Chain Lakes Hike

The Chain Lakes Hike is a must-add to your Yosemite adventure itinerary. This epic alpine excursion provides amazing panoramas, but can also expose you to extreme weather conditions; be sure to check the forecast and prepare accordingly. Though not necessary, a trail GPS can also prove useful along this hike! Wear layers and pack plenty of water for this taxing trek! Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; check out the NPS website for additional information and an updated pricing guide.

Embark on your adventure along the Chain Lakes Hike from the Clark Range Trailhead. Setting out from here, you will be guided north through mixed conifers and past granite outcrops to Chiquito Pass and Chiquito Lake. Revel in the alpine views and keep right at the intersection to continue hiking north over several snowmelt streams and up along granite ridges. Eventually, you will reach another junction. Keep right here and you will be diverted east to the Chain Lakes.

Starting out past Lower Chain Lake, you will climb east through the mountain basin past Middle Chain Lake and up to Upper Chain Lake. Revel in the sights of the picture-perfect alpine lake flanked by Gale Peak. Take some time to admire the scenery, before retracing your footing along the path back to the trailhead.