R03 TR: Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes 8/19/17-8/21/17

[nightowl]

First time up in this gorgeous area, was able to snag walk in permits for the solar eclipse weekend. In awe of how many gorgeous lakes can be reached with a relatively short/easy hike, and I'm sure the starting trailhead being above 10k certainly helped!

On the hike in, we passed Mack Lake (0.6 miles), Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake (1.8 miles from TH), Long Lake (2.5 miles from TH), Chickenfoot Lake, and finally Gem Lakes (4.2 miles from TH), our destination for the weekend.

Box Lake <2 miles in

All 5 peaks visible plus the peaceful meadows near Chickenfoot Lake

Peaceful Chickenfoot Lake

Beautiful water color up at the largest of the Gem Lakes

Insanely clear waters of Gem Lakes

The next morning we headed to the four Treasure Lakes, switchbacking and scrambling up and over the rocky ridge. Overall it was less than a mile.

Morning sun warming up paradise

Looking down onto Gem Lakes from the ridge

Loved seeing the view from on top of the ridge, we could spot so many lakes from this vantage point! We made our way to the lakes cross country, but we spotted a small trail at the bottom of the valley that follows Rock Creek, the outlet of the lakes and could be found from Chickenfoot or Long Lake.

The northwestern Treasure Lake

The northeastern Treasure Lake had an infinity pool feel to it

The southeastern Treasure Lake - our favorite of the group

Since it rained on us one of the nights, sunsets and sunrises were hard to come by, but we were lucky with a little bit of color on our final morning.

A little of that morning alpenglow!

On the hike out.. if this isn't paradise I don't know what is!

Probably the most mosquitoes I've ever had to deal with on a trip, but I guess that is to be expected heading out from a trailhead called Mosquito Flats :P

Tons of colorful wildflowers along the entire trail, and loved still seeing the large snow banks around the lakeshore up at Gem Lakes and Treasure Lakes.

Overall such a great and leisurely trip to take a first timer backpacker with stunning views the entire time.
More photos and detailed write up + map on my blog here: http://www.backcountrycow.com/blog/back ... -gem-lakes

Happy trekking!

[The Other Tom]

Very nice report. I've been there a few times and enjoyed it each time. Thanks for posting

[kpeter]

A pretty report from what sounds like a splendid trip. I loved my one foray into that basin but became ill before I could explore Treasure Lakes. Seeing your report makes me want to go back and finish the job! I loved camping on the north side of Chickenfoot with the views south to all the peaks, but also enjoyed a pretty little camp at Gem Lakes. It sounds like you camped at Gem?

[CAchief]

Beautiful pictures.

I initially thought this was the Gem Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness, didn't know there was another!

Thanks for sharing...

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[nightowl]

A pretty report from what sounds like a splendid trip. I loved my one foray into that basin but became ill before I could explore Treasure Lakes. Seeing your report makes me want to go back and finish the job! I loved camping on the north side of Chickenfoot with the views south to all the peaks, but also enjoyed a pretty little camp at Gem Lakes. It sounds like you camped at Gem?

Yup, we camped at the larger of the Gem Lakes, and there were lots of camp sites to choose from in that basin. Chickenfoot looked so peaceful and all those mountain peaks would have looked incredible at sunset I imagine! We loved how Treasure Lakes was a little more removed and removed from the main valley, not being marked on a map definitely thinned out the day hikers

[maverick]

I initially thought this was the Gem Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness, didn't know there was another!

A wonderful place, with sub-lime scenery, very easy access, and a great intro place for youngsters or backpacking newbies alike!

[giantbrookie]

Nice trip and beautiful photos. Whereas Little Lakes Valley is the perfect place to introduce youngsters or newbies to High Sierra backpacking, it is so beautiful that it still brings pleasure to even the most jaded veterans of High Sierra hiking. Like many "classics" of the High Sierra this place has earned its fine reputation.

[jeremiahkim]

Gorgeous. Those colors are unreal!