Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

Highway 108, California

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1280 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Anna Cohen

Blue Canyon Lake is a stunning alpine lake that makes for great for a day hike, but can also be an overnight trip.

Trailhead Coordinates: 38º 19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8897ft

The trail is kind of tricky to find. It is West of the PCT trailhead at Sonora Pass and it is not marked. You park along the side of Hwy 108 and scramble down an embankment where a creek flows at the bottom. Cross this creek and you will see the trail. Try to get to the trailhead as early in the day as possible, as parking is very limited (about enough room for four vehicles).

This hike takes you into the Emigrant Wilderness. You will pass through alpine meadows of breathtaking wild flowers. The path is very steep at times and rocky, so it can be a bit slippery. You follow a stream for the majority of the hike.

Blue Canyon Lake is stunning, sitting at 10,052ft. Its waters are turquoise and crystal clear. You can swim, enjoy a nice lunch by the water, and even camp in the area.

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Wildflowers

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Micah Diele

Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

02/07/20

How's it going mother trekkers! My friend and I created a video of Blue Canyon Lake explaining the details of the hike, as well as showed what to expect on the trail. Here is a Link to the video! We hope you enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8TgrYw-3qY

5.0

Jennifer Black

Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

09/11/17

Went up for the day, and was not disappointed. With it being less known, can be difficult to see exactly where to go to get started and the trail gets faint at times. We did get lost on our way back, just missing a spot to cross the creek. Only saw maybe 10 other people on a Saturday. It was beautiful the whole trip, so many waterfalls from the creek. Id say it was definitely intermediate versus beginner. Rocks break off very easily so good shoes were important. Excited to show other friends this trail that had the most rewarding lake at the end.

5.0

Nicole Brennecke

Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

06/13/16

This is one of my all time favorite day hikes. Start by parking your car off the side of highway 108 and you will see a small trail on the right side. It will lead you up and deep in the mountains. There are plenty of wildflowers and beautiful landscape. Be careful because there are a few spots where the terrain becomes very rocky and you can easily slip. There is also a beautiful creek to enjoy along your ascent. Once you reach Blue Canyon, you might fall short of your words, it is an amazing crystal blue color surrounded by tall, dark peaks. This hike is a short 3.6 miles in and out trip. Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Deadman Lake

Leavitt Lake in Stanislaus National Forest

Lower & Upper Relief Valleys and the East Flange Rock

Climb Granite Dome via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes

Camp at Baker Campground

Hiking Disaster Creek

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