Emigrant Lake

“Has anyone visited this Eastern Sierra lake? From what I understand, a chunk of it is off trail? I've seen pics and it appears to be turquoise water surrounded by white sand. It looks like the tropics. Who's been there and do you have any pics posted?

Muchos gracias.”

“Rosey,
Are you referring to the Emigrant Lake that is in the Emigrant Wilderness (N of Yosemite) or some other Emigrant Lake?”

“BaSO4: Yes. Sorry, should have clarified...”

“I've been there, but it has been several years (so don't take anything I say as gospel). I used to work on the Stanislaus NF and we occasionally got into the Emigrant Wilderness. As I recall, there is no off-trail required to get to Emigrant Lake - a trail runs the length of it. Like most lakes in the Emigrant Wilderness, Emgrant Lake is probably pretty shallow with a low dam at the outlet, but still cold. You might be disappointed with the "sand", unless you prefer coarse, granular decomposing granite! That being said, I strongly recommend a visit - classic rugged Sierras with lots of granite. Emigrant Wilderness is thick with trails and you can come up with lots of loops to fit any length of trip.

Many folks start their trips from Kennedy Meadows, but it gets too many horses for me. I suggest starting from Leavitt Lake, east of the crest. It is a steep climb out of the lake, but the views are worth it.

Alas, no photos.”

“Okay, I've been there a couple of times and have taken different routes to reach it, always from the North.

Sorry, no pictures posted on the web. I don't remember anything particulary remarkable about the water or the sand. It is a good lake for fishing. I can remember being throughly pissed off with all the horse packers that drop people off at the lake and the amount of horse crap on the trail. Let me know if you want any more info on good routes to take to get there or any other lakes in the area.”

“I haven't been to Emigrant Lake, but do have photos/trip description of Kennedy Meadows and Kennedy Lake.

The Backcountry: Kennedy Lake”

“Foamfinger, I've done the trip out of Leavitt Lake and I would caution people that this way is really tough. The trail follows the old mining road to Montezume mine. The climb out of Leavitt Lake is hard, you then drop deep into a canyon and then have to climb Old Sam. The entire trail is treeless and much of it is above timber line. Once over Old Sam you drop down to Emigrant Meadow Lake and then it is a couple of flat miles to Emigrant Lake via Middle Emigrant Lake.

My favorite way to get to Emigrant Lake is Crabtree Camp via Wire or Deer Lakes. That way I can fish on the way in.”

“Started at Leavitt Meadows back in 94 and it took 3 days to get to Emigrant Lk. It's one of the largest in the Wilderness but oddly enough, we found the camping on the north side of the lake (trail side) lacking. For camping, I was more impressed with Blackbird Lks to the east and Buck Lks to the west. For fishing, we had excellent results along Cherry Ck, regardless of what fork we tried. We exited a few days later at Crabtree and had to continue our hike on pavement to Pinecrest Lk where are shuttle was to end.”