Pine Creek Trailhead to Puppet Lake

This 24.6-mile high-altitude loop out of the Pine Creek Trailhead is a stunning alpine adventure into the heart of the John Muir Wilderness. The route climbs steeply out of the Eastern Sierra, passes over Pine Creek Pass, and veers off-trail to visit the quiet and scenic Puppet Lake before looping past Little Lake, Steelhead Lake, and French Lake. With sweeping views, sparkling alpine lakes, and plenty of solitude, this route makes for a rewarding 2–3 day backpacking trip or a long, challenging day for strong trail runners or fast-packers.

Starting from the Pine Creek Trailhead, located off of Pine Creek Road, the trail wastes no time climbing. The steep switchbacks quickly gain elevation as you pass through sagebrush and scattered pines, with wide views over the Owens Valley below. As you ascend, the landscape shifts into fir and lodgepole forest, and eventually opens up into classic granite basins dotted with alpine meadows.

You'll crest Pine Creek Pass, a wide saddle with expansive views in all directions. Eventually you will leave the maintained trail and head cross-country toward Puppet Lake. Puppet Lake feels tucked away—quiet, pristine, and surrounded by craggy granite peaks. Navigation skills are a must here, as there’s no marked trail. 

Leaving Puppet Lake you have the option of retracing your steps exactly the way you came or, as described in this route and attached GPX, you can continue off-trail, curving northwest past Little Lake and Steelhead Lake, both equally scenic and less visited. Eventually, you’ll rejoin a trail near French Lake, nestled in a wide, glacially carved basin. From there, it’s a steady descent back to the Pine Creek Trail via French Canyon, closing the loop and retracing your steps down to the trailhead.

FLORA AND FAUNA
Expect to pass through a range of high Sierra ecosystems: aspen groves and lodgepole pine at mid-elevation, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer, and barren granite above the tree line. Wildlife sightings might include marmots, pikas, mule deer, and an occasional black bear. Birders can look for Clark’s nutcrackers, mountain bluebirds, and high-elevation raptors.

PERMITS AND LOGISTICS
A wilderness permit is required and can be reserved through Inyo National Forest. This route includes cross-country travel, so solid navigation skills and comfort with off-trail movement are essential. Mosquitoes can be aggressive early in the season, and snow may linger into July. Bear canisters are required for food storage.