​Pear Lake Winter Route Hike

Open year-round, this route is a popular detour for those seeking to visit Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, or Pear Lake, as the Watchtower Trail is closed after snowfall. Though equally, if not more picturesque in the winter months, snow cloaked paths present inherent challenges. Microspikes and trekking poles are highly recommended! Dress in layers and be mindful of afternoon altitude storms as you travel into the exposed alpine terrain. Be prepared for sudden weather shifts and pack plenty of food and water.

Setting out from the Lakes Trailhead, the Pear Lake Winter Route follows the Lakes Trail eastwardly, along the top of Topokah Valley. Traveling along Wolverton Creek, you will ultimately reach an intersection. Keep left here, and you will quickly encounter another junction. In the winter months, your only option is to keep right onto The Hump. Take your time navigating this steep ascent, and you will eventually reconnect with the Lakes. Trail. Beyond this point, the terrain plateaus and becomes more manageable. Venture past the Heather Lake and to Emerald Lake.

Revel in the beauty of this granite oasis and continue on to Pear Lake. Admire the scene of the shimmering alpine basin framed by the looming ridges anchored by Atlas Peak. Stay the night at the campsite, or head back the way you came to the trailhead.