Baxter Pass to Baxter Lake

The Baxter Pass Trail to Baxter Lake is a 16.5-mile out-and-back trail located outside of Independence, CA. The trail to Baxter pass is a challenging climb that gains over 6,000 feet in the first 6 miles and provides access to the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. The trail is steep, rocky, and less populated than some of the other access trails found along the eastern Sierra Nevada. Despite its strenuous nature, this trail rewards you with incredible mountain views, granite peaks, colorful geology, and a pristine, sparkling alpine lake. The trail is accessible to hikers, trail runners, and backpackers and if you want to avoid a snow-covered trail, the best seasons are summer and fall (June - October).

Baxter Pass Trail is also located in a habitat area for Sierra Bighorn Sheep, a subspecies of the Bighorn Sheep that is exclusive to the Sierra Nevada. These majestic animals are part of a recovery program to help increase their population. Mount Baxter's herd is one of the oldest and most productive, so it's important that visitors respect the area and the sheep (this is one of the main reasons dogs aren't allowed on the trail).

GETTING THERE
The trailhead is located five miles west of Highway 395 on North Oak Creek Road. via Fish Hatchery Road. The last few miles of the drive are unpaved but normally does not require a high clearance vehicle (depending on the recent weather).

MORE INFORMATION
Inyo National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20708. 

Eastern Sierra Visitor Center, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=20698, 1-(760)-876-6200.

CAMPING AND PERMITS
 

• Permits are required for overnight trips (a day hike or trail run does not require a permit). Permits can be reserved at www.recreation.gov, and can be picked up at the Inyo National Forest ranger station/visitor center. For more information about picking up a permit contact the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center at 1(760)876-6200.

• Overnight use is limited to 8 people per day during quota season from May 1-Nov 1. 

• You can reserve permits up to 6 months in advance at www.recreation.gov.