Chain Lakes in Yosemite

[janky]

Anyone have any intel on the Chain Lakes area in south east Yosemite? I’m looking for the obvious stream crossings as well as snow reports. Also any info on the trail from Quartz Mtn to Chain Lakes that would be helpful. How was the drive to the trailhead? We hike in on 7/4 starting from the quartz mountain trailhead. We did this same backpacking trip back in 2016 and I remember the road being pretty adventurous. Thanks!

[FrankPS]

Four or five years ago, I hiked in from the Chiquito Pass trailhead to Ottoway Lakes. Passed the turnoff to Chain Lakes, but didn't go to Chain Lakes.

The road to the Chiquito trailhead, although dirt, was mild and any car could have made it. My concern was the possibility of downed trees on the road (there were none). This road is maintained, but I don't know how often. That was before the Great Rains of 2023, so the road may be more rutted. The trail itself is conspicuous and no trouble staying on it.

Your could call the Sierra NF Bass Lake district office (in North Fork) to see if they have more info.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sierra/ ... ecid=45774

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sierra/ ... ecid=45670

[janky]

Thanks! Good idea calling ranger office.

[Dave_Ayers]

I hiked in from the Quartz Mtn trailhead in Aug '21. Stayed at upper Chain Lake the 1st night, then continued over Fernandez and Isberg Passes, etc. Photo below is Isberg Lake at sunset. There was some smoke from a wildfire that year.

The trail to Chain Lakes is straightforward, about 5 miles with about 1300 feet of climbing. The lowest Chain Lake was not impressive, but the upper two were nice.

I drove the road in my Tesla Model 3. More dirt than gravel the last ~20 miles or so. Slow going with lots of curves. I did scrape the bottom aero shield a bit at one rut -- but that was my fault for hustling vs. driving slow enough. 4x4 was definitely not required, though a bit more ground clearance would be nice. Hard to say what has changed in 3 years though.

IMG_0045r.jpg

[janky]

Yeah I was there in 2016. loved it:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/snym383a ... x0anf&dl=0

[RadiantRiddle]

Chain Lakes, nestled in the southeast of Yosemite, is truly a hidden treasure. With the current snowmelt, stream crossings may be tricky, and you might encounter snow patches at higher elevations. The trail leading from Quartz Mountain to Chain Lakes is fairly well-maintained, though snow can be expected closer to the lakes. The journey to the trailhead remains an adventure, reminiscent of 2016, with a few challenging spots. Remember to drive carefully and savor your hike beginning on the 4th.

[janky]

Update: Called Ranger office (thanks FrankPS) and they stated snow is at higher elevations (above 10K) and you need a vehicle with high clearance to make it to the Quartz Mountain Trailhead (which we have). Thanks!

[dbargaehr1]

I went out of Isberg pass last year (see my TR here: viewtopic.php?t=23433 ). The road was in decent shape despite the wild 22-23 snow year, and you're not going nearly as far. We were in a high-clearance truck and there was really only one spot that needed it. Honestly we've done worse forest roads in a 2nd gen prius…