Gianelli Trail to Chewing Gum Lake Hike

While hiking the Gianelli Trail to Chewing Gum Lake Hike, you will be granted various perspectives and panoramas of the High Sierra. Wander through the Stanislaus National Forest, through mixed woodlands and intricate granite gardens. The rocky terrains make the trail difficult to follow in sections, so the trail GPS is useful! Additionally, the granite is extremely slippery when wet, so mind your footing and exercise caution! Though the exposed path delivers astonishing panoramas, it also warrants extreme conditions—so dress accordingly and check the forecast before your trek! Note hikers require a free day permit which you can grab from the trailhead.

Setting out from the trailhead, the Gianelli Trail to Chewing Gum Lake Hike follows the Gianelli Trail. Tracking northeast, the path will guide you up a gradual incline to the summit of Burst Rock. From here, you will be granted expansive vistas of the verdant foothills and distant views of the snow-capped high Sierras. Continue hiking, and you will be guided into a saddle adorned with Powell Lake before climbing through a set of switchbacks up to another ridge.

At this point, you will encounter a junction, veer right, and you will be diverted onto the Chewing Gum Lake Trail. This path will divert you south through the Lake Valley Meadow before delivering you to the charming alpine lake. Explore the shores of the quaint lake, bounded by granite bluffs and verdant evergreens. Retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead when you are ready.