The Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking adventure that invites you to immerse yourself in California’s stunning natural beauty. This incredible hike takes you past four sparkling alpine lakes – Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear – each offering a unique glimpse into the serene beauty of the park. The vibrant blue waters reflect the sky and mountain peaks above, creating picture-perfect moments.
But the journey doesn’t stop there! If you choose to merge onto the Watchtower Trail (excluding winter months), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Tokopah Valley that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re planning a day hike or a memorable overnight backpacking trip, the Lakes Trail promises an enchanting escape into the heart of Sequoia National Park.
4 Alpine Lakes via Lakes Trail & Watchtower Trail
The Lakes Trail and Watchtower Trail in Sequoia National Park offer hikers an unforgettable journey through stunning alpine scenery. The Lakes Trail leads to a series of picturesque lakes, including Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear, showcasing the park’s natural beauty with serene waters and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Meanwhile, the Watchtower Trail branches off to provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Watchtower itself and Tokopah Valley from a high vantage point. Together, these trails immerse adventurers in the park’s majestic landscape!
The elevation gain and mileage may slightly differ based on whether you take the Watchtower Trail or Hump Trail.
Lakes Trail
Elevation at Trailhead (Wolverton): 7,300 feet
Entire Length (roundtrip): 13 miles
High Altitude!! This hike (if going all the way to Pear Lake) leads to an elevation of 9,550 feet above sea level. This altitude, if not properly acclimated, can lead to altitude sickness which can be very dangerous. Learn how to avoid altitude illness HERE.
Watchtower Trail / The Watchtower
Elevation: 9,000 feet
Miles to Reach The Watchtower: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Winter Closure: The Watchtower Trail is closed during the winter months due to hazardous conditions. If hiking the Lakes Trail in the winter (which is opened year-round but always check the trail conditions just in case), you can take the Hump Trail to reach the four lakes.
Fear of Heights? You may want to reconsider taking this trail if you have an extreme fear of heights. This route is not technical, and the trail is wide enough in my opinion, but most of the trail consists of steep drop-offs. Some people describe feeling “dizzy” when on this section. There are no guard rails either, so please take caution!
Alternate Route: Hump Trail is another trail you can take rather than the Watchtower Trail. The Hump Trail is a great option if you have a massive fear of heights! Also, this is the route you will take in the winter when the Watchtower Trail is closed.
Heather Lake
Heather Lake is the first lake you will reach. It’s surrounded by granite peaks and offers a peaceful setting for picnics or simply enjoying the view. The hike to Heather Lake is moderate to hard, with some decent elevation gain but nothing too crazy, making it accessible for many hikers.
Elevation: 9,300 feet
Miles to Reach: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Camping Allowed? No
Aster Lake
Continuing along the Lakes Trail, Aster Lake is a little more remote and less crowded. The trail to Aster Lake from Heather Lake involves a bit more elevation gain and then a loss of elevation. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the dark blue color of the lake will leave you speechless!
Elevation: 9,100 feet
Miles to Reach: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Camping Allowed? No
Emerald Lake
A highlight of the trail, Emerald Lake is known for its vibrant turquoise color, which is particularly striking against the backdrop of the rugged landscape. You will be able to see Alta Peak sitting at 11,200 feet from Emerald Lake!
Elevation: 9,230 feet
Miles to Reach: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Camping Allowed? Yes, with permit.
Pear Lake
This lake is the final destination on the Lakes Trail. It’s a bit more challenging to reach, but its pristine waters and stunning alpine scenery are breathtaking. Pear Lake is a fantastic spot for those looking to camp or enjoy a relaxing day in the wilderness.
Elevation: 9,550 feet
Miles to Reach: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Camping Allowed? Yes, with permit.
Know Before You Go
Sequoia National Park Entrance Pass
Entrance to Sequoia National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!
Best Time to Go
The best time to hike the Lakes Trail is during late spring, throughout the summer, and into early to mid-fall. During these seasons, you can typically enjoy clear trails with little to no snow, and temperatures warm up nicely as summer progresses. Summer is also the perfect time to witness vibrant wildflowers in bloom!
For those with a spirit of adventure who relish snowy landscapes without overly challenging conditions, consider visiting in early spring, late fall, or early winter. Just keep in mind that the Watchtower Trail will be closed in winter. Always pack layers, especially when hiking in spring or fall, as early mornings and late evenings can be quite chilly.
If you’d like to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying mostly snow-free trails and pleasant temperatures, aim for a visit just before or after the peak summer months. And don’t forget to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your adventure, as mountain weather can change quickly!
Be Bear Aware!
If day-hiking the Lakes Trail, all food and scented items must be stored securely in the bear-proof lockers (or carried with you in your backpack), and trash must be disposed of properly in the trash cans conveniently located in the parking areas.
It is required to store food and scented items in bear-resistance containers when camping at Emerald and Pear Lakes from May 1 through October 31. Learn more about wilderness food storage HERE.
It is very rare to have a negative encounter with a black bear. However, please keep the following tips in mind if you do happen to see a bear along your hike:
- Remain calm and do not run.
- Group together and pick up small children.
- Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
- If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
- Carry and know how to use bear spray.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Lakes Trail & Watchtower Trail to Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear Lakes
Location: Lakes Trail is located in the Giant Forest/Lodgepole area within Sequoia National Park.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 13 miles with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 6 to 8 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard depending on fitness level.
Trail Conditions: This trail consists of dirt/rocky and switchbacks.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Lakes Trail is located at the end of Wolverton Road which is the same road for the General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail.
To be closer to the trailhead, park on the left side when entering the parking lot. There are restrooms, trash cans, and bear boxes here.
The parking lot is massive! However, despite there being plenty of parking spots, they can all fill up quickly during the peak season. This is a very popular spot for both day hiking and backpacking.
🤩 READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Let’s Hike the Lakes Trail (+ Watchtower Trail)
Lakes Trail Trailhead (Wolverton)
Starting from the trailhead, begin hiking along the trail into a lovely, shaded forest. This is especially nice in the summer!
At the first junction in the trail, take a right. Get ready for the steep ascent towards the first point of interest – The Watchtower.
Be on the lookout for bears as they like to roam in the early mornings in this forested area. We have personally never seen a bear while hiking the Lakes Trail, but we have seen them while driving down the Wolverton Road!
In about 2 miles (from the trailhead), you will reach another junction in the trail. Take a left to continue on the Lakes Trail. The right trail will lead you to Alta Peak which is another amazing hike!
In less than 0.5 mile, you will reach yet another junction. This is where the Lakes Trail splits into Watchtower Trail and Hump Trail. I HIGHLY recommend taking the Watchtower Trail. The views will blow you away!
Please do not take the Watchtower Trail if you have an extreme fear of heights. This trail is also closed in the winter. In either of these two cases, please take the Hump Trail.
Watchtower Trail
At the junction, take a left to get onto the Watchtower Trail. Continue for about a mile until you reach… The Watchtower!
As you reach closer and closer to the cliffside (but not too close!), you will see incredible views of Tokopah Valley. On the left, you will see a unique rocky formation known as The Watchtower.
My husband decided to climb to the top of The Watchtower. I would not recommend just anyone doing that unless you are confident in your climbing and physical abilities!
This area near The Watchtower is the perfect spot to take off your backpack and relax before continuing on. Once you’re ready, continue hiking along the Watchtower Trail.
The views are breathtaking the entire way! Just be careful as there are no guardrails preventing a fall hundreds of feet below. Take your time, be respectful if passing others on this trail, and don’t get too close to the edge.
You will soon reach a junction in the trail where the Hump Trail meets the Watchtower Trail and merges into the Lakes Trail again.
Heather Lake
In about one mile from the junction, you will reach the first lake – Heather Lake.
Many people just hike to Heather Lake and turn around. It’s a beautiful lake and the perfect spot for relaxing, having a picnic, or spending quality time outdoors in nature.
If you plan to head to the next few lakes, continue hiking along the Lakes Trail past Heather Lake.
In about one mile and a few hundred more feet of elevation gain (and elevation loss), you will reach the next two lakes!
Aster Lake
Aster Lake is the second lake you will see from high above on the trail. The dark blue color gives it such a unique and beautiful look as compared to the other three lakes.
There is not a well-defined trail to reach Aster Lake, but there are a few social trails that you can follow to get there.
In between Aster Lake and Emerald Lake right off of the Lakes Trail is a bathroom with three pit toilets. There isn’t always toilet paper, so make sure to bring your own!
Emerald Lake
In less than a quarter mile past Aster Lake, you will reach Emerald Lake! The color of this lake is absolutely stunning, and you can camp here in the established campsites.
Me and my husband decided to do a little cold-water plunge. It was so cold but so refreshing! It was actually a very comical moment because my husband nearly knocked me over into the deeper part. You can watch that moment on our vlog. 🤭
Ready to see one more lake? Continue following the Lakes Trail towards the fourth and final lake!
Pear Lake
Prepare for more elevation gain as you climb your way from Emerald Lake to Pear Lake. You only have about 1.5 miles more to go!
The trail starts to become a lot more rocky but so scenic with granite peaks all around you.
Pear Lake is the largest lake of all four lakes. Did I say the word lake enough? Anyway, it is incredible!
This is another spot that you can camp at in established campsites. Or just simply relax, soak in the beauty, and maybe even take a dip… if you can bare the freezing water!
Alta Peak is very noticeable from Pear Lake. If you are up for a challenge, consider hiking to Alta Peak on your next adventure!
To return to the trailhead, simply retrace your steps.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
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