The pictures taken from this small rocky outcrop above Second Lake, marked here by a tentsite symbol, are ICONIC. If the pictures above look familiar, that’s because… well.. they are! Temple Crag from across Second Lake is one of the most frequently photographed “scenes” of the Eastern Sierras. Just a quick search on the internet of “Big Pine Lakes” will pull up countless pictures almost identical to each other of this exact lake/peak combo. (Seriously, try it 😂) And honestly, it’s easy to understand why! The setting is otherwordly!

Matthew

December 21, 2023

Running

Every alpine lake has its own qualities that make it stand out, but Second Lake has often been called the most beautiful of the numbered lakes in this part of the John Muir Wilderness. This could be because it's the biggest or because it's the easiest to explore in depth since there is a spur trail that travels between this lake and First Lake.

Matthew

November 21, 2023

Hiking

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Best routes near Second Lake and Temple Crag

hikers

#1.

Big Pine Lakes Trail

13.3km

04:30

1,080m

40m

Hike the challenging Big Pine Lakes Trail, a difficult 8.3-mile route with 3555 feet of elevation gain, leading to stunning alpine lakes.

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Hard

4.9

(9)

143

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#2.

First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Trout Pond

15.0km

04:53

690m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

hikers

#3.

Second Lake and Temple Crag – Third Lake loop from Temple Crag

6.13km

01:53

220m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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Informations

Elevation 3,070 m

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Today

Wednesday 6 May

10°C

-6°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Inyo County, California, United States

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Lower Palisade Lake

View of Two Eagle Peak and Cloudripper from Fourth Lake

View of Second Lake and Temple Crag

View of the Palisades

View of Mount Alice

Second Lake and Temple Crag

#1.

Big Pine Lakes Trail

#2.

First Lake – Second Lake and Temple Crag loop from Trout Pond

#3.

Second Lake and Temple Crag – Third Lake loop from Temple Crag

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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