represents America, a great outdoors powerhouse that can be enjoyed while walking around many beautiful lakes, as well as beautiful views of the mountains of the East Sierra Nevada Mountains and picturesque scenery that will make the hearts of hikers fall in love with them.
Furthermore, it is not that steep and not an advanced level, so this hiking trail course is recommended for beginners if you have good legs.
When it comes to common tourist spots in Yosemite National Park, I think most of the areas that span the Yosemite Valley and surrounding areas. But actually, I would like to recommend to hikers to the Eastern Sierra area, located along Route 120, which is located outside the eastern gate of the national park, on Tiogapass (road).
Many amazing trails spread out, with dynamic landscapes and beautiful lakes making it a paradise for hikers and wildlife.
Another feature is that when you come here, the number of tourists decreases and the atmosphere changes suddenly.
table of contents
Hiking information for Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail (Photo at the end of August)
Access (car to the trailhead)
If you enter "Saddlebag Campground" on Google Maps, it will show you the address of the parking lot where the trailhead is located (the signal conditions are poor in this area, so we recommend downloading the map in advance).
The trail starts just before the east gate of Yosemite National Park, and the nearest town is Lee Vining. Lee Vining is an area with many campsites and RV parks, making it a perfect base for outdoor activities.
If you are heading from within Yosemite Park, take Tioga Road (120 east) towards the east gate. There is a trailhead just outside the gate.
Good things to carry on hiking
As with all your belongings, just like before, prepare the same equipment as a typical American hike.
- Drinks (a lot in the summer, about 2 liters)
- Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature
- hat
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and more for eating while hiking
- If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
- Other things you like, such as swimsuits and sandals.
Trail data
- For beginners and intermediate students
- Season: The best seasons are from May to September (depending on the snowfall of the year, there is usually snow in May and June).
- Trailhead elevation: Approx. 3048m
- Round trip: Approx. 13km (8 miles)
- Height difference: Approx. 236m (777 ft)
- Course time: 3 to 5 hours round trip (including breaks)
Hiking departure from the trailhead (trailhead)
This trail starts from a lake called Saddlebag Lake.
Normally, there are water taxis (paid boats) during the summer, so you can take them and go to the other shore to save a few miles. It is recommended if you have children (we were not operated at the time of filming due to COVID-19).
7:40 am Hiking departure from the trailhead (trailhead) (Map 1)
There is a toilet. It's early in the morning, so there's plenty of parking space. First, we crossed the bridge used by pedestrians just before Saddleback Lake and headed towards Saddleback Lake.
A sunny day with no clouds.
The trail continues in a clear way like this, so walk clockwise to the left side, right in front of Saddleback Lake.
There are some fairly flat rocky areas. In the back left, the white Snow Peak (approx. 3,728m) shines beautifully.
In the refreshing morning air, head down Saddleback Lake to your right, and then continue further, about 40 minutes after the start, Greenstone Lake (Map 2) will appear on your right.
A shallow and small Greenstone Lake. The views of Snow Peak and surrounding mountains are stunning.
Depending on the amount of water, as you continue the trail ahead, you will have to cross a small creek that flows through Greenstone Lake, so you will need to be prepared to get wet, or adjust the area, bridge, etc., looking for areas, bridges, etc. that you might be able to cross, and proceed.
As you continue along Greenstone Lake in a sparkling morning, you will also begin to see a gentle slope.
On the left is a small, unnamed lake, where two men enjoyed fishing in the morning. He said he camped nearby, and although he was heartwarming, he thought that outdoor activities are truly amazing and unique to America, and that it's truly amazing that no matter how old he is, no matter how old he is, he moved on.
Map 3 Two hours after the start, Steelhead Lake. This has also made a beautiful lake.
The surrounding mountains are reflected on the surface of the water, and the blue of the sky is also included, giving it a very beautiful and sacred atmosphere.
Of course there's no one there. It's too quiet.
I could have watched it forever, but I'll continue to go further.
Next, we will see Map ④ Shamrock Lake. One after another, different lakes appear, and it looks like the land of Tojirushi lol
The water is really clear and the wind and the waves are very beautiful. You'll want to jump in right away.
Basically, you can swim to any lake and easily find a spot to rest.
It was morning so there were no one there. I'm all to myself.
In some places, alpine plants such as fireweed are still in bloom, making it truly a mountain summer. That's how it is.
After that, Lake Helen will be seen (Map 5).
This lake is also really impressive. It is a very large lake, walking along the lake and heading to the other side, allowing you to enjoy the view from various angles.
The surrounding scenery is also wonderful and soothes the heart.
The indescribable colour of water.
And there's no one there.
It's just me, the lake and the mountains.
After Lake Helen, a bit of a rocky slope begins.
Many sea rabbits and Pika will greet you with their faces showing in this rocky area.
And if you go further,
10:30 am Odale Lake has come into view.
I can't believe it's the perfect lake, but I'm still soothing to the natural paradise.
The sun was rising quite a bit and my body needed to cool down, so I took a dip here.
The water temperature is not too low, but just right.
The good thing about hiking in America is that there are many lakes like this, so you can easily swim while hiking. I am truly happy to be able to feel the bounty of nature both physically and mentally. I am grateful for nature and this environment.
After taking a dip and refreshing, head towards Saddlebag Lake, which was originally there.
On the left side there is a small, cute, hummingbird lake.
Continue further and reach the location of Map 6. A branch will appear here. The path you go to the left and the path you came to the right is a fork that divides into the same path as the outbound path.
Leave it to us here.
If you go clockwise to the left, the distance will be a little longer, but a stable trail that is easy to walk will continue to the finish line at the trailhead. If you go right, you'll see the same path as the one you'll reach.
Map 7. Water taxi departure and arrival points (if it was operated)
12:20pm Then we return to the trailhead goal.
It's a 5-hour hiking trail with plenty of rest and plenty of views.
The slope difference may not be that great, so it may take some time, but even beginners can do it if you have a healthy leg.
One day, please go hiking in the East Sierra Nevada.
Kato Sayaka
Leave your California hiking and travel plans, including Yosemite National Park. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.
